Modern History Playlist
19 chapters • 0 completed
1
Advent of Europeans in India
9 topics
2
Decline of the Mughal Empire
7 topics
3
Emergence of Regional States
11 topics
4
Expansion and Consolidation of British Power
19 topics
5
British Government & Economic Policies (1757–1857)
4 topics
6
Social Reform Movements
20 topics
7
People’s Resistance before 1857
3 topics
8
The revolt of 1857
6 topics
9
Growth of Nationalism and Moderate Phase of Congress
6 topics
10
British Administration in India
7 topics
11
Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909)
5 topics
12
First Phase of Revolutionary Activities(1907-1917)
8 topics
13
India’s Response to First World War and Home Rule Movement
4 topics
14
Emergence of Gandhi
6 topics
15
Non-Cooperation Movement and Khilafat Movement
7 topics
16
Emergence of Swarajists, Socialist Ideas, Revolutionary Activities
5 topics
17
Struggle For Swaraj: 1928-1935
13 topics
18
Period from 1935-42
9 topics
19
Period from 1942-47
22 topics
Progress
0% complete
Chapter 12: First Phase of Revolutionary Activities(1907-1917)
Chapter Test8 topics•Estimated reading: 24 minutes
First Phase of Revolutionary Activities (1907–1917)
Key Point
The first phase of revolutionary nationalism (1907–1917) emerged as Extremists lost ground after the Surat Split and Swadeshi fizzled out. Revolutionary groups, inspired by international events and frustrated youth energy, turned to secret societies, assassinations, and bomb attacks as a new form of resistance against British rule.
The first phase of revolutionary nationalism (1907–1917) emerged as Extremists lost ground after the Surat Split and Swadeshi fizzled out. Revolutionary groups, inspired by international events and frustrated youth energy, turned to secret societies, assassinations, and bomb attacks as a new form of resistance against British rule.
Detailed Notes (9 points)
Tap a card to add note • Use the highlight Listen button to play the full section
Background: After 1905–08 Swadeshi movement weakened due to repression, leader arrests, and Surat Split (1907).
Youth frustration: Educated middle and lower-middle-class youth, denied jobs and political voice, turned to revolutionary terrorism.
International inspiration: Russian Revolution of 1905, nationalist struggles in Ireland, and Japanese victory over Russia (1905) showed that mighty empires could be defeated.
Ideological influences: Extremist leaders like Aurobindo Ghosh, Bipin Chandra Pal, and writings of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (Anandamath, 'Bande Mataram') inspired secret societies.
Secret organisations: Anushilan Samiti in Bengal, Jugantar group, Mitra Mela/Abhinav Bharat in Maharashtra founded by V.D. Savarkar.
Support from diasporas: Indian revolutionaries in Europe (Shyamji Krishna Varma, Madam Bhikaji Cama, Veer Savarkar in London) and America (Ghadar Party) provided ideological and material aid.
Activities: Political assassinations of British officials, dacoities (robberies to raise funds), bomb-making training, and circulation of revolutionary literature.
Government repression: Laws like Criminal Law Amendment Act (1908) and Indian Press Act (1910) tightened surveillance and censorship.
Despite repression, revolutionaries kept alive the spirit of defiance, inspiring a new generation.
Key Factors Behind Rise of Revolutionary Nationalism (1907–1917)
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Failure of Moderates | Petitions and reforms produced little result; youth lost faith |
| Decline of Swadeshi | Government repression and lack of leadership after Surat Split weakened open movements |
| Economic Hardship | Unemployment and poverty among educated youth created anger |
| International Influence | Russian Revolution (1905), Japan’s victory over Russia, Irish freedom struggle |
| Ideological Inspiration | Aurobindo, Tilak, Bankim Chandra’s writings, Bande Mataram |
| Support Abroad | Indian revolutionaries in London, Paris, USA provided funds and propaganda |
Fun Facts
Madam Bhikaji Cama unfurled the first version of the Indian national flag at Stuttgart (Germany) in 1907.
Shyamji Krishna Varma started 'India House' in London as a hub for young revolutionaries like Savarkar.
Revolutionaries often learnt bomb-making by studying French and Russian revolutionary manuals.
Mains Key Points
The first phase of revolutionary activities arose from frustration with Moderates and decline of Swadeshi.
Secret societies in Bengal and Maharashtra carried out assassinations, bombings, and dacoities to challenge colonial power.
International influences and diaspora support gave revolutionaries new ideological and material strength.
Though suppressed, this phase inspired later revolutionary movements (e.g., Hindustan Socialist Republican Association in 1920s).
