Unit-9

UNIT 9: THE REVOLUTIONARIES

9.0 Objectives

  • Understand the emergence of revolutionary nationalism in the Indian National Movement.

  • Identify contributing factors to revolutionary nationalism.

  • Discuss the activities and decline of revolutionary organizations.

  • Analyze the objectives and ideologies of these groups.

  • Examine the transformation of revolutionary ideologies over time.

9.1 Introduction

  • The Swadeshi Movement (early 20th century) was the first major mass movement; its decline by 1907 set the stage for revolutionary nationalism.

  • Revolutionary nationalism emerged as a response to dissatisfaction with Gandhi's non-violent strategies post-Non-Cooperation Movement suspension.

  • Key areas of revolutionary activity included Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Bengal.

9.2 Early Revolutionary Trends

9.2.1 Factors Leading to Early Revolutionary Trends

  • Dissatisfaction among youth due to moderate political approach and limited success of the Swadeshi Movement.

  • Brutal repression by the British government, such as police violence against peaceful protests, encouraged a militant response.

  • Encouragement from influential leaders like Aurobindo Ghosh propelled youth toward revolutionary ideals.

9.2.2 Early Activities

  • Instances of revolutionary action began as early as 1897 with the Chapekar brothers' assassinations.

  • Growth of underground societies like Mitramela and Abhinav Bharat.

  • Significant event: Khudiram Bose's bombing in 1908 led to his arrest and public outcry, thus increasing revolutionary fervor.

9.2.3 Decline of the Early Revolutionary Trend

  • Targeted repression through laws and arrests, leading to a decline in popular support.

  • Failure of individuals to mobilize mass support left many leaders isolated.

9.3 The Ghadar Movement

9.3.1 Background of the Movement

  • Originated among Punjabi immigrants in North America (post-1904), who faced economic hardship and racial discrimination.

  • Leaders like Tarak Nath Das galvanized support for the nationalist cause.

9.3.2 Early Activities

  • Political activism began with publications supporting Swadeshi.

  • Formation of the United India House in 1910; led to increased organizational efforts.

9.3.3 Towards Organization

  • The establishment of the Hindustan Ghadar Party in 1913 united the Indian diaspora for revolutionary objectives.

  • Strategic propaganda through labor lectures, publications, and mobilization of Indian troops back home.

9.3.4 Strategy and Action

  • Led by Lala Har Dayal, the Ghadar Party aimed to instigate armed revolt against British rule.

  • Influential propaganda publication "Ghadar" promoted anti-colonial sentiments and nationalist critiques.

9.4 Ghadar Movement: The Main Events

  • Key events in 1914 included the arrest of Lala Har Dayal, the Komagata Maru incident, and the outbreak of WWI which prompted the Ghadarites to act.

  • Attempted revolts during this period ended in failure due to lack of arms and coordination.

9.5 Achievements and Weaknesses

  • Achievements: Popularized nationalist ideology, creating a committed cadre of nationalists; maintained a secular outlook.

  • Weaknesses: Overestimated readiness of the Indian populace for armed revolt, leading to severe backlash and a decline in the movement.

9.6 Hindustan Republican Association (HRA)

  • Formed in 1924 by revolutionary leaders, aiming for armed revolution and establishing a republic.

  • Notable actions included the Kakori robbery, which led to severe government repression and executions of many members.

9.7 Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)

  • Emerged from the HRA, emphasized socialist and Marxist ideas as anti-colonial forces grew.

  • Bhagat Singh became a prominent figure, advocating for mass mobilization and organizing youth movements.

9.8 Ideological Development of North Indian Revolutionaries

9.8.1 The HRA

  • Evolved a program aiming for a federal republic, emphasizing abolishing exploitation and advocating socialism.

9.8.2 Bhagat Singh and the HSRA

  • Shifted focus from individual actions to building a mass-oriented revolutionary movement.

  • Encapsulated socialism with nationalism and aimed for broader masses to be involved in the struggle for independence.

9.9 Revolutionary Nationalists in Bengal

  • Post-1922, revolutionaries in Bengal sought to integrate within Congress for broader access to the masses while maintaining underground activities.

  • The territory faced a factional split between key ideological groups leading to significant revolutionary actions.

9.10 The Chittagong Armoury Raid

  • Planned by Surya Sen in 1930 with the aim of executing a symbolic rebellion against British rule, resulting in massive public engagements.

  • Despite temporary success, government suppression followed with widespread violent retaliation and arrests.

9.11 Decline of the Revolutionary Nationalist Movement

  • By the 1930s, repression, internal discord, and strong anti-violence sentiments from mainstream movements led to widespread decline.

  • The martyrdom of leading revolutionaries marked a turning point in the decline of organized revolutionary action.

9.12 Let Us Sum Up

  • Revolutionary movements played a crucial role in invigorating anti-colonial sentiments, even as they struggled to connect with the masses.

  • Contributions to the national struggle were significant, providing a spirit of courage and determination to future generations.

9.13 Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises

  • Q&A addressing key points and activities outlined in earlier sections.