Modern India — The Surge of Revolutionary Activities in India
1. Revolutionary Activities in Bengal
Context: Bengal witnessed the rise of revolutionary nationalism in the early 20th century, with secret societies and armed resistance against British rule.
- 1902: Anushilan Samiti founded by Promotha Mitter, Jatindranath Banerjee, Barindra Kumar Ghosh and others.
- 1906: Inner Circle within Anushilan (Barindra Kumar Ghosh, Bhupendranath Dutta) launched weekly Yugantar newspaper.
- 1907: Rashbehari Bose and Sachin Sanyal organized a secret society covering Punjab, Delhi, and United Provinces. Hemachandra Kanungo went abroad for military and political training.
- 1907-08: Prafulla Chaki and Khudiram Bose attempted to bomb Judge Kingsford's carriage in Muzaffarpur — unintended death of two British ladies.
- Alipore Conspiracy Case (Manicktolla bomb conspiracy): Trial of Anushilan group members, including Aurobindo and Barindra Ghosh. Narendra Gosain (approver) was shot dead by Satyendranath Bose and Kanailal Dutta in jail.
- Dec 1912: Rashbehari Bose and Sachin Sanyal staged bomb attack on Viceroy Hardinge during his official entry into Delhi — Delhi Conspiracy trial.
- During World War I: Jugantar party led by Bagha Jatin (Jatindranath Mukherjee) planned the 'German Plot' or 'Zimmerman Plan' to import German arms for an all-India insurrection.
Key Revolutionaries of Bengal:
- Aurobindo Ghosh: Philosopher, poet, and revolutionary who played a key role in the Alipore Conspiracy Case.
- Barindra Kumar Ghosh: Co-founder of Anushilan Samiti and editor of Yugantar.
- Bagha Jatin: Led the Jugantar party and planned the German Plot.
- Khudiram Bose: One of the youngest revolutionaries, executed at age 18 for the Muzaffarpur bombing.
- Aurobindo Ghosh: Philosopher, poet, and revolutionary who played a key role in the Alipore Conspiracy Case.
- Barindra Kumar Ghosh: Co-founder of Anushilan Samiti and editor of Yugantar.
- Bagha Jatin: Led the Jugantar party and planned the German Plot.
- Khudiram Bose: One of the youngest revolutionaries, executed at age 18 for the Muzaffarpur bombing.
2. Revolutionary Activities in Maharashtra
Context: Maharashtra emerged as a stronghold of revolutionary nationalism, with leaders like Tilak, Savarkar, and the Chapekar brothers.
- 1879: Vasudev Balwant Phadke organized the Ramosi Peasant Force — aimed to trigger armed revolt against the British.
- 1890: Bal Gangadhar Tilak propagated militant nationalism through Ganapati and Shivaji festivals, journals Kesari and Maharatta.
- 1897: Chapekar brothers (Damodar and Balkrishna) assassinated Plague Commissioner of Poona, Rand, and Lieutenant Ayerst.
- 1899: Savarkar and his brother organized Mitra Mela (secret society), later merged with Abhinav Bharat (1904) — inspired by Mazzini's 'Young Italy'.
- 1909: A.M.T. Jackson, Collector of Nasik, was assassinated by Anant Lakshman Kanhere (member of Abhinav Bharat). Savarkar identified as brain and leader — sentenced to transportation for life.
Knowledge Nugget
Abhinav Bharat: Founded in 1904 by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and his brother Ganesh Savarkar, inspired by the Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Mazzini's 'Young Italy' movement. It aimed to overthrow British rule through armed revolution.
Abhinav Bharat: Founded in 1904 by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and his brother Ganesh Savarkar, inspired by the Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Mazzini's 'Young Italy' movement. It aimed to overthrow British rule through armed revolution.
3. Revolutionary Activities in Punjab
Context: Punjab saw the rise of revolutionary nationalism through organizations like Anjuman-i-Mohisban-i-Watan and influential leaders.
- Lala Lajpat Rai: Published Punjabee with motto "self-help at any cost".
- Ajit Singh: Organized Anjuman-i-Mohisban-i-Watan in Lahore, published Bharat Mata. He was Bhagat Singh's uncle.
- Other leaders: Aga Haidar, Syed Haider Raza, Bhai Parmanand, Lalchand 'Falak'.