Prelims Strategy Tips
Anushilan Samiti founded in Bengal → major revolutionary group.
Abhinav Bharat founded by V.D. Savarkar in Maharashtra.
Russian Revolution (1905) was a key international inspiration.
1908 Criminal Law Amendment Act & 1910 Press Act used to suppress revolutionaries.
Revolutionary Activities in Bengal (1905–1917)
Key Point
Bengal was the cradle of revolutionary nationalism during the first phase of armed resistance (1905–1917). Organisations like Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar organised assassinations, dacoities, bomb attacks, and underground networks. Despite repression, Bengal’s revolutionaries inspired nationalist youth across India and abroad.
Bengal was the cradle of revolutionary nationalism during the first phase of armed resistance (1905–1917). Organisations like Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar organised assassinations, dacoities, bomb attacks, and underground networks. Despite repression, Bengal’s revolutionaries inspired nationalist youth across India and abroad.
Detailed Notes (14 points)
Tap a card to add note • Use the highlight Listen button to play the full section
Rise of Secret Societies: The Anushilan Samiti, founded in Calcutta by Pramathanath Mitra, and Jugantar, led by Barindra Ghosh, became the two most important revolutionary organisations.
Membership and Training: Members were mostly educated youth from middle and lower-middle classes. They trained in physical fitness, wrestling, swordplay, and bomb-making.
Ideological Inspiration: Aurobindo Ghosh’s writings (Bande Mataram journal), Bankim Chandra’s Anandamath, and Yogic philosophy inspired armed struggle.
Early Actions: Dacca Anushilan Samiti carried out assassinations of police informers and British officials, gaining wide notoriety.
Muzaffarpur Bomb Case (1908): Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki attempted to kill Judge Kingsford. Although the target survived, two women died. Khudiram was executed at 18, becoming a martyr.
Alipore Conspiracy Case (1908–09): A police raid on Jugantar’s Manicktolla bomb factory led to the arrest of Barindra Ghosh and 37 others. Aurobindo Ghosh was also tried but acquitted. The case exposed the revolutionary underground in Bengal.
Dacoities: Revolutionaries conducted armed robberies (called ‘Swadeshi dacoities’) to fund their activities, targeting rich loyalists and government treasuries.
Howrah–Sibpur Conspiracy Case (1910–11): Exposed the link between revolutionaries and workers in Calcutta’s industrial areas, reflecting attempts to connect with the working class.
Role of Press: Papers like Jugantar, Sandhya, and Bande Mataram spread revolutionary ideas, often facing bans and confiscations.
Bagha Jatin (Jatindranath Mukherjee): Emerged as a charismatic leader after 1910. Organised secret societies, dacoities, and built connections with German agents during WWI (Indo-German Conspiracy, 1915). Martyred at Balasore after fierce battle with police.
Indo-German Conspiracy (1915): Revolutionaries attempted to land arms on the Orissa coast with German help during WWI. The plan failed, but it showed global networks of Indian revolutionaries.
Women in Revolution: Women like Bina Das and Pritilata Waddedar (slightly later) were inspired by Bengal’s revolutionary tradition, showing its long-term impact.
British Repression: Harsh measures included Press Act (1910), arrests, deportations, and surveillance by the newly formed Intelligence Bureau.
Legacy: Despite failures, Bengal revolutionaries kept militant nationalism alive, inspiring Punjab (Ghadar Movement) and later HSRA in 1920s.
Major Revolutionary Cases in Bengal
| Year | Case/Incident | Key Figures | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1905 | Formation of Anushilan Samiti | Jatindranath Banerjee, Pramathanath Mitra | Spread rapidly in Bengal |
| 1906 | Jugantar group formed | Barindra Ghosh, Ullaskar Datta | Engaged in bomb-making |
| 1908 | Muzaffarpur Bombing | Khudiram Bose, Prafulla Chaki | Khudiram executed, Prafulla committed suicide |
| 1908–09 | Alipore Conspiracy Case | Aurobindo Ghosh, Barindra Ghosh | Aurobindo acquitted, Barindra sentenced |
| 1910–11 | Howrah–Sibpur Conspiracy | Workers and revolutionaries | Crackdown on industrial revolutionary links |
| 1915 | Indo-German Conspiracy | Bagha Jatin, German agents | Jatin martyred in Balasore gunfight |
Fun Facts
Khudiram Bose’s smiling face at the gallows became legendary and inspired patriotic songs.
Revolutionaries often used religious festivals like Durga Puja as cover for secret meetings.
