India got freedom in 1947 after many years of struggle. Thousands of people fought against British rule. Some used their voices, some picked up weapons, and many gave their lives for our country.
Bihar was one of the most active states during this fight for freedom. Many brave people from Bihar joined the movement. Some were famous leaders, and some were unknown heroes. But they all had one dream a free India.
In this article, you will read about 10 freedom fighters from Bihar who helped India become independent. Their stories are full of courage, sacrifice, and love for the country. Let’s remember them and feel proud of our history.
1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Place: Zeradei, Siwan, Bihar
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was a key leader in India’s freedom movement and became the first President of independent India. A close follower of Mahatma Gandhi, he took part in all major movements and was jailed multiple times. Known for his simplicity and honesty, he remains one of Bihar’s proudest sons.
Highlights:
- First President of India
- Leader in Non-Cooperation and Quit India Movements
- Awarded Bharat Ratna for his service
- A symbol of humility and wisdom
2. Jayaprakash Narayan (JP)
Place: Sitab Diara, Saran, Bihar
Popularly called “Loknayak” (People’s Leader), JP was a courageous freedom fighter and a social reformer. He played a major role in the Quit India Movement and later led the historic Total Revolution against corruption in the 1970s.
Highlights:
- Quit India Movement leader
- Fought for democracy and justice
- Led the Total Revolution
- Respected across party lines
3. Babu Kunwar Singh
Place: Jagdishpur, Bhojpur, Bihar
A legendary hero of the 1857 revolt, Babu Kunwar Singh led the rebellion against the British at the age of 80. Despite his age, he fought with great courage and strategy, becoming a symbol of bravery in Bihar’s history.
Highlights:
- Warrior of 1857 freedom struggle
- Fought British forces at 80
- Known for guerrilla warfare tactics
- National hero of early resistance
4. Sher Ali Afridi
Place: Linked to Patna Jail (executed there)
Sher Ali was a soldier in the British Army who turned against his colonial masters. In a bold move, he assassinated Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India, in 1872 at the Andaman Islands — a rare act of rebellion in that era.
Highlights:
- Assassinated British Viceroy Lord Mayo
- Early example of armed resistance
- Imprisoned and executed in Patna
- Inspired future revolutionaries
5. Swami Sahajanand Saraswati
Place: Originally from UP, but led movements in Bihar
Swami Sahajanand was a saint and farmer leader who organized peasants across Bihar. He fought both British rule and unjust landlords, giving farmers a voice through movements like the All India Kisan Sabha.
Highlights:
- Peasant rights leader
- Fought British and feudal systems
- Founded Kisan Sabha in 1936
- Inspired rural resistance
6. Yogendra Shukla
Place: Bhagalpur, Bihar
A brave revolutionary, Yogendra Shukla helped form the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). He worked alongside Bhagat Singh and spent more than 20 years in prison for India’s freedom.
Highlights:
- Co-founder of HSRA
- Worked with Bhagat Singh
- Faced long imprisonment
- Silent revolutionary hero
7. Jagjivan Ram
Place: Arrah, Bihar
Also known as “Babuji”, Jagjivan Ram was a freedom fighter and a strong voice for Dalits and the poor. He joined the freedom struggle in his youth and later served as a Union Minister in independent India.
Highlights:
- Leader in Quit India Movement
- Fought for equality and Dalit rights
- Long political career post-independence
- Symbol of social justice
8. Sheel Bhadra Yajee
Place: Patna, Bihar
Sheel Bhadra Yajee was a committed freedom fighter who worked with both Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose. He joined the Indian National Army (INA) and was jailed many times for supporting independence.
Highlights:
- Member of Azad Hind Fauj (INA)
- Follower of both Gandhi and Bose
- Participated in major movements
- Socialist thinker
9. Prafulla Chaki
Place: Katihar, Bihar
A young and passionate revolutionary, Prafulla Chaki tried to kill a British officer in 1908. When caught, he took his own life to avoid arrest, showing bravery at a very young age.
Highlights:
- Member of Anushilan Samiti
- Planned assassination of a British officer
- Died for his ideals at age 20
- Remembered as a young martyr
10. Rambriksh Benipuri
Place: Muzaffarpur, Bihar
Rambriksh Benipuri was a writer, thinker, and freedom fighter. He joined the Non-Cooperation Movement and Quit India Movement, and used his pen to awaken patriotism through Hindi literature.
Highlights:
- Leader in major Gandhian movements
- Imprisoned multiple times
- Famous for patriotic writings
- Voice of educated revolutionaries
Conclusion
These heroes from Bihar proved that age, background, or profession doesn’t matter when it comes to fighting for justice and freedom. Whether through armed struggle, peaceful protest, or powerful words, they shaped India’s destiny. Their stories should be shared, remembered, and celebrated by every generation.