4. Revolutionary Activities Abroad
Context: Indian revolutionaries established networks abroad, particularly in London, Paris, Berlin, and North America, to mobilize support and plan armed resistance.
- 1905: Shyamji Krishnavarma started India House (London) — center for Indian students. Published Indian Sociologist.
- 1909: Madanlal Dhingra (associated with India House) assassinated Curzon-Wyllie in London.
- 1910: Savarkar extradited and transported for life in Nasik conspiracy case — London became unsafe for revolutionaries.
- Paris and Geneva: Madam Bhikaji Cama brought out Bande Mataram; Ajit Singh operated.
- 1909: After deterioration of Anglo-German relations, Virendranath Chattopadhyaya made Berlin his base.
- 1911: Ramdas Puri, G.D. Kumar, Taraknath Das, Sohan Singh Bhakna, Lala Hardayal set up 'Swadesh Sevak Home' at Vancouver and 'United India House' at Seattle.
Prominent Revolutionaries Abroad:
- Shyamji Krishnavarma: Founded India House in London.
- Madam Bhikaji Cama: Published Bande Mataram from Paris.
- Virendranath Chattopadhyaya: Made Berlin his base for revolutionary activities.
- Lala Hardayal: Key figure in the Ghadr Party in San Francisco.
- Shyamji Krishnavarma: Founded India House in London.
- Madam Bhikaji Cama: Published Bande Mataram from Paris.
- Virendranath Chattopadhyaya: Made Berlin his base for revolutionary activities.
- Lala Hardayal: Key figure in the Ghadr Party in San Francisco.
5. Ghadr Party (1913)
Context: The Ghadr Party was established in San Francisco in 1913 with the aim of liberating India from British rule through armed revolution.
- Established: San Francisco in 1913 with branches along US coast and Far East. [UPSC 2014]
- Leaders: Lala Hardayal, Ramchandra, Bhagwan Singh, Kartar Singh Saraba, Barkatullah, Bhai Parmanand.
- Objectives: Organize assassinations, publish anti-imperialist literature, work among Indian troops abroad, procure arms, incite simultaneous revolt in British colonies.
- Rashbehari Bose: Leading figure in Ghadr Revolution during World War I. [UPSC 2022]
- 1913: Rashbehari Bose met Jatin to discuss all-India armed uprising. Collaborated with Bagha Jatin, extending Bengal plan to Punjab and upper provinces. Plan didn't succeed; Rashbehari escaped to Japan (1915). Later played key role in founding Indian National Army.
Knowledge Nugget
The Ghadr Party published a weekly newspaper called 'Ghadr' in Urdu, Punjabi, and other languages to spread revolutionary ideas among Indian soldiers and civilians. The party had a significant presence among Indian immigrants in North America.
The Ghadr Party published a weekly newspaper called 'Ghadr' in Urdu, Punjabi, and other languages to spread revolutionary ideas among Indian soldiers and civilians. The party had a significant presence among Indian immigrants in North America.
6. Komagata Maru Incident (1914)
Context: The Komagata Maru incident became a symbol of racial discrimination and fueled revolutionary sentiments in India.
- 1914: Komagata Maru ship carrying mainly Sikh and Punjabi Muslim immigrants turned back by Canadian authorities.
- Ship anchored at Calcutta; inmates refused to board Punjab-bound train. Conflict with police at Budge near Calcutta — 22 persons died.
- Result: Heightened tensions; Ghadr leaders planned violent attack to oust British rule.
7. Berlin Committee for Indian Independence (1915)
Context: The Berlin Committee was established during World War I with German support to mobilize Indian settlers abroad and organize armed invasion of British India.
- Established: 1915 by Virendranath Chattopadhyay, Bhupendranath Dutta, Lala Hardayal, and others with help of German foreign office under 'The Zimmerman Plan'.
- Aims: Mobilize Indian settlers abroad, incite rebellion among Indian troops, organize armed invasion of British India.
Key Features of the Berlin Committee:
- Operated with German support during World War I.
- Coordinated revolutionary activities with the Ghadr Party.
- Played a crucial role in the Indo-German conspiracy.
- The committee's activities were part of the broader Zimmerman Plan to destabilize British rule in India.
- Operated with German support during World War I.
- Coordinated revolutionary activities with the Ghadr Party.
- Played a crucial role in the Indo-German conspiracy.