Jugantar members experimented with crude bombs using instructions from European revolutionary manuals.
Mains Key Points
Bengal was the stronghold of revolutionary terrorism, marked by secret societies, assassinations, and bomb plots.
The movement represented the anger of disillusioned educated youth who found moderate politics ineffective.
Key incidents like Muzaffarpur Bombing and Alipore Conspiracy became symbols of sacrifice and defiance.
Despite severe repression, Bengal revolutionaries kept alive the spirit of militant nationalism and inspired future groups across India and abroad.
Prelims Strategy Tips
Khudiram Bose → executed at 18 after Muzaffarpur Bomb Case (1908).
Alipore Conspiracy Case (1908–09) → Aurobindo acquitted, Barindra convicted.
Bagha Jatin died in Balasore gun battle (1915) during Indo-German Conspiracy.
Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar were main revolutionary groups in Bengal.
Revolutionary Activities in Maharashtra (1897–1917)
Key Point
Maharashtra emerged as another important centre of revolutionary nationalism. Starting with the Chapekar Brothers’ assassination of British officials in 1897, the movement grew with organisations like Mitra Mela and Abhinav Bharat under V.D. Savarkar. The Nasik Conspiracy Case (1909) became a landmark, exposing underground networks and inspiring future revolutionaries.
Maharashtra emerged as another important centre of revolutionary nationalism. Starting with the Chapekar Brothers’ assassination of British officials in 1897, the movement grew with organisations like Mitra Mela and Abhinav Bharat under V.D. Savarkar. The Nasik Conspiracy Case (1909) became a landmark, exposing underground networks and inspiring future revolutionaries.
Detailed Notes (10 points)
Tap a card to add note • Use the highlight Listen button to play the full section
Early spark: In 1897, the Chapekar Brothers (Damodar, Balkrishna, and Vasudev Chapekar) assassinated Rand, the Plague Commissioner of Pune, and Lt. Ayerst, as revenge for high-handed plague measures.
Mitra Mela (1899): Founded by V.D. Savarkar in Nashik; later evolved into Abhinav Bharat. Focused on nationalism, armed training, and spreading revolutionary literature.
Abhinav Bharat Society (1904): Founded by Savarkar and his brother Ganesh Savarkar. Inspired by Giuseppe Mazzini’s Young Italy, it sought complete independence through armed struggle.
Savarkar in London (1906): Joined India House founded by Shyamji Krishna Varma. Spread revolutionary propaganda, wrote 'The First War of Independence (1857)' portraying 1857 Revolt as a national struggle.
Arms and literature: Savarkar and associates circulated manuals on bomb-making and firearms; India House became a hub for training revolutionaries like Madan Lal Dhingra.
Madan Lal Dhingra (1909): Assassinated Sir Curzon Wyllie in London; inspired Indian revolutionaries worldwide.
Nasik Conspiracy Case (1909): Anushilan Samiti-inspired revolutionaries in Maharashtra assassinated A.M.T. Jackson, Collector of Nashik. This led to the arrest of Savarkar (extradited from London in 1910) and crackdown on Abhinav Bharat.
Savarkar’s imprisonment: Transported for life to the Cellular Jail in Andamans in 1911.
Spread of revolutionary culture: Tilak’s Ganapati and Shivaji festivals created political awareness, which complemented revolutionary propaganda.
Legacy: Maharashtra’s revolutionaries provided ideological foundation (complete independence, militant nationalism) and connected Indian struggle to global revolutionary movements.
Major Revolutionary Events in Maharashtra
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1897 | Chapekar Brothers’ Assassination | Killed Rand & Ayerst in Pune during plague epidemic |
| 1899 | Formation of Mitra Mela | Founded by V.D. Savarkar; secret society for armed struggle |
| 1904 | Abhinav Bharat founded | Savarkar brothers; inspired by Mazzini’s Young Italy |
| 1906 | Savarkar in London | Joined India House; spread revolutionary propaganda |
| 1909 | Madan Lal Dhingra Assassination | Killed Curzon Wyllie in London; executed |
| 1909 | Nasik Conspiracy Case | Assassination of Collector Jackson; crackdown on Abhinav Bharat |
| 1911 | Savarkar’s Imprisonment | Transported to Cellular Jail in Andamans |
Fun Facts
Savarkar smuggled pistols into India through biscuit tins and concealed literature in double-lined books.
Madan Lal Dhingra’s courtroom speech became legendary, inspiring revolutionaries worldwide.
Chapekar Brothers were executed but became folk heroes in Maharashtra.
