About the Image(s)

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Background : It is that time of the year when we celebrate goddess Durga.

Goddess Durga played a very important part in Indian Independence movement and inspired generations of Indian revolutionaries.

Indian revolutionaries extensively used the imagery of Goddess Durga and other manifestations of Shakti as a powerful symbol of militant nationalism during the freedom struggle against the British Raj. The goddess represented the strength, courage, and protective power needed to overthrow colonial rule, which was personified as the evil demon, Mahishasur.

Nationalist leaders and revolutionary groups, actively embraced this symbolism.

Goddess Durga as a symbol of defiance
The image of Goddess Durga was repeatedly invoked as a symbol of armed rebellion and resistance.

Hope in prison: Even in the dreaded Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands, revolutionaries defied British restrictions to celebrate Durga Puja. For these prisoners, Durga represented the hope that they would eventually triumph over colonial rule.

Inspiration for struggle: The goddess, with her weapons, represented the people's struggle against colonial exploitation, a battle of good versus evil. Her calm and determined demeanor while fighting demons symbolized the inner peace and courage needed to confront the overwhelming might of the British Empire.