Sabar Community in Indian Freedom Movement

The Sabar community has an unrecognised history of participation in India’s freedom movement. Despite their active involvement in the freedom movement, the community remained socially excluded and historically marginalized for decades. However, for a long time, these contributions were not officially acknowledged by the government. As a result, only 2 Sabar freedom fighters, Late Lachhuram Sabar of Jahanabad and Late Kanhu Sabar of Sirishgora, received government pensions and formal recognition. This lack of recognition was not merely an administrative gap but reflected the social exclusion faced by the Sabar community. Their identity as a de-notified and marginalized tribe led to neglect of their historical contributions. Generations grew up without public acknowledgement of their ancestors’ sacrifices in the movement.

Recognizing this historical injustice, Paschim Banga Kheria Sabar Kalyan Samity (PBKSKS) undertook sustained efforts to write about the role of the Sabar community in the Indian freedom movement. Through extensive research, community memory, and discussion with the old Sabar people, PBKSKS compiled and published a list of 118 Sabar freedom fighters through their writing and articles. These writings played a crucial role in bringing the issue to the attention of civil society, historians, and government authorities.

A major milestone of this effort was achieved in Manbazar II Block, where the block administration officially recognized the contribution of Sabar freedom fighters. A statue and a commemorative board were installed, listing the names of freedom fighters of Manbazar II block. Notably, the first five names- 1. Rabi Sabar(Boro) 2. Shambhu Sabar (Boro) 3. Uddob Sabar (Boro) 4. Shrinath Sabar (Dhadangor) 5. Bhikhu Sabar (Chirugora) on this board belong to members of the Sabar community, clearly affirming their role in the freedom movement. The government officially accepted that five Sabar individuals from Manbazar II Block participated in India’s freedom struggle, marking a historic moment of recognition. This achievement stands as a significant success of PBKSKS in mainstreaming the Sabar community and restoring their rightful place in history. The recognition of Sabar freedom fighters is historical justice within the community.