Mains Key Points
Maharashtra’s revolutionary movement laid ideological foundations of militant nationalism with demands for complete independence.
Abhinav Bharat provided organised structure for secret societies and connected Indian revolutionaries with global movements.
The Nasik Conspiracy Case exposed networks linking revolutionaries, workers, and students, leading to harsh repression.
Despite failures, Maharashtra’s revolutionaries inspired future armed groups, influencing Bhagat Singh and HSRA in the 1920s.
Prelims Strategy Tips
Chapekar Brothers assassinated Rand in Pune (1897).
Abhinav Bharat founded in 1904 by V.D. Savarkar.
Madan Lal Dhingra assassinated Curzon Wyllie in London (1909).
Nasik Conspiracy Case (1909) led to Savarkar’s arrest and transportation to Cellular Jail.
Revolutionary Activities in Punjab (1907–1917)
Key Point
Punjab emerged as a hub of revolutionary activity due to agrarian unrest, canal colony disputes, and nationalist inspiration. Leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai, Ajit Singh, and the Ghadr Party mobilized peasants and overseas Indians. Newspapers such as 'The Tribune' and 'Punjabee' played a major role in spreading revolutionary ideas.
Punjab emerged as a hub of revolutionary activity due to agrarian unrest, canal colony disputes, and nationalist inspiration. Leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai, Ajit Singh, and the Ghadr Party mobilized peasants and overseas Indians. Newspapers such as 'The Tribune' and 'Punjabee' played a major role in spreading revolutionary ideas.
Detailed Notes (9 points)
Tap a card to add note • Use the highlight Listen button to play the full section
Agrarian discontent: The Punjab Land Alienation Act (1900) and exploitation in canal colonies created deep resentment among peasants.
Leaders: Lala Lajpat Rai and Ajit Singh mobilized peasants under the 'Pagri Sambhal Jatta' movement (1907) against anti-peasant laws.
Pagri Sambhal Jatta Movement (1907): Led by Ajit Singh and Kishan Singh (Bhagat Singh’s uncle). Farmers protested against increased land revenue and irrigation rates in Lyallpur (now Faisalabad).
Revolutionary Organisations: Secret groups emerged, linking Punjab with Bengal and Maharashtra networks.
Diaspora Support: Punjab revolutionaries abroad (USA, Canada) formed the Ghadar Party (1913) under Lala Hardayal, Kartar Singh Sarabha, and Sohan Singh Bhakna.
Ghadar Movement: Published the newspaper 'Ghadar' in San Francisco; called for armed revolt in India during WWI.
Suppression: British used deportations, arrests, and censorship. Ajit Singh was deported, Lajpat Rai exiled temporarily.
Influence on Youth: Young revolutionaries like Kartar Singh Sarabha became iconic figures; Bhagat Singh later carried forward this revolutionary legacy.
Newspapers in Punjab: 'The Tribune' (English, 1881, Amritsar), 'Punjabee' (Urdu), 'Bharat Mata', and 'Ghadar' (published abroad) spread nationalist and revolutionary ideas.
Major Revolutionary Events in Punjab
| Year | Event | Leaders/Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1900 | Punjab Land Alienation Act | Created discontent among peasants |
| 1907 | Pagri Sambhal Jatta Movement | Ajit Singh, Kishan Singh; anti-revenue agitation in Lyallpur |
| 1907 | Deportation of Leaders | Ajit Singh and Lajpat Rai exiled for their role in agitation |
| 1913 | Formation of Ghadar Party (San Francisco) | Lala Hardayal, Sohan Singh Bhakna, Kartar Singh Sarabha |
| 1914–15 | Ghadar Conspiracy during WWI | Attempted revolt with German help; suppressed by British |
Important Newspapers in Punjab’s Revolutionary Movement
| Newspaper | Language | Role |
|---|---|---|
| The Tribune (1881) | English | Spread nationalist views; based in Amritsar |
| Punjabee | Urdu | Mobilised masses with nationalist content |
| Bharat Mata | Hindi | Encouraged patriotic awakening |
| Ghadar (1913) | Punjabi/Urdu/English | Published abroad; called for armed revolt against British |
Fun Facts
The slogan 'Pagri Sambhal Jatta' became a rallying cry for peasant dignity in Punjab.
The Ghadar newspaper was published weekly from San Francisco and smuggled into India.
The Tribune, though in English, had wide influence among the educated Punjabi elite.
Mains Key Points
Punjab’s revolutionary nationalism was deeply rooted in agrarian grievances and canal colony discontent.
Movements like Pagri Sambhal Jatta linked peasants directly with political agitation.
