Understanding the Chittagong Armoury Raid

The Chittagong Armoury Raid was a significant event in the Indian independence movement, which took place on April 18, 1930. It was led by Surya Sen, also known as Masterda, and his revolutionary group, the Indian Republican Army (IRA), Chittagong Branch. The primary goal of the raid was to seize arms and ammunition from the police and auxiliary forces armouries in Chittagong, British India (now in Bangladesh), and use them to challenge British rule.

Key Participants in the Chittagong Armoury Raid

The raid involved a dedicated group of revolutionaries. While Surya Sen was the leader, many others played crucial roles. Some of the prominent figures associated with the raid included:

• Surya Sen (Masterda)
• Ambika Charan Chakraborty
• Ananta Singh
• Ganesh Ghosh
• Lokenath Bal
• Tegra Bal
• Binod Bihari Chowdhury
• Subodh Roy
• Kalpana Datta
• Pritilata Waddedar
• Ardhendu Dastidar

These revolutionaries attacked the armouries and declared the establishment of a provisional revolutionary government. Although they failed to find enough ammunition and were eventually cornered by the British forces, the raid had a profound impact, inspiring many young people to join the freedom struggle.

Examining the Given Options

Let's look at the individuals mentioned in the options and their connection, if any, to the Chittagong Armoury Raid:

1. Manmath Nath Gupta: He was a revolutionary associated with the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA). He participated in the Kakori Conspiracy (1925), where he fired the shot that accidentally killed a passenger. He was not primarily associated with the Chittagong Armoury Raid.
2. Sachindranath Bakshi: He was also a member of the Hindustan Republican Association and participated in the Kakori Conspiracy. He was arrested and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment. His activities were mainly centered around areas like Uttar Pradesh, not Chittagong.
3. Ardhendu Dastidar: Ardhendu Dastidar was a key member of Surya Sen's revolutionary group in Chittagong. He was actively involved in the planning and execution of the Chittagong Armoury Raid. He was one of the revolutionaries who attacked the armouries. He was later arrested and sentenced for his participation.
4. Vishnu Sharan Dublish: He was a prominent revolutionary from Uttar Pradesh, associated with the HRA/HSRA. He was involved in various revolutionary activities but is not specifically known for participation in the Chittagong Armoury Raid.

Identifying Association with Chittagong Armoury Raid

Based on historical records and the roles of the individuals involved, Ardhendu Dastidar was a known participant and associate of Surya Sen in the Chittagong Armoury Raid. The other individuals listed were prominent revolutionaries but were primarily associated with different revolutionary groups and events, such as the Kakori Conspiracy or the HSRA's activities in North India.

Conclusion

Ardhendu Dastidar was a revolutionary who actively participated in the Chittagong Armoury Raid led by Surya Sen. His involvement makes him directly associated with this historical event.

Revision Table: Key Figures and Events

Additional Information: The Legacy of Chittagong Armoury Raid

The Chittagong Armoury Raid, although militarily unsuccessful in the long run, had a significant impact on the Indian independence movement. It demonstrated that a small group of determined revolutionaries could challenge British authority with planning and courage. The participants, particularly Surya Sen, became heroes for many, inspiring further acts of resistance against British rule. The raid highlighted the revolutionary spirit prevalent among the youth in Bengal and other parts of India.

• The revolutionaries managed to cut telegraph and telephone lines, disrupting communication.
• They hoisted the Indian flag at the police armoury after seizing it.
• Many participants, including Surya Sen, were later captured, tried, and executed or sentenced to long prison terms.
• Women revolutionaries like Kalpana Datta and Pritilata Waddedar also played vital roles, including in subsequent actions and providing support.