Daily Current Affairs : 2-September-2023

More than a century has passed since the courageous Mangri Orang was shot in Assam’s Darrang district for her role in leading a battle against foreign liquor and opium during the colonial era. Mangri Orang’s remarkable story, once forgotten, has been rediscovered on stage, bringing to light the life and sacrifices of this unsung tea plantation worker.

The Life of Mangri Orang

Mangri Orang, originally a tea plantation worker, emerged as one of the prominent figures in the anti-opium campaign within the tea gardens. Her journey towards becoming an icon of resistance was marked by several noteworthy aspects:

  1. A Nickname that Resonated: Among her fellow plantation workers, Mangri Orang was affectionately called “Malati Mem.” The word “Mem” was a shorter form of “memsahib,” a term often used to address European women during the colonial period. This nickname reflects her stature and respect among her peers.
Mangri Orang’s Role in the Freedom Struggle

Mangri Orang’s significance extends beyond her nickname. She played a pivotal role in India’s fight for freedom from British rule:

  1. Pioneering the Anti-Opium Campaign: Mangri Orang’s involvement in the non-cooperation movement led her to champion the cause against foreign liquor and opium, both of which were pushed by colonial authorities. She recognized the harmful impact of these substances on her community and took a stand against them.
  2. A Heroic Sacrifice: In 1921, Mangri Orang paid the ultimate price for her courage and dedication to the cause. She was gunned down, becoming a martyr for her unwavering commitment to the fight against the colonial oppression of her people.
  3. First Female Martyr: Mangri Orang holds a significant place in India’s history as the first female martyr of the country’s freedom movement. Her sacrifice paved the way for more women to participate actively in the struggle for independence.
Mangri Orang’s Legacy

The rediscovery of Mangri Orang’s story sheds light on a forgotten hero and leaves an indelible mark on India’s history:

  1. Inspiration for Future Generations: Mangri Orang’s resilience and determination continue to inspire generations to stand up against injustice and fight for their rights. Her story serves as a testament to the power of ordinary individuals to bring about extraordinary change.
  2. Recognition and Honor: Mangri Orang’s contributions to the freedom struggle deserve recognition and honor. Her rediscovery on stage is a step towards rectifying the historical oversight of her heroic efforts.

Important Points:

  • Mangri Orang, a tea plantation worker, led an anti-opium campaign during the colonial period.
  • She was affectionately called “Malati Mem” by her fellow plantation workers.
  • Mangri Orang is an unsung hero of India’s struggle for freedom from British rule.
  • In 1921, she was martyred for her fight against foreign liquor and opium.
  • She is recognized as the first female martyr of India’s freedom movement.
  • Mangri Orang’s role in the non-cooperation movement was instrumental in opposing harmful substances.
  • Her nickname, “Malati Mem,” reflected the respect and admiration she garnered among her peers.
  • Mangri Orang’s legacy continues to inspire future generations to stand up against injustice.
  • Her rediscovery on stage highlights the historical significance of her contributions.
  • Mangri Orang’s story is a testament to the strength of character and unwavering dedication in the face of oppression.
Why In News

More than a century after she was shot in Assam’s Darrang district for leading a courageous fight against foreign liquor and opium, an unsung tea plantation worker, Mangri Orang, has been brought back to life on stage, her story finally receiving the recognition it deserves. This theatrical revival not only honors her legacy but also sheds light on the enduring struggles faced by marginalized communities in their quest for justice and equality.

MCQs about Mangri Orang

  1. What was Mangri Orang’s significant role during the colonial period?
    A. She was a British tea plantation owner.
    B. She led an anti-opium campaign in tea gardens.
    C. She was a European memsahib.
    D. She worked as a journalist for a freedom movement newspaper.
    Correct Answer: B. She led an anti-opium campaign in tea gardens.
    Explanation: Mangri Orang played a crucial role in leading an anti-opium campaign in tea gardens during the colonial period.
  2. Why was Mangri Orang affectionately called “Malati Mem” by her fellow plantation workers?
    A. Because she was a British memsahib.
    B. Because she had a short temper.
    C. Because of her leadership in the non-cooperation movement.
    D. Because she was known for her generosity.
    Correct Answer: C. Because of her leadership in the non-cooperation movement.
    Explanation: Mangri Orang was called “Malati Mem” because of her prominent role in the non-cooperation movement, which garnered her respect among her peers.
  3. What significant sacrifice did Mangri Orang make for her involvement in the freedom struggle?
    A. She sacrificed her tea plantation job.
    B. She was imprisoned by the British authorities.
    C. She was exiled from her village.
    D. She was martyred in 1921.
    Correct Answer: D. She was martyred in 1921.
    Explanation: Mangri Orang paid the ultimate sacrifice for her involvement in the freedom struggle by being martyred in 1921.
  4. Why is Mangri Orang recognized as the first female martyr of India’s freedom movement?
    A. Because she wrote a famous freedom movement book.
    B. Because she led a women’s suffrage campaign.
    C. Because of her sacrifice in the fight against colonial oppression.
    D. Because she was the first woman to join the Indian National Congress.
    Correct Answer: C. Because of her sacrifice in the fight against colonial oppression.
    Explanation: Mangri Orang is recognized as the first female martyr of India’s freedom movement due to her sacrifice in the fight against colonial oppression.

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