The Emergence of Socialist Ideas and Revolutionary Activities in 1920’s

Introduction

Following the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement, India experienced a vibrant period characterized by the emergence of various political factions and ideologies. Socialist ideas gained traction among certain segments of Indian society, emphasizing economic equality and social justice. Additionally, revolutionary activities continued to simmer underground, with groups like the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) advocating for more radical methods to achieve independence.

Emergence of New Forces in 1920s India

• Spread of Marxist and Socialist Ideas

• • Young nationalists influenced by Marxist ideas and the Soviet Revolution.
  • Criticized Swarajists and No-Changers, advocated consistent anti-imperialism and complete independence (Purna Swarajya).

• Leaders: Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose.

• • Communist Party of India (CPI): It was formed in 1920 in Tashkent by leaders like M.N. Roy, Abani Mukherji and others after the second Congress of Comintern. 
    • M.N. Roy was also the first to be elected to the leadership of Comintern.
    • In 1925, the Indian Communist Conference at Kanpur formalized the foundation of the CPI. 
  • Kanpur Bolshevik Conspiracy Case: In 1924, many communists, including S.A. Dange, Muzaffar Ahmed, Shaukat Usmani, and Nalini Gupta, were jailed in this case.
    • The accused individuals were charged with being part of a conspiracy to overthrow British rule in India and establish a Bolshevik-style government. 
    • The prosecution alleged that they were involved in seditious activities and had connections with communist ideologies.
  • Meerut Conspiracy Case: In 1929, the government crackdown on communists resulted in the arrest and trial of 31 leading communists, trade unionists, and left-wing leaders. They were tried at Meerut.

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• • • Activism of Indian Youth: Establishment of students’ leagues and conferences, Jawaharlal Nehru presided over the All Bengal Students’ Conference in 1928.

• Peasants’ Agitations: The United Provinces witnessed agitations for tenancy law revisions, lower rents, eviction protection, and debt relief.

• • Similar agitations in Andhra’s Rampa region, Rajasthan, Bombay, and Madras, led by leaders like Vallabhbhai Patel (Bardoli Satyagraha, 1928).

• Growth of Trade Unionism

• • All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) was founded in 1920, led by Lala Lajpat Rai, Dewan Chaman Lal, and Tilak.
  • Major strikes in Kharagpur Railway Workshops, Tata Iron and Steel Works, Bombay Textile Mills (involving 1,50,000 workers for 5 months), and Buckingham Carnatic Mills.
  • First May Day was celebrated in India in Madras in 1923.

• Caste Movements: Various caste associations and movements expressed societal contradictions.

• Movements include the Self-Respect Movement in 1925 (led by Periyar – E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker), Satyashodhak activists under Jyotiba Phule in Satara(Maharashtra),  Mahars under Ambedkar (Maharashtra), Radical Ezhavas under K. Aiyappan and Unionist Party under Fazl-i-Hussain (Punjab), C. Kesavan in Kerala, Yadavs in Bihar for improvement in social status  [UPSC 2016]

• • These movements ranged from conservative to potentially radical, aiming for social improvement and status changes.

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Revolutionary Activity with a Turn towards Socialism

• Revolutionary Organizations: Hindustan Republican Association (H.R.A.) in Punjab-UP-Bihar and groups like Yugantar, Anushilan, and Chittagong Revolt Group under Surya Sen in Bengal adopted revolutionary activities, leaning towards socialism.

• Reasons for Attraction to Revolutionary Activity After Non-Cooperation Movement

• • After the Non-Cooperation Movement’s abrupt halt, disillusionment grew among revolutionaries.
  • They began questioning the nationalist leadership’s emphasis on non-violence, seeking alternative methods for India’s freedom.

• Major Influences Driving Revolutionary Activity: 

• • Post-War Working-Class Trade Unionism: Aimed to mobilize the potential of the working class for nationalist revolution.
  • Impact of Russian Revolution (1917) and Marxist Ideas: Success of the Soviet state inspired Indian revolutionaries with Marxist and socialist ideologies.
  • Emergence of Communist Groups: Sprouting communist groups emphasizing Marxism, socialism, and the proletariat’s role in revolution.
  • Role of Publications: Journals like Atmasakti, Sarathi, Bijoli, and banned books like Bandi Jiwan by Sachin Sanyal and Pather Dabi by Sharatchandra Chatterjee glorified revolutionary sacrifices.

Revolutionary Activity in Different Regions

• Punjab-UP-Bihar

• • Dominated by Hindustan Republican Association/Army (HRA).
  • HRA was formed in October 1924 in Kanpur by leaders like Ramprasad Bismil, Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee, and Sachin Sanyal.

