Mohini Devi (1863 â 25 March 1955) was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement in the Indian subcontinent, known as an ardent nationalist and revolutionary. Her family was closely associated with the progressive education and cultural movements of present-day Bangladesh. Mohini Devi worked actively in support of the Indian independence movement and made significant contributions to womenâÂÂs education, emancipation, and social reform.
Mohini Devi was born in 1863 into an affluent Hindu family in Manikganj, Dhaka District. Her father was Ramshankar Sen, and her mother was Umasundari Devi. At the age of twelve, she was married to Tarak Chandra Dasgupta. Their daughter, Prabhabati Dasgupta, later became a noted leader of the labour movement.
Mohini Devi was the first Hindu student at Victoria School, Kolkata. She studied under Shibnath Shastri and Ramtanu Lahiri. Later, she received English education from a woman teacher of the United Mission. Through her education, she became acquainted with contemporary Indian society, nationalist ideology, and social reform movements. From an early age, she was actively involved in various social and welfare activities.
In 1921âÂÂ1922, she was imprisoned for participating in GandhiâÂÂs Non-Cooperation Movement. During 1930âÂÂ1931, she led the Civil Disobedience Movement and was jailed for six months. Her speeches as president of the âÂÂAll India WomenâÂÂs Associationâ were highly praised. During the 1946 riots, she promoted HinduâÂÂMuslim unity while remaining in her home at Entally Bagan, a Muslim-majority area of Kolkata. Though she faced criticism from relatives and friends, she remained steadfast in her convictions. Mohini Devi worked for the independence movement and made significant contributions to womenâÂÂs education, freedom, and social reform.
During the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920âÂÂ1922), she responded to Mahatma GandhiâÂÂs call and took an active part in the anti-British struggle. Later, during the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930âÂÂ1931), she was arrested and imprisoned for defying British laws and police restrictions. During this period, she emerged as a prominent female leader of the Indian National Congress. Her deep faith in Gandhian ideals and her organizational skill led to her election as president of the All India WomenâÂÂs Congress. Her speeches and leadership drew the attention of Mahatma Gandhi and other Congress leaders of the time. During the Calcutta riots of 1946, she played an active role in maintaining communal harmony, staying in her home in the Muslim-majority Entally Bagan area to promote HinduâÂÂMuslim unity.
Her daughter Prabhabati Dasgupta was also active in the labour movement. Between 1927âÂÂ1928 and 1930âÂÂ1931, she served as president of both the âÂÂScavengersâ Union of Bengalâ and the âÂÂJute Workersâ UnionâÂÂ, becoming a notable figure in the workersâ movement.
Mohini Devi died on 25 March 1955.