Read the passage and answer the following questions no. 3 and 4:

Pritilata Waddedar was born in Chattogram on 5 May 1911. She was a meritorious student at Dr Khastagir Government Girls’ School in Chattogram and Eden College, Dhaka. She graduated in Philosophy with distinction from Bethune College in Kolkata. In her college days, Pritilata was an activist in the anti-British movement. All through her life, she dreamt of two things: a society without gender discrimination, and her motherland free from British colonial rule.

So she decided to fight against the British rule. Soon after, Pritilata became the head teacher of Nandankanon Apama Charan School in Chattogram. Gradually she involved herself in Surja Sen’s armed resistance movement. Surja Sen was a famous anti-British movement organiser and revolutionary activist in Chattogram area at that time. In 1932, Surja Sen planned an attack on the Pahartali European Club. The club was well-known for its notorious sign at its entrance; Dog and Indians not allowed. Surja Sen assigned Pritilata to lead a team of 10-12 men to attack the club. The raid was successful but Pritilata, dressed as a man, failed to get out of the club.

She committed suicide by taking potassium cyanide to avoid arrest. She proved that women can work like men. She also proved that women too needed to be prepared to sacrifice their lives for freedom from the British colonial rule. Her dream finally came true. The British rule came to an end in 1947 though she couldn’t see it during her lifetime.

প্রীতিলতা ওয়াদ্দেদার ১৯১১ সালের ৫ মে চট্টগ্রামে জন্মগ্রহণ করেন। তিনি চট্টগ্রামের ডা. খাস্তগীর সরকারি বালিকা বিদ্যালয় এবং ঢাকার ইডেন কলেজের এক মেধাবী ছাত্রী ছিলেন। তিনি কলকাতার বেথুন কলেজ থেকে দর্শনে স্নাতক ডিগ্রি অর্জন করেন এবং কৃতিত্বের সাথে উত্তীর্ণ হন। কলেজজীবনে প্রীতিলতা ব্রিটিশবিরোধী আন্দোলনের একজন কর্মী ছিলেন। সারাজীবন তিনি দুটি স্বপ্ন দেখতেন: একটি লিঙ্গ বৈষম্যহীন সমাজ এবং অপরটি তাঁর মাতৃভূমিকে ব্রিটিশ ঔপনিবেশিক শাসন থেকে মুক্ত করা।

এই কারণে তিনি ব্রিটিশবিরোধী সংগ্রামে যোগ দেওয়ার সিদ্ধান্ত নেন। এরপর তিনি চট্টগ্রামের নন্দনকানন আপার্না চরণ স্কুলের প্রধান শিক্ষিকা হিসেবে যোগ দেন। ধীরে ধীরে তিনি সূর্য সেনের নেতৃত্বে পরিচালিত সশস্ত্র প্রতিরোধ আন্দোলনে জড়িয়ে পড়েন। সূর্য সেন ছিলেন সেই সময়ে চট্টগ্রাম অঞ্চলের একজন খ্যাতনামা ব্রিটিশবিরোধী আন্দোলনের সংগঠক ও বিপ্লবী কর্মী। ১৯৩২ সালে সূর্য সেন পাহাড়তলী ইউরোপীয় ক্লাবে আক্রমণের পরিকল্পনা করেন। ক্লাবটির প্রবেশপথে “কুকুর ও ভারতীয়দের প্রবেশ নিষেধ” — এই berated সাইনবোর্ডটি খুবই কুখ্যাত ছিল। সূর্য সেন প্রীতিলতাকে ১০–১২ জন পুরুষের একটি দল নিয়ে ক্লাবটি আক্রমণের নেতৃত্ব দিতে বলেন। অভিযানে তারা সফল হলেও পুরুষের পোশাকে থাকা প্রীতিলতা ক্লাব থেকে বের হতে ব্যর্থ হন।

গ্রেফতার এড়াতে তিনি পটাশিয়াম সায়ানাইড খেয়ে আত্মহত্যা করেন। তিনি প্রমাণ করেছিলেন যে নারীরাও পুরুষের মতো কাজ করতে পারে। তিনি আরও প্রমাণ করেছিলেন যে নারীদেরও স্বাধীনতার জন্য আত্মত্যাগে প্রস্তুত থাকতে হবে। শেষ পর্যন্ত তাঁর স্বপ্ন পূর্ণতা পায়। ১৯৪৭ সালে ব্রিটিশ শাসনের অবসান ঘটে, যদিও তিনি তা নিজের জীবদ্দশায় দেখে যেতে পারেননি।