• Kakori Robbery (August 1925)

• • Action of HRA, men held up the 8-Down train at Kakori, and looted its official railway cash, leading to arrests of many. 
  • Bismil, Ashfaqullah, Roshan Singh, and Rajendra Lahiri were hanged. 

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• Saunders’ Murder (Lahore, December 1928)

• • Occurred following the death of Lala Lajpat Rai due to lathi blows during an anti-Simon Commission protest in October 1928.
  • HSRA revolutionaries, including Bhagat Singh, Shivram Rajguru, and Chandrashekhar Azad, sought retribution for Lajpat Rai’s death.

• Assassination Incident

• • Perpetrators: Bhagat Singh and Rajguru mistook John P. Saunders for Superintendent of Police James Scott.
  • Chandrashekhar Azad’s Role: He shot an Indian constable while aiding Bhagat Singh and Rajguru’s escape.

• Bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly (April 1929)

• • Context: Protest against the Public Safety Bill and Trade Disputes Bill (restricting civil liberties)
  • Perpetrators: In HSRA leadership, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt carried out the bombing.
  • Bomb Nature: Non-lethal, intended to make a statement rather than cause harm, aiming to “make the deaf hear.”
  • Purpose: Not to inflict damage but to gain attention, get arrested, and utilize the trial court as a platform for spreading their revolutionary ideology.

• Action Against the Revolutionaries

• • Trial: Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru faced trial in the Lahore conspiracy case, along with many other revolutionaries tried in various cases.
  • Protests in Jail: While imprisoned, these revolutionaries protested against the deplorable conditions through fasting and demanded fair treatment as political prisoners.
  • Jatin Das’s Martyrdom: Jatin Das became the first martyr to sacrifice his life on the 63rd day of his fast.
  • Congress Involvement: Congress leaders organized the defence for young revolutionaries.

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• Execution

• • Execution of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru: On March 23, 1931, hanged for their involvement in the assassination of Saunders. This day is now commemorated as Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs’ Day) and Sarvodaya Day.
  • Spirit at Execution: Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru, went to the gallows chanting slogans like ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ (Long Live the Revolution) and ‘Down with British Imperialism‘, displaying a resolute spirit even during their execution.

 Bengal’s Political Landscape in the 1920s

Chittagong Group and Surya Sen

• The most active and renowned among the new “Revolt Groups” was the Chittagong group led by Surya Sen.
• Objective of the Armed Rebellion: Surya Sen, along with associates Anant Singh, Ganesh Ghosh, and Lokenath Baul, aimed to challenge British authority by orchestrating an armed rebellion. 
  • The plan involved seizing two major armories in Chittagong to obtain arms for revolutionaries, disrupting communication by destroying telephone and telegraph lines, and cutting off Chittagong’s railway link with Bengal.
• Chittagong Armoury Raid (April 1930): Executed by 65 activists under the Indian Republican Army—Chittagong Branch banner, the raid proved successful. 
  • Sen hoisted the national flag, proclaimed a provisional revolutionary government, and later dispersed into nearby villages, targeting government establishments.

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• Aftermath and Sen’s Fate: Despite the raid’s success, Surya Sen was arrested in February 1933 and subsequently hanged in January 1934. 
  • However, the Chittagong raid captured the imagination of revolutionary-minded youth, attracting a continuous stream of recruits to revolutionary groups.
• Participation of Women: They engaged in various activities such as providing shelter, carrying messages, and actively participating in armed struggles. 
  • Several women, including Pritilata Waddedar (died conducting a raid); 
  • Kalpana Dutt (arrested and tried along with Surya Sen and given a life sentence); 
  • Santi Ghosh and Suniti Chandheri (school girls of Comilla, shot dead the district magistrate, December 1931), 
  • Bina Das (fired point blank at the governor while receiving her degree at the convocation, February 1932).
• Drawbacks and Challenges: The movement retained conservative elements, failed to formulate broader socio-economic goals.
  • It did not adequately support the cause of Muslim peasantry against the zamindars (landlords) in Bengal.
• Government Reaction: Harsh response followed by severe repression( 20 repressive acts and unleashed the police force). 
  • This led to punitive actions, burning of villages in Chittagong, and the arrest of prominent leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru for sedition.

Conclusion

• Groups like the Hindustan Republican Association (H.R.A.) in Punjab-UP-Bihar and organizations such as Yugantar, Anushilan, and the Chittagong Revolt Group in Bengal embraced revolutionary tactics. 
• Influenced by global revolutionary currents, Indian communists sought to organize workers and peasants, challenge British imperialism, and promote socialist ideals. 
• This ideological shift not only expanded the scope of the independence movement but also laid the foundation for a more inclusive and socially just vision of India’s future.