- The committee's activities were part of the broader Zimmerman Plan to destabilize British rule in India.
8. Summary: Key Revolutionary Events & Organizations
| Event/Organization | Year | Region/Leader | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anushilan Samiti | 1902 | Bengal | Promotha Mitter, Barindra Ghosh |
| Yugantar (weekly) | 1906 | Bengal | Barindra Ghosh, Bhupendranath Dutta |
| Muzaffarpur Bombing | 1907-08 | Prafulla Chaki, Khudiram Bose | Attempted to kill Judge Kingsford |
| Alipore Conspiracy Case | 1908 | Aurobindo, Barindra Ghosh | Manicktolla bomb conspiracy |
| Delhi Bomb Attack | Dec 1912 | Rashbehari Bose, Sachin Sanyal | Attack on Viceroy Hardinge |
| Ramosi Peasant Force | 1879 | Vasudev Balwant Phadke | Maharashtra |
| Chapekar Brothers | 1897 | Damodar, Balkrishna | Assassinated Rand and Ayerst |
| Abhinav Bharat | 1904 | Savarkar | Inspired by Mazzini's 'Young Italy' |
| India House (London) | 1905 | Shyamji Krishnavarma | Center for Indian students |
| Ghadr Party | 1913 | San Francisco | Lala Hardayal, Rashbehari Bose |
| Komagata Maru Incident | 1914 | Canada/Calcutta | 22 died in Budge conflict |
| Berlin Committee | 1915 | Germany | Zimmerman Plan |
Key Takeaways for UPSC
- Anushilan Samiti (1902) — Bengal's first revolutionary organization.
- Alipore Conspiracy Case (1908) — Trial of Aurobindo and Barindra Ghosh.
- Abhinav Bharat (1904) — Founded by Savarkar, inspired by Mazzini.
- Ghadr Party (1913) — Established in San Francisco.
- Komagata Maru (1914) — Racial discrimination incident in Canada.
- Berlin Committee (1915) — Indo-German conspiracy during WWI.
High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (Chapter 8 Focus)
Q1. The Anushilan Samiti was founded in which year?
Correct Answer: B. The Anushilan Samiti was founded in 1902 by Promotha Mitter, Jatindranath Banerjee, Barindra Kumar Ghosh and others.
Q2. The weekly newspaper 'Yugantar' was launched in which year?
Correct Answer: C. The weekly newspaper 'Yugantar' was launched in 1906 by Barindra Kumar Ghosh and Bhupendranath Dutta.
Q3. Who assassinated Judge Kingsford's carriage in Muzaffarpur?
Correct Answer: A. Prafulla Chaki and Khudiram Bose attempted to bomb Judge Kingsford's carriage in Muzaffarpur in 1907-08.
Q4. The Alipore Conspiracy Case is also known as:
Correct Answer: A. The Alipore Conspiracy Case is also known as the Manicktolla bomb conspiracy or Muraripukur conspiracy.
Q5. Who was the leader of the 'German Plot' or 'Zimmerman Plan'?
Correct Answer: A. Bagha Jatin (Jatindranath Mukherjee) led the Jugantar party and planned the 'German Plot' or 'Zimmerman Plan' to import German arms.
Q6. The Ramosi Peasant Force was organized by:
Correct Answer: A. Vasudev Balwant Phadke organized the Ramosi Peasant Force in 1879, aiming to trigger an armed revolt against the British.
Q7. The Ghadr Party was established in San Francisco in which year?
Correct Answer: C. The Ghadr Party was established in San Francisco in 1913 with branches along the US coast and in the Far East. [UPSC 2014]
Q8. The Komagata Maru incident occurred in which year?
Correct Answer: C. The Komagata Maru incident occurred in 1914 when the ship carrying mainly Sikh and Punjabi Muslim immigrants was turned back by Canadian authorities.
Q9. The Berlin Committee for Indian Independence was established in which year?
Correct Answer: C. The Berlin Committee for Indian Independence was established in 1915 by Virendranath Chattopadhyay, Bhupendranath Dutta, Lala Hardayal, and others under 'The Zimmerman Plan'.
Q10. Who assassinated Curzon-Wyllie in London in 1909?
Correct Answer: A. Madanlal Dhingra, associated with India House, assassinated Curzon-Wyllie, a bureaucrat, in London in 1909.