The Ghadar Party gave Punjab revolutionaries a global dimension, linking diaspora with Indian struggle.
Newspapers like The Tribune, Punjabee, and Ghadar played a crucial role in mobilising opinion and spreading revolutionary ideology.
Prelims Strategy Tips
Pagri Sambhal Jatta Movement → 1907, led by Ajit Singh, Kishan Singh in Lyallpur.
Ghadar Party founded in 1913 in San Francisco.
The Tribune (1881, Amritsar) was a major nationalist paper in Punjab.
Kartar Singh Sarabha became a key Ghadar revolutionary, hanged in 1915.
Revolutionary Activities Abroad (1905–1917)
Key Point
Indian revolutionaries abroad created networks in Europe, America, and Asia to mobilize support for independence. Organizations like India House in London, Paris Indian Society, Ghadar Party in USA, and Berlin Committee coordinated propaganda, arms smuggling, and conspiracies. Newspapers such as 'Indian Sociologist', 'Talwar', 'Ghadar', and 'Bande Mataram' were crucial tools of mobilization.
Indian revolutionaries abroad created networks in Europe, America, and Asia to mobilize support for independence. Organizations like India House in London, Paris Indian Society, Ghadar Party in USA, and Berlin Committee coordinated propaganda, arms smuggling, and conspiracies. Newspapers such as 'Indian Sociologist', 'Talwar', 'Ghadar', and 'Bande Mataram' were crucial tools of mobilization.
Detailed Notes (11 points)
Tap a card to add note • Use the highlight Listen button to play the full section
India House (London, 1905): Founded by Shyamji Krishna Varma. Became a hub for Indian students and revolutionaries. Members included V.D. Savarkar, Madan Lal Dhingra, and others.
Publications: 'Indian Sociologist' (by Krishna Varma) propagated anti-colonial views; Savarkar circulated 'First War of Independence (1857)' glorifying the revolt.
Madan Lal Dhingra (1909): Assassinated Curzon Wyllie in London; executed, but became an icon of sacrifice.
Paris Indian Society: Led by Madam Bhikaji Cama after Krishna Varma moved to Paris. She unfurled the first version of the Indian national flag at Stuttgart (1907).
Publications in Paris: 'Bande Mataram' (inspired by Aurobindo Ghosh’s journal) and 'Talwar' spread revolutionary messages across Europe.
Berlin Committee (Indian Independence Committee, 1915): Formed during WWI by Virendranath Chattopadhyaya, Chempakaraman Pillai, and others. Collaborated with Germany for the Indo-German Conspiracy to smuggle arms to India.
Ghadar Party (San Francisco, 1913): Founded by Lala Hardayal, Sohan Singh Bhakna, and Kartar Singh Sarabha. Published the 'Ghadar' newspaper in multiple languages (Punjabi, Urdu, English).
Ghadar Movement during WWI: Called upon Indian soldiers to revolt against the British. Arms shipments attempted with German aid, but conspiracy failed due to intelligence leaks.
Role of diaspora: Overseas Indians, especially in USA and Canada, raised funds, recruited volunteers, and smuggled literature back to India.
Suppression: British intelligence monitored revolutionaries abroad; India House was shut down, Ghadar leaders arrested, Berlin conspiracy crushed.
Legacy: These foreign networks internationalized India’s independence struggle and connected it with global anti-imperialist movements.
Major Revolutionary Organisations Abroad
| Year | Organisation | Leaders | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1905 | India House (London) | Shyamji Krishna Varma, V.D. Savarkar, Madan Lal Dhingra | Propaganda, training, publications |
| 1907 | Paris Indian Society | Madam Bhikaji Cama, S.R. Rana | Published Bande Mataram, Talwar; unfurled Indian flag |
| 1913 | Ghadar Party (San Francisco) | Lala Hardayal, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Sohan Singh Bhakna | Published Ghadar newspaper; called for armed revolt |
| 1915 | Berlin Committee | Virendranath Chattopadhyaya, Chempakaraman Pillai | Indo-German Conspiracy; attempted arms smuggling |
Important Revolutionary Newspapers Abroad
| Newspaper | Place | Language | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Sociologist | London | English | Founded by Krishna Varma; anti-colonial propaganda |
| Talwar | Paris | English | Published by Madam Cama; revolutionary literature |
| Bande Mataram | Paris | English | Spread nationalist ideas in Europe |
| Ghadar | San Francisco | Punjabi, Urdu, English | Called Indians to rise in revolt against British |
Fun Facts
The 'Ghadar' newspaper was shipped secretly to India in bundles of grain and cloth.
