Kumudini Dakua (87), who in her lifetime created quite a revolution during India's freedom movement, passed away at the B C Roy Hospital in Haldia, West Bengal, on Wednesday night .
A legendary hero during her lifetime, Dakua helped establish the independent Tamralipta government and led the Bhogini Sena, an all-women military wing of the Tamralipta government.
She was a trusted lieutenant of Ajoy Mukherjee, Sarbadhinayak of the independent Tamralipta government, and was also closely associated with Susil Dhara (99), commander-in-chief of the independent government and the men's army wing.
The Tamralipta government was among four such independent governments that were established after the 1942 Quit India Movement. This government exceeded its tenure far beyond the other three and was able to prevent the British forces from entering its territory. The government was later dissolved after Gandhiji requested them.
Armed with hand-made daggers, the Bhogini Sena resisted the British forces and protected the women from physical abuse. Dakua played a valiant role on January 9, 1943, protesting against 600 British policemen who cordoned off three villages and gangraped 40 women in broad daylight.
She was later honoured by Independent India for her valour. Until her death she, along with her mentor Susil Dhara, was engaged in collecting data on the freedom movement in Tamluk.
Her body has been taken to her village in East Midnapur district early this morning for the final rites.