Chittaranjan Das, popularly known as ‘Deshbandhu’ (Friend of the Nation), was born on November 5, 1870, in Calcutta. After completing his education in England, he was called to the Bar in 1894. He earned widespread professional acclaim as a criminal lawyer, most notably for his brilliant defense of Aurobindo Ghosh in the Alipore Bomb Case (1908), which established his reputation as a formidable legal mind and a committed patriot.
Role in Nationalist Politics
Das emerged as a central figure in the Indian National Congress during the early 20th century, advocating for a blend of constitutional agitation and mass mobilization.
- Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): He was a primary architect of the movement in Bengal. He resigned from his lucrative legal practice to dedicate himself full-time to the freedom struggle.
- Nagpur Session (1920): He moved the main resolution on Non-Cooperation, signaling his firm alignment with Mahatma Gandhi’s strategy at the time.
- Contribution to Education: He was instrumental in founding the National College in Bengal to provide an alternative to British-controlled educational institutions.
The Swarajist Movement
Following the abrupt suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement by Gandhi after the Chauri Chaura incident (1922), a political vacuum emerged. Das, alongside Motilal Nehru, spearheaded a new strategic direction.
- Formation of the Swaraj Party (1923): Disagreeing with the ‘no-changer’ faction within the Congress, Das and Nehru advocated for ‘Council Entry’. They argued for entering the legislative councils to “wreck the government from within” and obstruct colonial administration.
- Objective: The party aimed to use legislative forums to expose the limitations of the Government of India Act 1919 and force the British to acknowledge Indian demands for self-rule.
- Electoral Success: The Swaraj Party achieved significant success in the 1923 elections, becoming the largest party in the Central Legislative Assembly and several provincial councils.
Administrative and Municipal Leadership
Das brought his administrative vision to local governance, emphasizing the decentralization of power and welfare services.
- Mayor of Calcutta (1924): Following the passage of the Calcutta Municipal Act, Das was elected the first Mayor of the Calcutta Corporation.
- Policy Initiatives: During his tenure, he prioritized the expansion of primary education, improved sanitation for the poor, and the provision of clean drinking water to the city’s inhabitants.
- Institutional Reforms: He focused on Indianizing the services within the municipal corporation to reduce reliance on British officials.
Ideology and Political Philosophy
Das held a distinct perspective on the path to independence, often balancing idealism with tactical pragmatism.
- Communal Harmony: He was a staunch advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity and worked closely with leaders of the Khilafat movement. He believed that true national freedom could not be achieved without communal cohesion.
- The Bengal Pact (1923): To bridge the communal divide in Bengal, he proposed a pact that offered specific quotas for Muslims in government jobs and education. This was a pioneering effort to address minority concerns within a nationalist framework.
- Opposition to Repression: He was a vociferous critic of the British ‘Bengal Ordinance’ and other repressive measures used to curb the revolutionary movement in Bengal.
Key Milestones and Achievements
| Event / Role | Significance |
| Alipore Bomb Case (1908) | Defended Aurobindo Ghosh; secured his acquittal. |
| Gaya Session (1922) | President of the Congress; advocated for council entry. |
| Formation of Swaraj Party (1923) | Founded with Motilal Nehru to pursue obstructive politics. |
| Mayor of Calcutta (1924) | First Mayor; implemented pro-poor municipal reforms. |
| The Bengal Pact (1923) | Attempted to resolve communal tensions through power-sharing. |
Death and Legacy
Chittaranjan Das passed away on June 16, 1925, in Darjeeling. His death was a significant loss for the nationalist movement, as he was seen as one of the few leaders capable of holding the disparate factions of the Congress together.
- Literary Contribution: He was also a poet and essayist. His notable works include ‘Malancha’, ‘Mala’, and ‘Sagar Sangeet’.
- Subhas Chandra Bose: Das was a political mentor to Subhas Chandra Bose, who deeply admired his sacrifice and administrative integrity.
- Chittaranjan Locomotive Works: The town of Chittaranjan and the subsequent locomotive manufacturing hub were named in his honor, acknowledging his lasting influence on the economic vision for an independent India.