Madam Cama’s flag unfurled in Stuttgart (1907) had 'Vande Mataram' inscribed on it.
Savarkar once smuggled pistols to India hidden in books and everyday objects.
Mains Key Points
Revolutionary activities abroad internationalised India’s freedom struggle, linking it with anti-imperialist movements worldwide.
India House, Paris Society, Ghadar Party, and Berlin Committee spread propaganda, mobilised diaspora, and attempted armed revolts.
Newspapers like Indian Sociologist, Talwar, Bande Mataram, and Ghadar were powerful tools to awaken nationalism among Indians abroad and at home.
Though suppressed by British intelligence, these movements inspired later revolutionary organisations in India.
Prelims Strategy Tips
India House → founded 1905 in London by Shyamji Krishna Varma.
Madam Bhikaji Cama → unfurled Indian flag at Stuttgart, 1907.
Ghadar Party → formed 1913 in San Francisco; newspaper 'Ghadar'.
Berlin Committee → formed 1915; linked with Indo-German Conspiracy.
Revolutionary Activities in South India (1905–1917)
Key Point
In South India, revolutionary nationalism was closely linked with the Swadeshi Movement. Leaders like V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, Subramania Siva, and Nilakanta Brahmachari mobilized people through strikes, Swadeshi enterprises, and secret revolutionary societies. The Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company and militant propaganda in Tamil Nadu were symbols of this phase.
In South India, revolutionary nationalism was closely linked with the Swadeshi Movement. Leaders like V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, Subramania Siva, and Nilakanta Brahmachari mobilized people through strikes, Swadeshi enterprises, and secret revolutionary societies. The Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company and militant propaganda in Tamil Nadu were symbols of this phase.
Detailed Notes (10 points)
Tap a card to add note • Use the highlight Listen button to play the full section
V.O. Chidambaram Pillai (VOC): A key leader from Tamil Nadu who founded the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company (SSNC) in Tuticorin (1906) to challenge the monopoly of the British India Steam Navigation Company.
Strikes in Tuticorin (1908): VOC and Subramania Siva led strikes in the Coral Mills against harsh British policies. Workers joined in large numbers, marking the beginning of organised labour resistance in South India.
Repression: VOC was sentenced to transportation for life (later reduced) and suffered brutal treatment in prison. Subramania Siva was also jailed.
Nilakanta Brahmachari: Formed the Bharat Mata Association (1909) in Madras Presidency, which recruited youth into secret revolutionary activities.
Use of Folk Traditions: Revolutionaries in South India used songs, dramas, and religious gatherings to spread nationalist ideas.
Andhra Contribution: Leaders like Harisarvottam Rao mobilised students and youth in coastal Andhra. Secret societies connected with Bengal revolutionaries.
Integration with Swadeshi: South Indian revolutionaries promoted boycott of foreign cloth and adoption of handloom textiles.
Impact of Extremist Leaders: Tilak’s visits to Madras Presidency inspired youth; his Ganapati and Shivaji festivals became models for mobilisation.
British Response: Harsh repression, imprisonment, and banning of nationalist newspapers such as 'India' (edited by Subramania Bharati) weakened the movement temporarily.
Legacy: Inspired future freedom fighters like Subramania Bharati, who through his writings gave voice to militant nationalism in Tamil Nadu.
Major Revolutionary Events in South India
| Year | Event | Leaders/Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1906 | Formation of Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company (Tuticorin) | V.O. Chidambaram Pillai challenged British monopoly |
| 1908 | Tuticorin Coral Mills Strike | Led by VOC and Subramania Siva; marked labour participation |
| 1909 | Bharat Mata Association | Formed by Nilakanta Brahmachari in Madras Presidency |
| 1910 | Suppression of nationalist press | Subramania Bharati’s paper 'India' banned by British |
Important Newspapers in South Indian Revolutionary Movement
| Newspaper | Language | Role |
|---|---|---|
| India | Tamil/English | Edited by Subramania Bharati; spread militant nationalism |
| Swadesamitran | Tamil | Encouraged Swadeshi and boycott |
| Sudesa Geetham (songs) | Tamil | Patriotic songs by Subramania Bharati; inspired masses |
Fun Facts
VOC was popularly known as 'Kappalottiya Tamizhan' (The Tamil Helmsman) for challenging British shipping.
Subramania Bharati disguised revolutionary songs as devotional poetry to avoid censorship.
Nilakanta Brahmachari was inspired by Bengal’s Anushilan Samiti and adopted similar methods in Madras Presidency.