Vocabulary Box: Pritilata Waddedar

MCQs on Pritilata Waddedar

1. Pritilata Waddedar was born in —
   (i) Dhaka
   (ii) Kolkata
   (iii) Chattogram
   (iv) Barisal
2. She was born on —
   (i) 5 May 1910
   (ii) 5 May 1911
   (iii) 15 May 1912
   (iv) 15 May 1911
3. Pritilata was a student of —
   (i) Eden College and DU
   (ii) Bethune College and Jagannath University
   (iii) Dr Khastagir Government Girls’ School and Eden College
   (iv) Eden College and Kolkata University
4. She graduated from —
   (i) Eden College
   (ii) Dhaka University
   (iii) Presidency College
   (iv) Bethune College
5. Her graduation subject was —
   (i) History
   (ii) Sociology
   (iii) Philosophy
   (iv) Political Science
6. Pritilata was a/an —
   (i) artist
   (ii) doctor
   (iii) revolutionary activist
   (iv) lawyer
7. In college, she was involved in the —
   (i) cultural movement
   (ii) sports club
   (iii) anti-British movement
   (iv) women’s rights group only
8. Pritilata dreamed of a society free from —
   (i) caste system
   (ii) gender discrimination
   (iii) political parties
   (iv) poverty
9. Her second dream was —
   (i) a rich country
   (ii) her own school
   (iii) a free motherland
   (iv) studying abroad
10. To fulfill her dreams, she —
    (i) moved to London
    (ii) joined British service
    (iii) started a school
    (iv) fought against British rule
11. Pritilata became a head teacher at —
    (i) Eden School
    (ii) Bethune School
    (iii) Nandankanon Apama Charan School
    (iv) Chattogram Girls’ School
12. She gradually joined the movement of —
    (i) Mahatma Gandhi
    (ii) Netaji Subhas
    (iii) Surja Sen
    (iv) Khudiram Bose
13. Surja Sen was from —
    (i) Kolkata
    (ii) Barisal
    (iii) Dhaka
    (iv) Chattogram
14. Surja Sen was a —
    (i) lawyer
    (ii) teacher
    (iii) revolutionary
    (iv) priest
15. In 1932, a plan was made to attack —
    (i) a police station
    (ii) the European Club
    (iii) railway station
    (iv) post office
16. The European Club was situated at —
    (i) Nandankanon
    (ii) Agrabad
    (iii) Pahartali
    (iv) Lalkhan Bazaar
17. The entrance of the club had a sign saying —
    (i) Only Europeans allowed
    (ii) Members only
    (iii) Dog and Indians not allowed
    (iv) No entry after 8
18. Who was given the responsibility to lead the attack?
    (i) Surja Sen
    (ii) Kalpana Dutta
    (iii) Masterda
    (iv) Pritilata Waddedar
19. The team consisted of —
    (i) 5–6 people
    (ii) 7–9 people
    (iii) 10–12 people
    (iv) 13–15 people
20. The attack was —
    (i) foiled
    (ii) postponed
    (iii) successful
    (iv) cancelled
21. During the attack, Pritilata was dressed as —
    (i) a policewoman
    (ii) a nurse
    (iii) a British officer
    (iv) a man
22. After the raid, she —
    (i) returned safely
    (ii) got arrested
    (iii) was injured
    (iv) couldn’t escape
23. To avoid arrest, she —
    (i) surrendered
    (ii) disguised herself
    (iii) escaped by train
    (iv) committed suicide
24. She took — to kill herself
    (i) poison
    (ii) acid
    (iii) potassium cyanide
    (iv) sleeping pills
25. Her sacrifice proved that women —
    (i) are weak
    (ii) should stay home
    (iii) can work like men
    (iv) need protection
26. Pritilata’s actions showed that women —
    (i) can run businesses
    (ii) should study abroad
    (iii) must protest against men
    (iv) are ready to sacrifice lives for freedom
27. British rule ended in —
    (i) 1945
    (ii) 1946
    (iii) 1947
    (iv) 1948
28. Pritilata — the end of British rule
    (i) witnessed
    (ii) did not see
    (iii) celebrated
    (iv) wrote about
29. The sign at the club reflected —
    (i) cultural norms
    (ii) racism and discrimination
    (iii) government rules
    (iv) safety instructions
30. The purpose of the raid was to —
    (i) steal weapons
    (ii) destroy the club
    (iii) protest racial injustice
    (iv) help British soldiers
31. Pritilata’s ideology was based on —
    (i) peace and harmony
    (ii) equality and freedom
    (iii) monarchy
    (iv) nationalism only
32. Pritilata died in —
    (i) 1931
    (ii) 1932
    (iii) 1941
    (iv) 1947
33. The attack was carried out under —
    (i) Mahatma Gandhi
    (ii) Subhas Bose
    (iii) Surja Sen
    (iv) Titumir
34. The school she joined as head teacher was in —
    (i) Dhaka
    (ii) Barisal
    (iii) Chattogram
    (iv) Kolkata
