In the tumultuous days of 1946, as the Indian subcontinent hurtled towards partition, a chilling episode unfolded in Calcutta (now Kolkata) that remains largely forgotten in history books. This is the story of Gopal Mukherjee, famously known as Gopal Patha, and his heroic resistance that changed the course of history.
The Context: Direct Action Day
On 16th August 1946, Jinnah declared “Direct Action Day” to push for the creation of Pakistan. Calcutta was chosen as the epicenter of this violent campaign because of its strategic and economic significance.
Bengal’s Chief Minister Suhrawardy, a staunch ally of Jinnah, was tasked with executing the plan.
With 64% Hindus and 33% Muslims, Calcutta was a Hindu-majority city, but Suhrawardy aimed to turn it into a Muslim stronghold.
On that fateful day:
A general strike was declared, and after Friday prayers, Muslim mobs armed with swords and weapons unleashed a wave of terror on Hindus.
Hindu shops were looted, and Hindu men, women, and children were butchered mercilessly.
Hindu women were abducted and subjected to horrific atrocities.
By 17th August, thousands of Hindus were killed, and the city was in flames.
Suhrawardy had assured the mobs that the police would not intervene, leaving Hindus defenseless.
The Turning Point: Enter Gopal Patha
On 18th August, as the massacres continued, a 33-year-old Bengali Brahmin, Gopal Mukherjee, decided to fight back.
Gopal, a staunch nationalist and follower of Subhas Chandra Bose, could not watch his people being slaughtered.
He mobilized his street organization, Bharat Jatiya Bahini, comprising 500-700 trained wrestlers.
Supported by a Marwari businessman who financed the effort, Gopal armed his men and resolved to defend Hindu neighborhoods.
His message was clear: “Kill 10 for every 1 Hindu.”
Unlike the Muslim mobs, Gopal strictly instructed his men not to harm women and children.
The Fightback Begins
From the afternoon of 18th August, Gopal and his team launched counterattacks:
They secured Hindu colonies and killed every Muslim mobster attempting to enter.
By 19th August, the tide began to turn, with Hindu areas becoming impenetrable.
Word spread like wildfire, and more spirituality of india joined the resistance. By 21st August, the Hindu forces, under Gopal’s leadership, launched a massive counteroffensive:
The Muslim League’s jihadis, who had dominated the streets, were now on the run.
Suhrawardy, caught off guard, realized he had underestimated Hindu resilience.
The Revenge
From 20th August, Gopal’s forces began avenging the massacres:
They targeted and eliminated jihadis who had participated in the killings.
By 22nd August, the number of Muslim deaths outnumbered Hindu casualties, and Muslim mobs were fleeing Calcutta.
Suhrawardy, recognizing his defeat, pleaded with Congress leaders to stop Gopal Patha. Gopal agreed, but only on the condition that all Muslim mobs surrender their weapons.
Jinnah’s dream of capturing Calcutta was shattered. The Bhagwa (saffron) flag once again flew high over the city.
The Aftermath
Even after restoring peace, Gopal refused to disband his organization, continuing to protect Hindus in Bengal.
When Mahatma Gandhi met Gopal and asked him to surrender his weapons in the name of non-violence, Gopal retorted:
“With these arms, I saved women and children. Where was Gandhiji during the massacre? I will not surrender even a nail that I used to defend my people!”
Legacy and Neglect
Despite his heroism, Gopal Patha’s story was erased from history books because he did not conform to Gandhi’s ideology. His contributions were overshadowed, and his name was forgotten.
Yet, it was Gopal Patha who ensured that Kolkata remained a part of India.
A Message for the Youth
Remember Gopal Patha.
He was a beacon of courage and resilience in the darkest times. His story teaches us the importance of standing up for our rights and protecting our people.
Unity and courage can turn the tide, no matter how overwhelming the odds.
Gopal’s legacy reminds us to honor our unsung heroes who fought for the survival of our culture and nation.
Let us ensure that Gopal Patha’s name and bravery live on in our memories and inspire future generations.
Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!
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