Mains Key Points
South India’s revolutionary activities were closely tied with the Swadeshi and labour movements.
VOC’s SSNC represented an economic challenge to British monopoly and symbolised nationalist enterprise.
Nilakanta Brahmachari and Bharat Mata Association showed the spread of underground revolutionary societies beyond Bengal and Maharashtra.
Nationalist newspapers and poetry (Subramania Bharati) played a crucial role in awakening Tamil masses.
Prelims Strategy Tips
VOC founded Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company in 1906.
Tuticorin Coral Mills strike (1908) → first major labour strike in South India.
Nilakanta Brahmachari formed Bharat Mata Association in 1909.
Subramania Bharati’s newspaper 'India' was banned in 1910.
Revolutionary Activities in Uttar Pradesh & Bihar (1907–1930)
Key Point
UP and Bihar became important centres of revolutionary nationalism with leaders like Sachindranath Sanyal, Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Chandrashekhar Azad. Secret societies like Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) and Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) organised armed robberies, assassinations, and political propaganda. The Kakori Conspiracy (1925) was the defining event of this region’s revolutionary phase.
UP and Bihar became important centres of revolutionary nationalism with leaders like Sachindranath Sanyal, Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Chandrashekhar Azad. Secret societies like Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) and Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) organised armed robberies, assassinations, and political propaganda. The Kakori Conspiracy (1925) was the defining event of this region’s revolutionary phase.
Detailed Notes (10 points)
Tap a card to add note • Use the highlight Listen button to play the full section
Early inspiration: Sachindranath Sanyal, based in Banaras, established secret revolutionary groups connected with Bengal revolutionaries.
Formation of Hindustan Republican Association (HRA, 1924): Founded by Sachindranath Sanyal, Ramprasad Bismil, Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee, and others. Its aim was to organise armed struggle for a federal republic of India.
Kakori Conspiracy (1925): Revolutionaries looted a train carrying government treasury near Kakori (Lucknow). Leaders included Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Chandrashekhar Azad, Rajendra Lahiri, and Roshan Singh.
Trial & Martyrdom: Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Lahiri, and Roshan Singh were executed in 1927. Chandrashekhar Azad escaped and continued underground struggle.
Transition to HSRA (1928): Younger revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Sukhdev reorganised HRA into HSRA with socialist ideology.
Bihar’s Role: Bihar became a base for revolutionary propaganda, safe houses, and fundraising activities. Many HSRA members were sheltered by sympathisers in Bihar.
Propaganda Literature: Pamphlets like 'The Revolutionary' and 'Manifesto of HRA' outlined their ideology and called for mass revolution.
Women in UP-Bihar Revolution: Durga Bhabhi (Durga Devi Vohra) played a crucial role in helping Bhagat Singh escape and in fundraising.
British Response: Harsh repression, trials, and executions. Special branches of police set up in UP and Bihar to track revolutionaries.
Legacy: The Kakori martyrs became household names and inspired later revolutionary movements across India.
Major Revolutionary Events in UP & Bihar
| Year | Event | Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| 1924 | Formation of HRA | Sachindranath Sanyal, Ramprasad Bismil, Jogesh Ch. Chatterjee |
| 1925 | Kakori Conspiracy | Bismil, Ashfaqulla, Azad, Lahiri, Roshan Singh |
| 1927 | Execution of Kakori Martyrs | Bismil, Ashfaqulla, Lahiri, Roshan Singh |
| 1928 | Reorganisation into HSRA | Bhagat Singh, Azad, Sukhdev |
Important Revolutionary Newspapers in UP & Bihar
| Newspaper | Language | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Pratap | Hindi | Edited by Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi; supported revolutionaries and exposed colonial repression |
| Swarajya | Hindi | Carried writings of Bismil and other revolutionaries |
| The Revolutionary (Pamphlet) | English | Published by HRA; spread ideology of armed struggle |
| Manifesto of HRA | Hindi/English | Outlined objective of establishing a federal republic of India |
Fun Facts
Ashfaqulla Khan was the first Muslim revolutionary to be hanged for India’s independence.
Ramprasad Bismil was also a poet; his famous poems inspired fellow revolutionaries.
Durga Bhabhi once disguised as Bhagat Singh’s wife to help him escape after Saunders’ assassination.
Mains Key Points
Revolutionary activities in UP and Bihar were organised under HRA and HSRA, combining armed struggle with political propaganda.
The Kakori Conspiracy became a turning point, highlighting both revolutionary daring and British repression.
The ideological shift from HRA to HSRA reflected the influence of socialist thought and broader revolutionary vision.
Revolutionary newspapers and literature created strong nationalist consciousness in the Hindi heartland.
Prelims Strategy Tips
HRA founded in 1924 by Sachindranath Sanyal and Ramprasad Bismil.
Kakori Conspiracy (1925) → looting of train treasury near Lucknow.
Kakori Martyrs executed in 1927: Bismil, Ashfaqulla, Lahiri, Roshan Singh.
HSRA formed in 1928 by Bhagat Singh, Azad, and others.
Komagata Maru Incident and the Ghadar Movement
Key Point
The Komagata Maru Incident (1914) exposed racial discrimination faced by Indian immigrants in Canada and galvanized the Ghadar Movement, which had already mobilized Indian expatriates in North America for India’s independence. Both became symbols of global anti-colonial resistance.
The Komagata Maru Incident (1914) exposed racial discrimination faced by Indian immigrants in Canada and galvanized the Ghadar Movement, which had already mobilized Indian expatriates in North America for India’s independence. Both became symbols of global anti-colonial resistance.
Detailed Notes (9 points)
Tap a card to add note • Use the highlight Listen button to play the full section
Background: Large numbers of Punjabis migrated to Canada and the USA in the early 20th century, facing severe racial prejudice and immigration restrictions.
Komagata Maru Incident (1914): A Japanese ship carrying 376 Indian passengers, mostly Sikhs from Punjab, was denied entry at Vancouver due to Canada’s discriminatory immigration laws.
After two months of standoff, the ship was forced to return to India. On arrival at Budge Budge (near Calcutta), British police attempted to arrest passengers. Violence broke out, leading to deaths of 19 passengers and arrests of many others.
Impact: The incident became a rallying point for anti-colonial sentiment among Indians abroad and in Punjab.
The Ghadar Party (founded 1913, San Francisco): Led by Lala Hardayal, Sohan Singh Bhakna, and Kartar Singh Sarabha, it aimed at armed revolution in India.
Ghadar Newspaper (from 1913): Published in Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, and English, it spread the message of revolt against British rule among Indian diaspora.
WWI and Ghadar Conspiracy: The Ghadar leaders, inspired by Komagata Maru, called Indians to return home and launch uprisings. With German help, they attempted to smuggle arms into India (1915 Indo-German Conspiracy).
British Suppression: Through intelligence networks, the conspiracies were foiled. Many Ghadar leaders were executed or imprisoned (e.g., Kartar Singh Sarabha was executed in 1915 at age 19).
Legacy: Komagata Maru and Ghadar became symbols of resistance to imperialism, connecting India’s freedom struggle with global anti-racist and anti-colonial struggles.
Key Aspects of Komagata Maru Incident
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1914 | Komagata Maru reaches Vancouver | Denied entry to 376 Indians due to racial laws |
| 1914 | Return to India | At Budge Budge, violence erupted; 19 killed |
| Impact | Symbol of racial discrimination | Inspired Punjabi migrants and revolutionaries |
Key Aspects of the Ghadar Movement
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 | Formation of Ghadar Party | Founded in San Francisco by Indian immigrants |
| 1913 | Launch of Ghadar Newspaper | Published in Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, and English |
| 1915 | Indo-German Conspiracy | Attempted arms shipment to India for uprising |
| 1915 | Executions | Kartar Singh Sarabha executed at age 19 |
| Legacy | Inspired future revolutionaries | Linked diaspora struggles with Indian independence |
Fun Facts
The Komagata Maru ship was originally a Japanese ship hired by Gurdit Singh, a Sikh businessman from Singapore.
The Ghadar newspaper was printed on cheap paper but circulated globally, from Canada to India.
Kartar Singh Sarabha was so young that even the British judge noted his bravery at execution.
Mains Key Points
Komagata Maru highlighted racial discrimination against Indians abroad and connected diaspora struggles to India’s freedom movement.
The Ghadar Party represented the global dimension of Indian nationalism, mobilising expatriates for armed revolt.
Both events exposed the hypocrisy of imperial powers claiming democracy but enforcing racial exclusion and colonial rule.
Komagata Maru and Ghadar became enduring symbols of sacrifice, resistance, and international solidarity in India’s independence movement.
Prelims Strategy Tips
Komagata Maru Incident → 1914, Vancouver, ship with 376 Indians denied entry.
Budge Budge violence killed 19 passengers on return to India.
Ghadar Party founded 1913 in San Francisco; published 'Ghadar' newspaper.
Kartar Singh Sarabha → executed in 1915 at age 19.
Chapter Complete!
Ready to move to the next chapter?