Parul Mukherjee

Parul Mukherjee (1915 – 1990) was an Indian revolutionary active in the Indian independence movement in the early 20th century. Mukherjee was an influential member of the revolutionary organisation Anushilan Samiti, with which she partook in militant activities and helped recruit new members. She was particularly important in strengthening the women's wing of Anushilan Samiti through efforts such as recruitment, the organisation of study circles and the teaching of self-defence techniques.

Mukherjee was arrested in Titagarh on 20 January 1935 after being caught in a house with other revolutionaries and explosives. She spent four years in prison, being released in 1939 as part of a general amnesty for political prisoners. After her release, Mukherjee retired from public life. In the aftermath of the partition of India, she became the supporter of a refugee colony in Kolkata, where she stood vigil and established schools.

Background Parul Mukherjee was born in Comilla or Kolkata in 1915. Her mother was named Manorama Devi. In addition to her organising, Mukherjee also involved herself in more militant activities and reportedly wielded two guns.

Mukherjee first ran into trouble with law enforcement in 1932. While moving locations, Mukherjee made further efforts to strengthen the Anushilan Samiti; she in 1933 worked to organise women's wings of the organisation in Barisal, Khulna, Comilla, Faridpur, Danapur, and Rangpur. Her case was eventually tried before a tribunal in Alipore Court. for the possession of unlicensed firearms detained in Bengal were also convicted for involvement in the conspiracy. While in the Alipore Jail, Mukherjee was at times beaten by the wardress. Due to her activities and support, she eventually became known as "Parul pishi", pishi being a word for a paternal aunt.