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| Picture: BG Productions (Youtube) |
This video narrates the heroic saga of Veerangana
Gambari Shikhla from the early 19th century, set in a flat region northeast of
present-day West Bengal, north of the Bhutanese mountains.
This area was inhabited by the Boro
community, who led prosperous and peaceful lives, sustained by agriculture,
livestock, and rich cultural traditions.
Bhutanese traders from the nearby mountains frequently visited this region to exchange goods such as barley, maize, garlic, chili, and oranges for local products like coconut ropes, silk threads, pig bristles, paddy, and handwoven cotton sheets. Trade operated on a barter system.
However, envy grew among some Bhutanese
(Bhutia) people due to the Boros’ prosperity. They attempted to annex the
territory into Bhutan and started imposing taxes.
A young woman named Gambari, noted for her beauty, courage, and exceptional skills in work, sports, and martial arts, was appointed as a tax collector.
Over time, the tax burden increased, causing
many families to default. The Bhutias responded with harsh punishments:
forcibly capturing young men for hard labor, abducting girls for exploitation,
enslaving some, and killing others after assault.
The Bhutias’ cruelty extended beyond people
to property — they engaged in widespread violence including theft, destruction
of crops, killing livestock, and looting valuables like gold and silver,
devastating the entire region. Despite previous failed attempts at resistance,
the Boros were determined to fight back under Gambari’s leadership.
She mobilized and unified the community, training them in swordsmanship and warfare, and called for solidarity among the Boros from all directions.
Armed with spears, swords, and bows, the
Boros prepared to defend their homeland. When the Bhutia army arrived pre-dawn
to collect taxes and punish defaulters, Gambari led a fierce counterattack.
Mounted on horseback, she fought with such agility and skill that even the Bhutia
soldiers were amazed. Many Boro women fought bravely alongside her.
The Bhutia forces eventually decided to retreat, but one soldier treacherously stabbed Gambari from behind. Despite falling from her horse and enduring great pain, Gambari defiantly rebuked the attackers, declaring the Boro people united and sovereign over their land.
Before her death, Gambari entrusted the
future of their homeland to her people. A Bhutia officer acknowledged her
valor, honoring her as a legendary warrior whose story would be remembered in
both Boro and Bhutanese histories. The Boros raised victorious chants,
celebrating her sacrifice and the defense of their identity.
The tale of Gambari Shikhla is a powerful
historical narrative highlighting the resilience and valor of the Boro
community in the face of external aggression and exploitation. It underscores
the importance of unity, leadership, and sacrifice in defending one’s homeland,
culture, and dignity. Gambari’s legacy endures as an inspiring example of a
woman warrior who galvanized her people to resist oppression and preserve their
identity.
To watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9egeMfmnzDQ
To learn more about [ Gambari Shikhla ] : https://www.questjournals.org/jrhss/papers/vol12-issue7/1207230235.pdf
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