Revolutionary Activities In Punjab and Madras

Revolutionary Activities In Punjab & Madras: Early 20th Century Struggles

During the early 20th century, Revolutionary Activities In Punjab witnessed the rise of extremism fueled by socio-economic issues and political unrest, while Madras experienced the assassination of a British officer and the association of Vanchi with VVS Aiyar in nationalist movements.

Revolutionary Activities In Punjab: Leaders, Movements & Ghadar Revolution

Numerous factors, such as recurrent famines, an increase in land revenue and irrigation tax, the practice of “begar” (forced labour) by zamindars, and the events that were occurring in Bengal at the time all contributed to the rise of extremism in Punjab.

• The Punjab Colonisation Act of 1906: This act played a role in the unrest in Punjab. According to the act, if a person passed away without any heirs, their property would be transferred to the government.
• Leaders and Organizations: Ajit Singh, who was the uncle of Bhagat Singh, organized the extremist group Anjuman-i-Mohisban-i-Watan in Lahore in 1906. The group published a journal called Bharat Mata. Lala Lajpat Rai, another prominent leader, published a newspaper named Punjabee with the motto “Self-help at any cost.” Other leaders in Punjab included radical Urdu poets Lalchand Falak, Aga Haidar, Syed Haider Raza, Bhai Parmanand, and others.
• Political Activities: Ajit Singh’s organization initially focused on encouraging Chenab colonists and Bari Doab peasants to refuse to pay revenue and water rates. However, it eventually turned extremist. In May 1907, the government intervened by banning political gatherings and expelling Lajpat Rai and Ajit Singh, which led to a quick decline in extremism in Punjab. Following this, Ajit Singh and a select group of friends, including Sufi Amba Prasad, Lalchand, Bhai Parmanand, and Lala Hardayal, became full-fledged revolutionaries.
• Rashbehari Bose: Rashbehari Bose played a significant role in the Ghadar Revolution during the First World War, emerging as one of its key figures.
• Collaboration with Bagha Jatin: In 1913, Rashbehari Bose and Bagha Jatin met to discuss the potential for an all-India armed uprising similar to the one that took place in 1857. They aimed to expand their plans beyond Bengal to include the upper provinces, including Punjab.
• Fleeing to Japan: After the attempted revolution failed, Rashbehari Bose fled to Japan in 1915. He would later play a significant role in the founding of the Indian National Army.

Revolutionary Activities In Madras: Ashe’s Murder & Vanchi’s Nationalist Ties

• British Lieutenant Ashe’s Murder: In Madras, British Lieutenant Ashe was murdered by Vanchinathan Iyer, also known as Vanchi. Ashe had ordered firing upon a crowd that was protesting the arrest of Chidambaram Pillai.
• Association with VVS Aiyar: Vanchi was close friends with VVS Aiyar, who spearheaded the Pondicherry Branch of the Abhinav Bharat Society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the revolutionary activities in Punjab and Madras during the early 20th century were marked by socio-economic grievances, political unrest, and acts of resistance against British colonial rule. These events reflect the growing discontent and the emergence of leaders and organizations dedicated to the cause of Indian independence, setting the stage for larger movements that would shape the course of India’s struggle for freedom.

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