In the annals of history, periods marked by revolutionary fervor often stand as pivotal moments of societal transformation. As we navigate the complexities of the contemporary world, we find ourselves amidst a surge in revolutionary activities, echoing the aspirations for change that reverberate across diverse corners of the globe. The landscape of revolutionary movements is characterized by a myriad of ideologies, tactics, and motivations, each contributing to the tapestry of dissent and upheaval. From grassroots protests to organized insurrections, the spectrum of revolutionary activities manifests in various forms, challenging existing power structures and advocating for radical change.
Surge of Revolutionary Activities
The early revolutionaries in India during the independence movement had some key beliefs and ways of thinking. Even though they weren’t all the same, they shared certain characteristics:
- Religious Bias: Many revolutionaries were influenced by their religious beliefs in their actions and speeches. They saw their cause as more than just politics, but their beliefs didn’t always match with the majority religion in India.
- Romanticism and Emotionalism: Revolutionaries were inspired by romantic ideas and strong emotions. They were passionate and willing to sacrifice for independence, aiming to stir up feelings of patriotism.
- Armed Struggle: Some revolutionaries believed that the only way to free India was through armed rebellion. They thought actions like assassinations and robberies were necessary to scare the rulers and get people to join the cause.
- Appeal to Patriotism and Youth: They tried to inspire people, especially young ones, by appealing to their love for their country. They wanted to make them proud of India and get them involved in the fight against British rule.
- Learning from History: Revolutionaries studied both India’s history and other countries’ revolutions to learn how to fight for independence effectively.
- Opposing Obstacles: They rebelled against anything that got in the way of their goal. They wanted to break down old traditions and challenge anything that stopped them from getting independence.
While the early revolutionaries had some flaws, like focusing too much on religion and using violence, their dedication to independence and efforts to wake up the nation were important in shaping India’s fight for freedom.
Activities in Bengal
- Swami Vivekananda stressed the importance of physical strength alongside spiritual and intellectual growth for the nationalist cause.
- Akharas and gymnasiums provided training grounds for revolutionaries, fostering camaraderie and readiness for armed struggle.
- Physical fitness instilled self-sacrifice, courage, and determination among Punjab’s youth fighting against British imperialism.
- In Bengal, revolutionary activities began with the formation of organizations like Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar in 1902.
- Revolutionary publications like Yugantar and Sandhya spread revolutionary ideas and advocated violence against British rule.
- Assassination attempts on British officials, like Sir Fuller and Judge Kingsford, marked the revolutionaries’ struggle.
- The Alipore Conspiracy Case exposed revolutionary activities and ideologies, involving leaders like Aurobindo Ghosh.
- The Barrah Dacoity group led by Pulin Das aimed to fund revolutionary activities through robberies.
- In 1912, a bomb attack on Viceroy Hardinge in Delhi by Rashbehari Bose and Sachin Sanyal challenged British authority.
- During World War I, the Jugantar party under Bagha Jatin planned an insurgency known as the ‘German Plot’ to free India using German support.
- These Bengal revolutionary activities reflected the determination to end British colonial rule through violence, publications, and international connections.
1902:
- Anushilan Samiti founded by Aurobindo Ghosh, Promotha Mitter, Jatindranath Banerji, and Barindra Ghosh.
- Started as a gym following Vivekananda’s teachings but transformed into a secret society of revolutionaries.
- Dhaka Anushilan Samiti led by Pulin Bihari Ghosh was more organized than Western Bengal outfits.
- Philosophy: “Force must be countered by force.”
1905:
- Aurobindo Ghosh published “Bhavani Mandir,” outlining plans for revolutionary activities.
- “Mukti Kon Pathe” urged Indian soldiers to supply weapons to Indian revolutionaries.
1906:
- Yugantar Group founded by Barindra Kumar Ghosh and Bhupendra Nath Dutt.
- Started a paper called Yugantar, working closely with Anushilan Samiti.
1908:
- Muzaffarpur Conspiracy Case: Murder attempt on Judge Kingsford resulted in the accidental killing of two English ladies.
- Revolutionaries Prafulla Chaki and Khudiram Bose involved; Khudiram Bose, aged 15, was tried and hanged.
1912:
- Bengal Group Association: Bomb thrown at Viceroy Hardinge II by Rash Behari Bose and Sachin Sanyal in Delhi.
- Sanyal arrested, released, and later formed Hindustan Republican Army (HRA) with Ramprasad Bismil.
- Rash Bihari Bose escaped to Japan; Sanyal wrote “Bandi Jeevan,” a revolutionary guide.
World War I:
- Yugantar Group, led by Jatindranath Mukherjee (Bagha Jatin), planned an armed rebellion against the British.
- Tried to import arms from Germany; ship seized, and Jatin died in an encounter.
In conclusion, the revolutionary activities in Bengal during the late 19th and early 20th centuries exemplify the fervent struggle for independence against British colonial rule. The formation of organizations like Anushilan Samiti and Yugantar, coupled with the publication of revolutionary literature, marked a significant shift towards militant resistance. The attempted assassinations, conspiracy cases, and bombings underscored the determination of revolutionaries to challenge British authority and inspire a broader movement for liberation.
Also Read: Difference between Moderates and Extremists.