Role of Gopaldas Desai in Indian Freedom Struggle

Darbar Gopaldas Desai was the first Prince in India who was forced to relinquish control over his principality of Dhasa is Saurashtra because he was a part of the national freedom struggle. He was a Gandhian, and a political and social activist. His refusal to toe the British line led to the confiscation of his estates, which was repatriated to him only post-independence.

Desai and his wife, Bhatia, became actively involved in the freedom struggle from 1922. Desai and his entire family were active participants in the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement. Desai also tirelessly worked for the causes of eradication of untouchability and women’s education. Desai was also elected to the Constituent Assembly of India from Baroda.

The Indian freedom struggle saw the active participation of great statesmen and revolutionary thinkers like Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru. These personalities caught the attention of population and the historical narrative in India has been monopolized by their contributions. This has indirectly led to the sidelining of the other great freedom fighters who participated in India’s freedom struggle. The contributions of none of these personalities can be belittled, whether or not the spotlight shines on them or not.