DAKATS OF BENGAL
PART—1
SARASIJ MAJUMDER
DAKAT means in Bengali those who come with a WAR CRY, (HA RE,RE,RE,…) to take the wealth of rich people, Zamindars etc. by force. Sometimes they sent advance information as a challenge before forcefully taking the wealth of RICHES.
In general, Dakats can be classified in two major groups. One group used to take revenge of ‘INJUSTICE’ the then political system inflicted by attacking only the perpetrators. And they distributed the wealth they collected to needy, and poor people. They observed a strict code of ‘DISCIPLINE’.
We will discuss about them only.
Others are simply Looters. They are forgotten.
There are books on famous Dakats, where they are generally painted as ‘OUTLAWS’—which is not correct in most cases.
Those DAKATS are part of ‘FOLKLORE’ as well, for their benevolence to needy, and poor people, and delivering justice.
Britishers called them as ‘DECCOITS’—that term I will not use.
PANDIT DAKAT VENIMADHAV RAY:
In the 16th century, in Bengal, Dakat Venimadhav Ray and his small army stood as a terror for the Afghans in Eastern India/ Eastern part of Bengal Suba.
The Beginning:
Mughals were trying to capture ‘BANGAL SUBA’ which was then mostly under control of different Pathan war lords. Akbar defeated Daud Khan Karnani—but couldn’t secure Sube Bangla. Pathans were having a heyday.
Venimadhav Ray was a devout Kulin Varendra Brahmin, a scholar, and Sanskrit Acharya in Rajshahi region of Bengal in early life . But his wife, a very beautiful woman, was abducted by a Pathan warlord during that time of great turmoil and political uncertainty in the 16th-century Bengal.
After this devastating personal tragedy, Venimadhav forsook his former life and became a DAKAT, or bandit, to deliver justice and protect his Hindu faith from Muslim Invaders who were destroying temples, and forcefully taking away Hindu Women for ‘NIKAH’ or to keep them in ‘HAREM’. In that era Pathans used to demolish Temples & Murtis and forced to stop puja of Hindus in Bengal.
BRAHMIN TO DAKAT:
In those days—many people were well built, and skilled in a game of fight using LATHI ( about 2- inch Dia Hard Bamboo, 4ft. long), and Swords. He was one such person. He initially received martial training by joining the team of warrior Gobindo Singha. Later, after the death of Gobindo Singha, he became the leader of the group, and became popular with the name “Pandit Dakat” [পণ্ডিত ডাকাত ||पण्डित डकैत]. His two chief Commanders were Jugal Kishore Sanyal and Chandi Prasad Ray. Name of Chandi prasad and Jugal Kishore, were enough for implanting fear among Pathans and they were known as “Kaal Chandeya” and “Kaal Jogala” for delivering death.
He established his base on a secluded island within theTarash Chalan Beel, a large wetland in the Rajshahi division of Bengal, where he, and his followers stayed, and worshipped the Yavanmardini (Muslim Marauding ) Kali in the temple built by them.
The island was surrounded by dense forest. The area where he lived is known as the “Pandit Dakater Bhita” (পণ্ডিত ডাকাতের ভিটা), although the Pathans called it “Shaitan ka Bhita” ( خانه شیطان ) (Residence of the Devil).
In view of the politically chaotic situation in society, Venimadhav decided to sharpen his sword to protect Hindus and Hindu Dharma. He was a skilled swordsman and he used to offer ‘BALI’ of Pathans on every Amavasya night at the feet of his worshipped goddess, Maa Yavanmardini Kali.
His small but highly trained army used to capture the Pathans, hold them captive in the island, and on the night of Amavasya (New Moon Day) made Nara-Bali (Human Sacrifices) of them in front of Maa Yavan-Mardini Kali after worshipping her.
In due time receiving order from Beni Ray, Jugal & Chandi launched attack on Subedar Zalil Khan’s house. Chandi Prasad surrounded the entire house & Pathans surrendered in fear. Then Zalil Khan & Khalil Khan were tied & brought to Chalanbil, where they were sacrificed to Maa Yavanmardini Kali in the next new moon day, after worship.
Source: Used many scattered sources from public domain. Three are listed below.
- https://en.rattibha.com/thread/1667565891201175553
- https://wikibharat.org/pages/benimadhav_ray/
- https://www.instagram.com/p/CsYfvTSrJFB/?hl=en&img_index=1
- IMAGES:– Illustrative only. Mostly sourced from reference 1.
