author
Chitta Ranjan Das
1870–1925
A gifted lawyer who became one of Bengal’s best-known nationalist leaders, he helped shape India’s freedom movement with sharp political strategy and a strong belief in self-rule. Remembered as “Deshbandhu,” or “Friend of the Country,” he also played an important role in mentoring a younger generation of leaders.
2 Audiobooks
Freedom Through Disobedience
by Chitta Ranjan Das
India for Indians Enlarged Edition
by Chitta Ranjan Das
About the author
Born in Calcutta in 1870, he trained in law in England and went on to build a successful career as a barrister. His public standing rose dramatically when he defended Aurobindo Ghose in the Alipore Bomb Case, and he later turned more fully toward nationalist politics.
He became a major leader in the Indian independence movement and was widely known by the honorific Deshbandhu. He served as president of the Indian National Congress in 1922 and, after disagreements over strategy, helped found the Swaraj Party, which sought self-rule through legislative action under British rule.
He is also remembered for his influence in Bengal’s political life and for encouraging younger figures including Subhas Chandra Bose. Chitta Ranjan Das died in Darjeeling in 1925, but his reputation as a forceful advocate of Indian self-government has endured.