Unsung Assamese Women freedom fighters from Nagaon

Author : Tamanna Hazarika

The history of India’s freedom struggle is filled with countless tales of courage and sacrifice, many of which have faded from public memory. Among these forgotten heroes are two remarkable Muslim women from Nagaon - Safiun Nesa Begum and Sulema Khatun. Both women were not only fearless in the face of British oppression but also symbols of strength, dignity, and leadership in their communities. These accounts are deeply personal to me, as Safiun Nesa Begum and Sulema Khatun were my ancestors. I learned about their lives and contributions through oral traditions shared by my father, Maruf Sawkat Anam (a retired govt. service man) and my cousin, Md Talha Amin Baruah (a historian) who preserved these memories with great pride. This article aims to honor their legacy and bring their inspiring journey in the pages of history.

Safiun Nesa Begum was a courageous yet a forgotten freedom fighter from Nagaon, Assam. During the Phulguri Rebellion of 1861, British Lieutenant G.B. Singer was killed and thrown into the Kolong River by local rebels. In retaliation, British forces attacked a peasant gathering in Nagaon with 150 soldiers, killing 39 rebels and arresting 66 others. Those connected to Singer’s death were punished severely three were hanged, ten were sent to Kalapani, and others were imprisoned for varying terms.

Despite these brutal measures, resentment against British atrocities continued to grow. By 1863, the people of Nagaon united once again to resist the British, this time under the leadership of Safiun Nesa Begum. A noble and determined Assamese woman, she traveled across the undivided Nagaon district rallying people and spreading awareness about British oppression. Her efforts inspired many to join the struggle for freedom.

In 1864, Safiun Nesa and her trusted ally, Krishna Kanta Goswami, planned to abduct the British district commissioner, Shwetang Sahib, and seize the Nagaon treasury. The rebels held secret meetings every fifteen days at Haiborgaon, plotting to attack the commissioner’s bungalow using sticks, spears, and sickles. However, there was a spy among them who betrayed their plan to the British. On knowing their plan the British laid a trap using soldiers and elephants.

When Safiun Nesa and her small group of about twenty rebels launched their attack, they fell right into the trap of the British, and a huge fight took place between British and the rebels. During the fight, Safiun Nesa killed a British officer with a spear and fled away.

She hid inside a manhole for 5 days. Later the Britishers discovered her hideout when she was cooking and the smoke was coming out of that manhole. She was tried and sent to Kalapani along with Krishna Kanta Goswami, while the others received varying prison sentences. After serving her time, Safiun Nesa Begum was eventually released and spent the remainder of her life in Nagaon.

Sulema Khatun was another forgotten freedom fighter. Her exact birth year is not known, but it is believed to be around 1880. It is said that her ancestors shifted from Kashmir to Assam, tracing descent from the Durrani tribe. She was the wife of Md. Auli (son of the Nawab of Dhaka), the person who built the Daccapatty BorMasjid.

After the death of Md. Auli, Sulema became a widow, but continued to be known as one of the nobles of Nagaon. She followed her religion being a sufi who followed the Chistiyya order. In 1921, when Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s wife visited Assam, she noticed that the houses of the local people were not clean enough for her stay. However, she found Sulema Khatun’s house perfect and decided to stay there. Sulema hosted her guest with great care and hospitality serving her fresh goat milk and attending to her needs in the best possible manner.

In 1922, when Mahatma Gandhi visited Assam as part of India’s freedom movement, the atmosphere in the region was filled with fear and tension. The people of Assam were reluctant to offer them shelter, as the British authorities were known to punish anyone who supported the Indian nationalists. Hosting Gandhi or his companions was seen as an act of rebellion against the British government.

Amidst this fear, Sulema Khatoon stood out with exceptional courage. She was regarded as one of the braves and most respected women in her town. Unlike others who were intimidated by the possible repercussions, Sulema Khatoon boldly decided to host Mahatma Gandhi and his companions in her own home. Her fearless action became a symbol of defiance and patriotism in Assam’s history, showing how ordinary citizens also played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence.

There are many stories and local legends connected to Sulema Khatoon’s life. It is said that she originally lived in the Morikolong area of Nagaon. However, her life took a tragic turn when her own brother deceived her, taking possession of all her property and wealth. As a result, she was forced to move to Fauzdarpatty.

Despite the hardships she faced, Sulema Khatoon continued to be remembered for her compassion. It is also said that her brother, who had wronged her, later met a brutal death by vomiting excess blood. A story that locals often interpret as an example of poetic justice.

There is also a local legend about how people say that Sulema Khatun’s daughter was very beautiful, and a jinn became attracted to her. The jinn offered a large pot full of gold in exchange for her daughter. However, Sulema was a lady of great virtue and was not greedy at all. She rejected the jinn’s offer, which made the jinn very angry. In his rage, he caused a great earthquake, and as a result, their house half-sanked into the water. Sulema Khatoon died in the year 1951.

The stories of Safiun Nesa Begum and Sulema Khatoon stand as shining examples of the courage and patriotism of Assamese Muslim women during India’s struggle for freedom. Though history often overlooks their contributions. Safiun Nesa Begum’s fearless leadership against British rule and Sulema Khatoon’s bold defiance in the face of colonial authority both reflect the indomitable spirit of Nagaon’s people. These women proved that the fight for independence was not limited to soldiers and political leaders—it was also carried forward by ordinary individuals who dared to stand up for justice, dignity, and freedom. Remembering their sacrifices helps us honor the forgotten heroes of Assam and reminds us that true patriotism lies in courage, compassion, and the unwavering pursuit of truth.

Tamanna Hazarika (Contact : tamannahazarikax@gmail.com)