Five things you didn’t know about Bhagat Singh

On his birthday, we take a moment to revisit the impactful works of a revolutionary who sacrificed his life in the struggle for independence from British rule. An erudite scholar and a polyglot, he navigated a brief yet tumultuous existence, passionately writing on a myriad of subjects, including communalism, inequality, religion, faith, and the right to protest. His words resonate with chilling relevance in today’s context, reminding us of the enduring struggles for justice and equality.

1. Born into a family of progressive freedom fighters

• Family Background: Bhagat Singh was born into a family of progressive freedom fighters. His father, Kishan Singh Sandhu, and his uncle, Ajit Singh, were both politically active in the struggle against British colonial rule.
• Political Activism of His Father: Kishan Singh often found himself at odds with the colonial government, even facing imprisonment in 1910 for “flooding Punjab with seditious literature against the British regime.” This early involvement in anti-colonial activities profoundly influenced Bhagat Singh’s outlook.
• Uncle’s Exile: Bhagat Singh’s uncle, Ajit Singh, was deported to Mandalay in 1907 due to his inflammatory speeches and agitation against the Punjab Colonisation Bill of 1906, which aimed to grant more power to the British government over Indian lands. After his release, Ajit travelled to Europe and America, where he was associated with the San Francisco-based Ghadar Party, which was dedicated to India’s independence.
• Anti-Colonial Upbringing: Growing up in an environment steeped in anti-colonial sentiment, Bhagat Singh became acutely aware of the exploitation faced by Indians under British rule. Hansraj Rahbar noted in Bhagat Singh and His Thought (1990) that young Bhagat Singh was able to “assimilate nationalist traditions even as he drank his mother’s milk” (translated from Hindi).

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2. A very scholarly person

Today, Bhagat Singh is often remembered as a man of action, with his muscular revolutionary personality highlighted more than his intellectual pursuits. Popular portrayals, such as in films like Rang De Basanti (2006) and The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002), emphasise his revolutionary activities and muscular nationalism—an aggressive approach to asserting national pride.

• The Scholar Within: However, Singh was as much a scholar as he was a revolutionary. He was a voracious reader and prolific writer. In the 1920s, he was writing for both Urdu and Punjabi newspapers in Amritsar. Though today people are more familiar with other leaders and revolutionaries who wrote books, Singh often wrote using pseudonyms like Balwant, Ranjit, and Vidrohi, which has contributed to his relative veil in literary circles.
• Contributions to Journalism and Political Discourse: He also wrote for Kirti, the journal of the Kirti Kisan Party, and briefly for the Veer Arjun newspaper published in Delhi. His contributions included pamphlets and other ‘seditious’ literature criticising British colonial rule, showcasing his commitment to anti-colonial discourse.
• Literary Engagement in Prison: His jail notebooks reveal not only his social and political concerns but also the literature he was reading while in prison. This included poetry by prominent writers like Rabindranath Tagore, William Wordsworth, Wajid Ali Shah, Mirza Ghalib, and Iqbal. This engagement with diverse literary works illustrates the depth of Singh’s intellectual pursuits alongside his revolutionary activities.

While he is celebrated as a national hero for his revolutionary actions, Bhagat Singh’s scholarly contributions remind us that he was also deeply engaged in the ideological battles of his time. His writings reflect a nuanced understanding of the socio-political landscape, making him a well-rounded figure in India’s fight for independence.

3. An Atheist and a Marxist

Despite his present-day co-option by parties across the political spectrum, Bhagat Singh was a steadfast atheist and a Marxist with an anarchist tilt. In his essay Why I am an Atheist (1930), Bhagat Singh criticised religion, stating, “All faiths differ on many fundamental questions, have different approaches to life, such as why we are reborn, what happens after death, and other existential questions, but each of them claims to be the only true religion.He believed that such claims create divisions in society and lead to conflict.

