Thread by @samraggi_debroy

Read about another Bengali wrestler of the colonial period. Bhabendra Mohan Saha, better known as Bheem Bhabani for his wrestling prowess, was connected to the akhada of another eminent wrestler family of his time, the Gohos of North Calcutta.
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A physically weak child, Saha was often bullied by other kids. Moreover, he contracted malaria frequently causing his physical strength to deteriorate. This is when he decided to join akhada and build his body.
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He initially joined Atindrakrishna Basu's akhada, where he learnt the basics of wrestling. He gained prominence after defeating senior wrestlers of his time by employing superior tact and speed. He next moved to Kheticharan Goho's akhada (relative of the great Gobor Goho).
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Next, he taken under the tutelage of Ramamurthy Naidu, along with whom he performed circus across South Asia. He soon outperformed Naidu and had to quit his circus. He was acquired by Professor K Basak's Hippodrome Circus where he broke Ramamurthy's record
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of holding 2 automobiles instead of 1 with his bare hands.
In India, his eminence grew amongst the royal families. Acting on the request of the Maharaja of Bharatpur, he held 3 automobiles with his hands, while the Maharaja and British Resident occupied one of the vehicles.
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In another performance, Saha took on his chest an untamed elephant from the stable of the Murshidabad royal family.
He received wider recognition from the masses by performing in the Swadeshi Mela of Calcutta in front of Bipinchandra Pal, Surendranath Banerjee & Amritlal Basu.
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It is here where he received the title of Bheem Bhavani from Amritlal Basu.
However, he passed away in his early 30s, probably before reaching his peak. This lesser known Bengali muscleman inspired Bengali youth to reacquire their dominance in physical culture.