35. Bethune College is located in —
    (i) Dhaka
    (ii) Chattogram
    (iii) Kolkata
    (iv) Barisal
36. Her life is a symbol of —
    (i) pride and sacrifice
    (ii) wealth and power
    (iii) music and culture
    (iv) sports and games
37. Pritilata’s gender did not stop her from —
    (i) studying abroad
    (ii) leading men in battle
    (iii) becoming a poet
    (iv) running a business
38. She used — to die
    (i) knife
    (ii) poison
    (iii) gun
    (iv) rope
39. She wanted to see a — society
    (i) democratic
    (ii) equal
    (iii) rich
    (iv) religious
40. Her attack was aimed at protesting —
    (i) British taxation
    (ii) British brutality
    (iii) racism
    (iv) cultural bans
41. Her movement can be best described as —
    (i) peaceful
    (ii) violent
    (iii) literary
    (iv) passive
42. She chose to die rather than —
    (i) escape
    (ii) fight more
    (iii) be arrested
    (iv) return home
43. Pritilata’s resistance was part of —
    (i) a social reform
    (ii) a British campaign
    (iii) an armed movement
    (iv) a peace march
44. Her death was a —
    (i) murder
    (ii) natural death
    (iii) tragic end
    (iv) protest
45. Surja Sen’s full name was —
    (i) Surja Kumar Sen
    (ii) Master Surja
    (iii) Surja Bose
    (iv) Surja Ray
46. Surja Sen was also known as —
    (i) General
    (ii) Teacher
    (iii) Masterda
    (iv) Comrade
47. “Dog and Indians not allowed” is an example of —
    (i) humor
    (ii) hospitality
    (iii) racial insult
    (iv) advice
48. Pritilata wore men’s clothes to —
    (i) escape detection
    (ii) look smart
    (iii) attend a meeting
    (iv) follow rules
49. She became a head teacher —
    (i) before joining the movement
    (ii) after the raid
    (iii) after graduation
    (iv) after independence
50. Her school was named after —
    (i) her father
    (ii) a local hero
    (iii) Apama Charan
    (iv) Surja Sen
51. The attack happened in —
    (i) January 1932
    (ii) March 1932
    (iii) 1932 (exact date not mentioned)
    (iv) December 1931
52. Pritilata was a/an —
    (i) obedient colonial
    (ii) silent supporter
    (iii) revolutionary leader
    (iv) unknown protester
53. She is remembered today for her —
    (i) writings
    (ii) love life
    (iii) bravery and sacrifice
    (iv) awards
54. Her death inspired —
    (i) freedom fighters
    (ii) poets
    (iii) singers
    (iv) politicians
55. Pritilata’s education proves she was —
    (i) average
    (ii) indifferent
    (iii) brilliant
    (iv) disobedient
56. She completed her graduation with —
    (i) low grades
    (ii) no honours
    (iii) distinction
    (iv) difficulty
57. Her name is associated with —
    (i) 1971 war
    (ii) partition
    (iii) anti-colonial movement
    (iv) independence of Pakistan
58. The passage mentions that she dressed as a —
    (i) police officer
    (ii) teacher
    (iii) man
    (iv) British lady
59. She was appointed by —
    (i) the British
    (ii) her father
    (iii) Surja Sen
    (iv) the school committee
60. After her death, her dreams —
    (i) died with her
    (ii) remained unfulfilled
    (iii) came true
    (iv) were forgotten
61. Her weapon of protest was —
    (i) a pen
    (ii) fire
    (iii) sacrifice
    (iv) speech
62. The raid led by her —
    (i) was canceled
    (ii) failed completely
    (iii) succeeded
    (iv) wasn’t executed
63. Her nationality was —
    (i) Indian
    (ii) British
    (iii) Bengali
    (iv) Bangladeshi
64. Pritilata was one of the first —
    (i) female pilots
    (ii) female revolutionaries
    (iii) doctors
    (iv) ministers
65. Her life story is a symbol of —
    (i) peace and politics
    (ii) struggle and sacrifice
    (iii) art and literature
    (iv) debate and dialogue
66. The club targeted was for —
    (i) all citizens
    (ii) women only
    (iii) Europeans only
    (iv) officials only
67. “Surja Sen assigned Pritilata” — here ‘assigned’ means —
    (i) ignored
    (ii) gave responsibility
    (iii) removed
    (iv) punished
68. The movement she joined was —
    (i) literary
    (ii) non-violent
    (iii) armed
    (iv) cultural
69. She joined the movement —
    (i) after 1947
    (ii) in 1950
    (iii) before 1932
    (iv) in 1941
70. The final message of her life was —
    (i) peace is better
    (ii) education is key
    (iii) women can sacrifice equally
    (iv) British are helpful

Answers: 1. iii, 2. ii, 3. iii, 4. iv, 5. iii, 6. iii, 7. iii, 8. ii, 9. iii, 10. iv, 11. iii, 12. iii, 13. iv, 14. iii, 15. ii, 16. iii, 17. iii, 18. iv, 19. iii, 20. iii, 21. iv, 22. iv, 23. iv, 24. iii, 25. iii, 26. iv, 27. iii, 28. ii, 29. ii, 30. iii, 31. ii, 32. ii, 33. iii, 34. iii, 35. iii, 36. i, 37. ii, 38. ii, 39. ii, 40. iii, 41. iii, 42. iii, 43. iii, 44. iv, 45. i, 46. iii, 47. iii, 48. i, 49. i, 50. iii, 51. iii, 52. iii, 53. iii, 54. i, 55. iii, 56. iii, 57. iii, 58. iii, 59. iii, 60. iii, 61. iii, 62. iii, 63. i, 64. ii, 65. ii, 66. iii, 67. ii, 68. iii, 69. iii, 70. iii

50 WH Questions on Pritilata Waddedar

1. Who was Pritilata Waddedar?
2. Where was Pritilata Waddedar born?
3. When was Pritilata Waddedar born?
4. What was the name of the school where she studied in Chattogram?
5. Where did she study after finishing school?
6. From which college did Pritilata graduate?
7. What subject did she graduate in?
8. How did she perform in her graduation?
9. What movement was she involved in during her college life?
10. What kind of society did Pritilata dream of?
11. What was the other dream of her life besides gender equality?
12. Why did Pritilata decide to fight against the British?
13. What position did she hold at Nandankanon Apama Charan School?
14. Where was the Nandankanon Apama Charan School located?
15. Who was Surja Sen?
16. What type of movement did Surja Sen organize?
17. In which year was the attack on the Pahartali European Club planned?
18. Why was the Pahartali European Club notorious?
19. What offensive sign was found at the club entrance?
20. Who assigned Pritilata to lead the attack?
21. How many people were in the team that attacked the club?
22. What was the outcome of the raid on the club?
23. How did Pritilata disguise herself during the attack?
24. Why couldn’t Pritilata escape from the club after the raid?
25. How did Pritilata avoid arrest?
26. What substance did she use to commit suicide?
27. What did Pritilata’s death prove about women?
28. What did she show about the role of women in freedom movements?
29. When did British rule in the Indian subcontinent end?
30. Did Pritilata live to see independence?
31. How old was Pritilata when she died?
32. What message did her actions leave for future generations?
33. Which city did Pritilata spend most of her life in?
34. What role did she play in the attack planned by Surja Sen?
35. Why is Pritilata remembered as a heroic figure?
36. What kind of education did Pritilata receive?
37. How is Bethune College historically significant?
38. Where is Bethune College located?
39. What makes Pritilata’s story inspirational for women today?
40. Why was the club’s entrance sign considered racist?
41. What does the phrase “Dog and Indians not allowed” indicate?
42. What inspired Pritilata to join the armed movement?
43. How was the attack on the European Club a form of protest?
44. What risks did Pritilata take during her involvement in the movement?
45. What qualities did Pritilata show as a leader of the raid?
46. What made her different from other activists of her time?
47. Why did Surja Sen choose Pritilata to lead the team?
48. How did Pritilata balance her teaching job and revolutionary activities?
49. Where did she get the potassium cyanide used for suicide?
50. What legacy did Pritilata leave behind for her country?

