People and Personalities of Aurangabad District

The big stories often make the headlines of our historical narratives, but history is not only about the landmark events - it finds shape and character in the myriad events that led up to a flashpoint of change. An attempt to discover and document stories of people, events, and places linked to the freedom struggle of India at the micro level of the district has led to the creation of a Digital District Repository. Stories in this section can be broadly classified under - People & Personalities.

Dr. Anugrah Narain Singh

Dr. Anugrah Narain Singh was born on 18th June 1887 in Poiyavan village of the erstwhile Gaya district (today known as Aurangabad) of Bihar. His father was Vishweshwar Dayal Singh.

A brilliant student right from the beginning of his academic career, Dr. Anugrah Narain Singh obtained his initial education in the village school. From Junior school till graduation, he headed the lists at every examination obtaining an M.A. (History) in 1914 from Calcutta University. He was appointed Professor of History at Bhagalpur University where he remained, known as an ideal teacher, till 1916. Then he began successfully practicing law at Patna High Court. But in 1917 heeding the call of Mahatma Gandhi to the nation he left the flourishing practice to join the Champaran Satyagraha movement. In 1930 he took an active part in the Salt Satyagraha. His patriotism earned him 15 months of imprisonment in 1933-34. He returned from jail to continue serving the nation.

Dr. Anugrah Narain Singh was well known to the people who elected him a member of the Central Council (1935) and of the Bihar Legislative Assembly (1936). He was among the first freedom fighters to respond to Gandhiji’s call for Satyagrah in 1940-41. But he was arrested by the British authorities and imprisoned in the Hazaribagh Central Jail in 1942. In 1944 he was released and devoted himself to serving the epidemic-ridden people.

After independence, he dedicated himself to the all-round development of Bihar as a minister and as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar. He served India’s international interests. He successfully led the Indian Food and Agriculture delegation to Nepal and also the Indian delegation of I.L.O. in Canada and Switzerland. He also actively led a large number of Government and voluntary organizations in India and abroad.

On 5th July 1957, Dr. Anugrah Narain Singh passed away leaving behind him a legend of patriotism and sacrifice.

Source :

• Information Brochure of Commemorative Postage Stamp issued by Department of Posts.
• Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav