Sundarlal Sharma, Freedom Fighter, Social Reformer
Freedom Fighter, Social Reformer

Sundarlal Sharma

Born 21 December 1881 · Chhattisgarh — Died 1 January 1940

Starting the canal satyagraha (Nahar satyagraha) in 1920 at Kandel village, Dhamtari Tehsil.

Pandit Sundarlal Sharma was a key figure in the independence movement from Chhattisgarh. He was largely responsible for ushering in political and social consciousness to Chhattisgarh. In 1920, he started the canal satyagraha, also known as the Nahar satyagraha, at a village called Kandel in Dhamtari Tehsil. Chhattisgarh has a university in the name of Pandit Sundarlal Sharma.

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A detail that
surprised us

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In 1921-22, Pandit Sundarlal Sharma was the first person from Chhattisgarh to be arrested for participation in the Indian independence movement.

The Story

1
🌾 In 1920, Pandit Sundarlal Sharma led the Nahar Satyagraha at Kandel village, Dhamtari, mobilizing villagers in civil disobedience against British irrigation tax policies.
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Born on 21 December 1881 in Chandrasur near Raipur, Sharma founded the 'Smitra Mandal' to promote indigenous goods, fueling local economic self-reliance.
3✊ By organizing Mahatma Gandhi's visit to Raipur in 1920, Sharma connected Chhattisgarh’s rural populace to the broader independence movement.
4Arrested in 1921-22, Sharma became the first freedom fighter detained in Chhattisgarh for anti-colonial activities, marking a turning point in regional resistance.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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Often called the "Gandhi of Chhattisgarh."

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1920, Sharma organized the first canal satyagraha at Kandel village, targeting irrigation taxes imposed by the British, an early example of tax resistance in the region.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth in Chandrasur near Raipur
Pandit Sundarlal Sharma was born in the village of Chandrasur near Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
1881
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Career
Starts Nahar Satyagraha at Kandel
Sharma initiated the canal satyagraha at Kandel village, opposing British irrigation taxes through civil disobedience.
1920
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Career
Organizes Gandhi’s Raipur Visit
Pandit Sharma arranged Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Raipur, helping spread Gandhian ideas in Chhattisgarh.
1920
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Career
Arrested for Independence Activity
Sharma was arrested by British authorities during 1921-22, marking the first political arrest in Chhattisgarh’s freedom struggle.
1921
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Death
Death of Pandit Sundarlal Sharma
He passed away on 28 December 1940, leaving a legacy of social reform and political awakening.
1940
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Sundarlal Sharma founded 'Smitra Mandal' to promote the sale of indigenous goods in his birthplace Chandrasur, reinforcing economic self-sufficiency under colonial rule.

02 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

His arrest in 1921-22 was the first politically motivated detention in Chhattisgarh related to the freedom struggle, reflecting the rising regional resistance against British authority.

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🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Sharma personally organized Mahatma Gandhi's 1920 visit to Raipur, helping introduce Gandhian philosophy to Chhattisgarh’s populace during the early non-cooperation movement.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Pandit Sundarlal Sharma catalyzed political consciousness in Chhattisgarh, linking rural resistance like the Nahar Satyagraha to national anti-colonial efforts. His push for social reforms challenged caste barriers locally, influencing progressive policies and social integration. The Pandit Sundarlal Sharma University institutionalizes his vision, fostering education and regional identity.

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