Answers:

1. Pritilata Waddedar was a courageous revolutionary and school teacher. She played an important role in the anti-British movement in Bengal and sacrificed her life for her country’s freedom.
2. She was born in Chattogram, a major city in present-day Bangladesh. Chattogram was an important center of anti-colonial resistance at the time.
3. Pritilata was born on 5 May 1911. Her birth took place during the height of British colonial rule in India.
4. She studied at Dr Khastagir Government Girls’ School in Chattogram. It was one of the best institutions for girls in the region at that time.
5. After school, she attended Eden College in Dhaka. Later, she moved to Kolkata for higher education.
6. She graduated from Bethune College in Kolkata. Bethune College was one of the earliest women’s colleges in Asia.
7. Her graduation subject was Philosophy. She completed it with distinction, showing her academic brilliance.
8. She performed excellently in her graduation. She earned a distinction, which reflected her dedication and intellect.
9. During college, she became actively involved in the anti-British movement.
   This was the turning point that led her toward revolutionary politics.
10. Pritilata dreamt of a society where there would be no gender discrimination. She wanted equal rights and respect for women.
11. Her second dream was to see her motherland free from British colonial rule. She dedicated her life to achieving this goal.
12. She decided to fight against the British because of her patriotic ideals. She couldn’t accept the injustice and humiliation imposed by colonial rulers.
13. She became the head teacher of Nandankanon Apama Charan School in Chattogram. Despite her revolutionary mindset, she was also committed to education.
14. The school was located in Chattogram. It was a respected educational institution in the area.
15. Surja Sen was a renowned revolutionary leader. He led the armed resistance against British rule in Chattogram.
16. Surja Sen organized a strong armed movement against British oppression. He inspired many young revolutionaries, including Pritilata.
17. The attack on the Pahartali European Club was planned in 1932. It was one of the boldest acts of protest against British racism.
18. The Pahartali European Club was notorious for its racist policies. It allowed only Europeans and excluded Indians.
19. The club’s entrance bore a sign saying, “Dog and Indians not allowed.” This sign symbolized the deep-rooted racism of the British rulers.
20. Surja Sen assigned Pritilata to lead the attack on the club. He trusted her courage and leadership skills.
21. The attack team consisted of 10 to 12 revolutionaries. Pritilata was the only woman among them, and she led the group.
22. The raid on the club was successful. However, Pritilata was unable to escape afterward.
23. Pritilata disguised herself as a man during the operation. This was done to avoid drawing attention and being recognized.
24. She couldn’t escape from the club after the raid. She was surrounded and saw no way to get out safely.
25. To avoid being arrested by the British, she chose to end her life. She didn’t want to be tortured or reveal secrets under pressure.
26. She used potassium cyanide to commit suicide. It was a quick-acting poison often used by revolutionaries.
27. Her death proved that women could be as brave and committed as men. She broke the stereotype that women are weak or passive in struggles.
28. She showed that women were ready to sacrifice their lives for freedom. Her actions inspired many other women to join the fight.
29. British rule in the Indian subcontinent ended in 1947. That year, India gained independence and Pakistan was created.
30. Pritilata did not live to see her country free. She died in 1932, 15 years before independence.
31. She was only 21 years old when she died. Despite her short life, her impact was lasting and significant.
32. Her actions sent a strong message of resistance and empowerment. She proved that sacrifice could shake even the strongest of empires.
33. Pritilata spent most of her life in Chattogram. It was both her hometown and the center of her revolutionary activities.
34. She played the role of a leader in the attack on the club. Her leadership marked a milestone in women’s participation in armed struggle.
35. She is remembered as a heroic figure for her bravery and sacrifice. Her name is now a symbol of female resistance in South Asia.
36. Pritilata received a high-quality education from renowned institutions. Her academic excellence was matched by her political awareness.
37. Bethune College was one of the first women’s colleges in India. It was known for nurturing female leaders and thinkers.
38. Bethune College is located in Kolkata. It played a major role in women’s education during British rule.
39. Her story is inspirational because she showed how courage has no gender. She didn’t let societal restrictions stop her from fighting for freedom.
40. The club’s sign was racist because it equated Indians with dogs It was meant to insult and dehumanize the native population.
41. The phrase “Dog and Indians not allowed” reflected colonial arrogance. It exposed the inhumane and racist mindset of the British rulers.
42. She was inspired to join the movement due to injustice and colonial cruelty. She couldn’t remain silent in the face of oppression.
43. The attack on the club was a protest against racism and inequality. It symbolized the rejection of British superiority.
44. She risked her life by leading a violent mission against the British. She knew the consequences but went ahead bravely.
45. Pritilata showed courage, planning ability, and leadership during the raid. She earned respect from fellow revolutionaries and left a legacy.
46. She was different because she was a woman leading men in an armed revolt. This was rare and groundbreaking in a male-dominated society.
47. Surja Sen chose her because of her intelligence and bravery. He believed in empowering women within the movement.
48. She managed both her teaching and revolutionary duties with discipline. She balanced education and activism with equal commitment.
49. She got the potassium cyanide from fellow revolutionaries. They often carried it to avoid arrest or torture if captured.
50. Her legacy is one of fearless resistance and patriotism. She remains a symbol of gender equality and national pride.