Jatindra Mohan Sengupta (1885–1933) was a prominent nationalist leader, lawyer, and revolutionary from Bengal. Born in Barisal (now in Bangladesh), he was educated at Presidency College, Calcutta, and later at Downing College, Cambridge. He was called to the Bar from Lincoln’s Inn, London. His return to India marked the beginning of his transition from a successful legal practitioner to a dedicated leader in the Indian freedom struggle.
Participation in Nationalist Movements
Sengupta was a key figure in the mainstream nationalist politics of Bengal, known for his organizational prowess and support for mass movements.
- Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): He resigned from his legal practice to join the Non-Cooperation Movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi. He mobilized labor unions and played a significant role in the strike of the Assam-Bengal Railway employees.
- Swadeshi and Boycott: He was an ardent proponent of the use of Khadi and the boycott of British goods, focusing his efforts on making Bengal self-reliant.
- Imprisonment: His active involvement in civil disobedience and nationalist agitation led to multiple incarcerations under the British colonial administration, including under the Bengal Criminal Law Amendment Act.
Leadership in the Indian National Congress and Municipal Politics
Sengupta emerged as a central pillar of the Congress party in Bengal, often balancing the competing factions within the provincial leadership.
- Successor to C.R. Das: Following the death of Chittaranjan Das in 1925, Sengupta assumed the dual leadership of the Swaraj Party and the Bengal Provincial Congress Committee (BPCC).
- Mayor of Calcutta: He was elected Mayor of the Calcutta Corporation on five separate occasions (1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, and 1930). His mayoral terms were characterized by the promotion of Indian interests within municipal administration and the development of educational and social welfare infrastructure.
- Bengal Provincial Conference: He presided over several sessions of the Bengal Provincial Conference, using these platforms to articulate the specific demands of the Bengali nationalist movement against the British colonial authorities.
Role in Legislative and International Advocacy
Sengupta was not only an organizer within India but also an effective advocate for the Indian cause on international and legislative forums.
- Member of the Bengal Legislative Council: He served as a member of the council, where he utilized his legal acumen to challenge the repressive ordinances of the British government.
- International Advocacy: He traveled to the United Kingdom to present the Indian case regarding constitutional reforms and the suppression of civil liberties in Bengal. His arguments were instrumental in highlighting the nature of British colonial rule before international observers.
Political Ideology and Social Reform
Sengupta’s political ideology was a blend of radical nationalism and a commitment to socioeconomic welfare.
- Hindu-Muslim Unity: He followed in the footsteps of C.R. Das, maintaining a firm belief in the necessity of Hindu-Muslim cooperation for the success of the nationalist struggle in Bengal.
- Labor Rights: He was a pioneer in trade union activities in Bengal, advocating for the rights of tea plantation workers in Assam and railway workers, often providing legal defense for laborers involved in industrial disputes.
- Social Reform: He supported the abolition of caste-based discrimination and advocated for the empowerment of the rural poor, viewing economic upliftment as a prerequisite for political freedom.
Key Historical Milestones
| Milestone / Role | Significance |
| Assam-Bengal Railway Strike | Organized the strike to protest colonial labor policies. |
| Mayor of Calcutta (1925–1930) | Served five consecutive terms; promoted municipal reforms. |
| President, BPCC | Succeeded C.R. Das as the leader of the Bengal Congress. |
| Bengal Criminal Law Amendment Act | Frequently targeted by British authorities under this repressive law. |
Death and Legacy
Jatindra Mohan Sengupta’s health deteriorated significantly due to repeated long-term imprisonments in various British jails. He was eventually sent to Ranchi for medical treatment, where he passed away on July 23, 1933.
- Nationalist Icon: He is remembered in Bengal as ‘Deshpriya’ (Beloved of the Country), a title bestowed upon him for his immense sacrifices and commitment to the Indian freedom struggle.
- Mentorship: He was a key figure in mentoring the younger generation of nationalists in Bengal, providing a link between the era of C.R. Das and the later radical movements.
- Legacy of Sacrifice: His death while under detention remains a poignant reminder of the personal costs paid by nationalist leaders during the struggle for independence. He remains one of the most respected figures in the history of the Bengal nationalist movement.