Exam Context: This topic is frequently asked in OPSC History Optional papers under "Nationalist Movement in Odisha." Key areas of focus include the role of Laxman Naik, the Eram Massacre, and the spontaneous nature of the uprising in tribal belts.
1. Genesis and Immediate Reaction
Following the AICC resolution on 8 August 1942 at Bombay, the Quit India Movement (also known as the August Revolution) began as a final blow to British imperialism.
- Arrest of Leaders: Immediate police action dismantled the leadership structure. H. K. Mahtab was the only Odia leader arrested at Bombay and sent to Ahmadnagar Fort Jail. By 10 August 1942, all Congress offices in Odisha were seized, and district-level leaders were detained.
- Spontaneous Uprising: The absence of guided leadership led to a leaderless and spontaneous mass fury. The movement devolved to the younger generation and students, shifting from urban centers to remote villages.
2. Role of Students and Youth
With senior leaders in jail, students took charge of the agitation, particularly in Cuttack and Balasore.
- Ravenshaw College: Students boycotted classes and organized processions. On 15 August 1942, about 200 students set fire to the office building of Ravenshaw College.
- Student Leaders: Prominent student leaders like Surajmal Saha and Bibhudendra Mishra were arrested and sent to Berhampur Jail.
- Activities: Students engaged in revolutionary acts such as burning government offices, damaging railway tracks, and cutting telegraph lines.
3. The Tribal Uprising in Koraput
The movement took a militant turn in the Adivasi-populated Koraput district, characterized by attacks on symbols of colonial authority like police stations and revenue offices.
A. The Heroism of Laxman Naik
The supreme heroism of the movement in Koraput was demonstrated by Laxman Naik, an illiterate but influential member of the Congress from the Mathili area.
- The Mathili Incident: Laxman Naik organized an army of 200 men armed with traditional weapons. On 21 August 1942, they marched to the Mathili Police Station carrying Congress flags.
- Police Firing: The police opened fire, killing four persons and injuring Laxman Naik. He was falsely charged with killing a forest guard named Ramaya.
- Martyrdom: Laxman Naik was executed at Berhampur Jail on 29 March 1943.
B. The Papadahandi Massacre
In the Nawarangpur Taluk, a massive mob of 4,000 to 5,000 people marched toward the Papadahandi Police Station on 24 August 1942. Police firing resulted in 12 deaths on the spot, with more dying later in the hospital.
4. Intensity in Coastal Odisha (Cuttack & Balasore)
A. Cuttack District (Jajpur Subdivision)
Jajpur witnessed the maximum number of revolutionary activities. Mobs burned police uniforms, revenue offices, and canal embankments.
- Kaipara and Binjharpur: Violent mobs attacked police escorts. In Jajpur town, authorities had to use dynamite to disperse a crowd of 10,000 marching toward the S.D.O.'s office on 27 August.
B. Balasore District
The district saw the formation of Swaraj Panchayats and the distribution of pamphlets urging people to plunder salt stocks and stop tax payments.
- Bhandaripokhari Incident: On 17 August 1942, a mob of 5,000 attacked the Bhandaripokhari Police Station, destroying records and the building. The British imposed a collective fine of Rs. 6,000 on twelve surrounding villages. leaders Jagannath Das and Dwarakanath Das were arrested.
5. The Eram Tragedy (Rakta Tirtha)
The most ghastly instance of police oppression occurred at Eram in Basudevpur (Balasore district), often compared to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
- The Incident: On 28 September 1942, villagers gathered at an open field called Melan Padia to resolve against tax payment.
- The Massacre: The Police (D.S.P.) closed the narrow exit and opened fire on the unarmed crowd. Official estimates stated 26 dead and 54 injured, though unofficial estimates placed the death toll at 35.
- Legacy: The site is now revered as "Rakta Tirtha Eram".
6. Nature and Conclusion of the Movement
- Mass-Oriented: The movement permeated towns, villages, and Princely States (Garjats).
- Parallel Government: In many places, the British machinery collapsed, and people established their own rule.
- Anti-Feudal Character: Beyond being anti-colonial, the movement was anti-feudal. Mobs attacked the Kutcheries of Zamindars (e.g., Kanika, Madhupur) and destroyed the debt records of moneylenders.