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Reasons for His Atheism

• Rationalism and Scientific Outlook: Bhagat Singh was deeply influenced by a rational and scientific outlook. He believed in the power of reason, critical thinking, and evidence-based understanding. For him, scientific principles provided a more reliable framework for understanding the world than religious doctrines.
• Socialism and Class Struggle: An advocate of socialist ideals, Bhagat Singh was a follower of Marx and his principles, emphasising the need for social and economic equality. He viewed organised religion as a tool used by the ruling class to control and exploit the working class. His atheism was closely tied to his commitment to a secular and socialist vision for society.
• Opposition to Dogma and Superstition: Singh was critical of religious dogma, rituals, and superstitions. He argued that blind faith and unquestioning acceptance of religious doctrines hindered progress and critical thinking. He believed a society based on reason and scientific inquiry would be better equipped to address social injustices.
• Secularism and Inclusivity: Bhagat Singh envisioned an independent India as secular and inclusive. He opposed the idea of a theocratic state and believed in separating religion from state affairs. For him, atheism aligned with a secular society where individuals were free to practise their beliefs without state interference.
• Inspiration from Western Thinkers: Singh was deeply influenced by the writings of Western thinkers, including socialists and atheists. The ideas of Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and other socialist philosophers significantly shaped his intellectual development. In particular, Marx’s critique of religion as “the opiate(opium) of the masses” resonated with Singh, encouraging him to view religious beliefs as obstacles to social progress and equality. 
• Tilt Towards Anarchism: Bhagat Singh also had an anarchist perspective, believing that there should not be a centralised authority governing a city or state. He argued that any kind of authority—whether political parties or governments—creates exploitation. He envisioned a society where individuals live united and happily without hierarchical structures, eliminating the influence of the Church, God, and Religion, the state, and private property. He believed that the ultimate goal of anarchism is complete independence, free from obsession with God or materialistic desires, and devoid of state control.

4. Jinnah’s Defense of Bhagat Singh in 1929

• Gandhi’s Efforts in stopping the Trial: While many believe that Mahatma Gandhi could have saved Bhagat Singh from execution but chose not to intervene, the discussion around Gandhi’s actions is complex. Some associates of Singh argue that Gandhi exerted moral pressure on the British regarding minor issues, like the prohibition of alcohol, but failed to act decisively on the more significant matter of Singh’s fate. Others contend that Gandhi attempted to intervene but faced resistance from the British, who were unwilling to comply. There are also claims that Gandhi might have been reluctant to push too hard, fearing that a failed attempt could negatively impact the broader freedom struggle.
• Jinnah’s Stand Against Injustice: In stark contrast, Bhagat Singh received support from another prominent nationalist figure of the time,  Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Despite being a liberal politician who mingled in high society, Jinnah recognized the injustice of Singh’s trial. During the proceedings, the British introduced a provision allowing trials to continue in the absence of the accused. Jinnah condemned this bill, stating that it undermined fundamental principles of jurisprudence and called for the law to be amended to avoid creating a farce.
  • He eloquently expressed, “The man who goes on a hunger strike has a soul. He is moved by that soul, and he believes in the justice of his cause.”(Bhagat Singh and fellow revolutionaries embarked on a 116-day hunger strike during his imprisonment in 1929.) Ultimately, although the bill was not passed, the trial against Bhagat Singh was conducted under dubious circumstances. On October 7, 1930, a special tribunal delivered a 300-page judgement, declaring Bhagat Singh guilty and sentencing him to death by hanging. 

5. Nehru’s Acknowledgement of Bhagat Singh’s Courage 

• Nehru’s Critique of British Injustice: Jawaharlal Nehru was critical of the trial and the injustices perpetrated by the British. After Singh’s execution, he acknowledged that while he did not necessarily agree with all of Singh’s ideologies, the courage and self-sacrifice displayed by Singh and his comrades at such a young age were commendable, as very few could demonstrate such dedication to their nation.
• Acknowledgment of Courage and Sacrifice: Nehru explained Bhagat Singh’s actions by asking rhetorically, “If England were invaded by Germany or Russia, would Lord Irwin go about advising the people to refrain from violence against invaders?” He also pondered whether, had Singh been an Englishman acting for England, the British would have treated him the same way.
• Jail Visit: Nehru, along with other prominent leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose, Motilal Nehru, K.F. Nariman, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai, and Mohanlal Saxena, visited Bhagat Singh in prison, demonstrating the respect and acknowledgment he commanded among his contemporaries.
• Collective Response to the Execution: After the hanging of Bhagat Singh and his associates, Jawaharlal Nehru moved an official resolution during an annual Congress session, which was seconded by Madan Mohan Malviya. Despite the Congress party’s official position decrying any violence, the resolution condemned the execution. Congress maintained that this triple execution was an act of  vengeance and a deliberate flouting of the unanimous demand of the nation for commutation to imprisonment. The British authorities had worked against the demands of millions of people in this nation.

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Conclusion

Bhagat Singh’s legacy transcends his role as a revolutionary; it encompasses his profound intellectual contributions, unwavering commitment to his principles, and critique of societal injustices. His life remains a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and justice. As we honor his memory, let us reflect on the relevance of his ideas in our ongoing struggles for equality and human rights in contemporary society.

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