REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENTS IN INDIA

First Phase (Late 19th Century to Early 1920s)

The first phase of the revolutionary movement in India marked the emergence of organized efforts to achieve independence through militant and violent means. This period saw the formation of secret societies, significant revolutionary activities, and the rise of prominent leaders who inspired and led these movements.

Second Phase (Mid-1920s to Early 1930s)

The second phase of the revolutionary movement in India represented a more organized and ideologically driven effort to achieve independence. This period saw the rise of new revolutionary organizations, a stronger influence of socialist ideas, and significant actions that left a lasting impact on the Indian freedom struggle.

Reasons for Origin and Growth of revolutionary movements

• Colonial Repression: The British government's repressive measures fuelled widespread discontent and resistance.

• Example:  Partition of Bengal (1905) and the Rowlatt Act (1919)

• Influence of Nationalist Leaders: Nationalist leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak advocated for a more assertive form of nationalism, inspiring young Indians to engage in revolutionary activities.

• Example: Tilak's slogan "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it" and his support for the use of force against British rule inspired the formation of groups like the Anushilan Samiti.

• Global Inspirations: Successes of revolutionary movements in other parts of the world, provided a model for Indian revolutionaries.

• Example: Russian Revolution of 1905 inspiring Indian revolutionaries to form secret societies and adopt similar tactics.

• Disillusionment with Non-Cooperation Movement: The suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement by Gandhi in 1922 led to frustration among radical youth, who turned towards revolutionary methods.

• Example: formation of revolutionary groups like the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA).

• Global Revolutionary Wave: The rise of socialist and communist movements worldwide inspired Indian revolutionaries to adopt more structured and ideological approaches.

• Example: The influence of the Russian Revolution (1917) and the spread of communist ideologies led Indian revolutionaries to incorporate socialist principles into their struggle.

Nature of the Program of revolutionary movements

• Militant Nationalism: The program was largely focused on assassinating British officials, disrupting government activities, and inciting uprisings.

• Example: The assassination of British magistrate Kingsford by Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki in 1908

• Secret Societies: The formation of secret revolutionary societies was a hallmark, emphasizing covert operations and guerrilla tactics.

• Example: The Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar- prominent secret societies that organized armed attacks, trained members in the use of explosives, and conducted espionage.

• Socialist Ideology: The second phase saw a stronger influence of socialist and Marxist ideologies, aiming not just for political independence but also for social and economic equality.

• Organized Armed Struggle: Continued focus on violent means, but with more organized efforts and a clearer ideological framework.

Regions Covered under revolutionary movements

• Bengal: The heartland of early revolutionary activities with organizations like Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar.

• Maharashtra: Centers in Pune and Mumbai with groups like Abhinav Bharat.

• Punjab: Later activities, particularly influenced by the Ghadar Party.

• Foreign Countries: Revolutionary activities extended to places like the United States, Canada, and Japan, particularly through the efforts of the Ghadar Party.

• Northern India: The United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) became a significant centre, with activities spreading to Punjab and Delhi.

• Foreign Countries: Connections with Soviet Russia and support from communist international networks.

Organizations and Major Leaders of revolutionary movements

• Anushilan Samiti: Leaders included Aurobindo Ghosh and Barindra Kumar Ghosh.

• Jugantar: Led by figures like Bagha Jatin and Barin Ghosh.

• Ghadar Party: Key leaders included Lala Har Dayal, Sohan Singh Bhakna, and Kartar Singh Sarabha.

• Hindustan Republican Association (HRA): Founded by Ram Prasad Bismil, Chandrasekhar Azad, and Ashfaqulla Khan.

• Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA): An evolution of HRA, led by Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, and Chandrasekhar Azad.

Conspiracy Cases of revolutionary movements

• Alipore Bomb Case (1908): Involved Aurobindo Ghosh and Barindra Kumar Ghosh.

• Kakori Conspiracy Case (1925): Major leaders like Ram Prasad Bismil and Ashfaqulla Khan were involved.

• Ghadar Conspiracy (1915): Attempted to incite a pan-Indian rebellion, leading to several arrests and executions.

• Kakori Conspiracy Case (1925): Significant event involving HRA members.

• Saunders Assassination (1928): Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and others avenged Lala Lajpat Rai's death by killing British police officer J.P. Saunders.

• Central Assembly Bombing (1929): Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly to protest against repressive laws.

Reasons for Decline of revolutionary movements

• Repressive Measures: British authorities effectively cracked down on revolutionary activities through strict laws, mass arrests, and executions.

• Example: The implementation of the Defence of India Act (1915) allowed the British to arrest and execute revolutionaries swiftly. 

• Lack of Mass Support: The movement's reliance on violent methods alienated many potential supporters who were more inclined towards Gandhi's non-violent approach.

• Example: Gandhi's non-violent Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) gained widespread support across India, overshadowing the violent methods of revolutionaries.

• Leadership Vacuum: The capture and execution of key leaders significantly weakened the movement.

• Example: The arrest and subsequent execution of prominent leaders like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev in 1931 created a leadership void that hampered the organizational structure.

• Intense Repression: Continued and intensified British repression, with mass arrests and executions.

• Example: The crackdown after the Lahore Conspiracy Case led to the execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, and the arrest of many HSRA members.

• Shift in Political Strategy: The Indian National Congress under Gandhi's leadership gained widespread popularity with its non-violent approach, sidelining the revolutionary movement.

• Example: Gandhi's Salt March in 1930 and the subsequent Civil Disobedience Movement attracted massive public participation and overshadowed the revolutionary activities.

• Martyrdom and Symbolism: The execution of leaders created martyrs but also decimated the movement's leadership.

• Example: Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru executed in 1931