Who Was The Youngest Freedom Fighter To Be Martyred For India?

India's path to independence was a long and courageous battle. For nearly 200 years, people from all walks of life fought against British rule.

While many leaders are famous, some of the bravest heroes were teenagers. These young freedom fighters did not think twice before giving up their lives for the motherland.

They proved that love for the country has nothing to do with age. But do you know who the youngest freedom fighter to be hanged by the British was?

He was only 12 years old when he fought bravely against British soldiers. He refused to take British police across the Brahmani River to protect his fellow revolutionaries.

Can you guess his name? In this article, we'll take a look at the youngest freedom fighters of India who fought fiercely for Independence.

Who Was The Youngest Freedom Fighter Of India?

Baji Rout is the youngest martyr in the history of the Indian freedom struggle. Originally from Odisha, this 12-year-old boat boy belonged to the Banar Sena. 

In 1938, He bravely rejected carrying British soldiers across the Brahmani River to defend his fellow rebels. He faced threats but stayed strong. Sadly, he was shot dead, giving his life for the nation.

10+ Lesser-known Facts About Baji Rout

• He was a simple boatman who helped his widowed mother by taking passengers across the river.
• The Government of India officially recognises him as the youngest martyr of the freedom struggle.
• He joined the "Monkey Brigade", a group of children who helped revolutionaries by passing messages and keeping watch.
• He was killed on the night of October 11, 1938, at Nilakanthapur Ghat.
• When British soldiers ordered him to ferry them, he famously replied that he followed the orders of the Prajamandal, not the British.
• Even after being struck by a soldier, he blew his conch to warn his village about the approaching troops.

• His funeral procession in Cuttack was joined by thousands of people mourning the loss of a child hero.
• His bravery inspired the well-known poem "Boatman" by Sachidanand Routray, a winner of the Jnanpith award.
• There are ongoing efforts and local honours to keep his legacy alive in Odisha's schools and history.
• His story is often compared to those of other child heroes worldwide who stood up against colonial oppression.

Education

Baji Rout did not have formal schooling. After losing his father at a young age, he had to leave school to support his mother. He worked as a boatman to make a small income.

History

He was actively involved in the Prajamandal Movement in Dhenkanal, Odisha. This movement started in response to the harsh rule of the local King, who had the backing of the British. Baji volunteered to watch the riverbanks at night to monitor the movements of the British forces.

Died On

Baji volunteered to watch the riverbanks at night. He wanted to monitor the movements of the British forces. He died on October 11, 1938. At only 12 years old, he became a martyr.

List of Youngest Freedom Fighters of India

Here is a list of India's youngest freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for independence. 

Most of these young heroes were inspired by the Partition of Bengal (1905), the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919), or the Quit India Movement (1942). Their bravery proved that the desire for independence was not just limited to adults but lived in the hearts of children, too.