Revolutionary Terrorism
The surge of Revolutionary Terrorism Phase II during the 1920s represents a pivotal chapter in Modern Indian History UPSC preparation. Emerging after the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement, this phase witnessed a profound ideological transformation from individual heroism toward organized socialist revolution within the broader Indian Freedom Struggle.
Historical Background
The political vacuum caused by the abrupt ending of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922 left the youth disillusioned with non-violent methods. Influenced by the Russian Revolution (1917) and working-class movements, revolutionaries reorganized to challenge the British Raj through militant action.
Causes for the Revival of Revolutionary Activities
Key factors driving the revival of Revolutionary Terrorism 1920s included:
- Frustration among youth over the sudden call-off of mass agitation.
- The rise of Marxist and socialist literature across urban centers.
- Ineffectiveness of parliamentary politics to secure rapid independence.
Major Revolutionary Organizations
The movement was spearheaded by two distinct geographical hubs:
Hindustan Republican Association (HRA): Founded in 1924 at Kanpur, later renamed the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in 1928 at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi.
Jugantar and Anushilan Samiti networks in Bengal, along with the Indian Republican Army (Chittagong branch).
Prominent Revolutionary Leaders
Prominent figures of Revolutionary Nationalism included:
- Chandrashekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru in Northern India.
- Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, and Roshan Singh.
- Surya Sen (Master Da), Kalpana Datta, and Pritilata Wadedar in Bengal.
Major Revolutionary Events
Significant actions executed during this period include:
- Kakori Conspiracy / Kakori Train Action (1925): Train robbery by HRA to fund organizational activities.
- Saunders Assassination (1928): Executed by HSRA to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai.
- Central Legislative Assembly Bomb Case (1929): Executed by Bhagat Singh and B.K. Dutt to “make the deaf hear.”
- Chittagong Armoury Raid (1930): Led by Surya Sen to dismantle colonial communication lines.
- Lahore Conspiracy Case: Trial resulting in the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru in 1931.
Ideology of Phase II Revolutionaries
Phase II moved beyond religious symbolism toward secularism, anti-imperialism, and socialism. Bhagat Singh emphasized that revolution meant the complete restructuring of society to end the exploitation of man by man.
Difference Between Phase I and Phase II Revolutionary Movements
- Phase I (1900–1915): Focused primarily on individual assassinations, secret societies, and religious rhetoric.
- Phase II (1920s–1930s): Adopted explicit socialist goals, mass participation, trade union linkages, and complete secularism.
Contribution to the Freedom Struggle
These revolutionaries infused national spirit, inspired anti-colonial resistance among youth, and expanded the ideological horizon of the Revolutionary Movement UPSC syllabus.
Limitations of Revolutionary Terrorism
- Inability to sustain mass-level mobilization over long periods.
- Severe state repression and loss of top leadership.
Conclusion
In conclusion, studying Revolutionary Terrorism UPSC materials is essential for completing UPSC History Notes. Phase II permanently reshaped Indian political thought by linking national liberation with social and economic equality.
UPSC Prelims: PYQs & Practice Questions
Previous Year Questions (Prelims)
Q: With reference to the Indian freedom struggle, consider the following events:
1. Kakori Train Action
2. Chittagong Armoury Raid
3. Central Legislative Assembly Bomb Case
What is the correct chronological sequence of the above events?
(a) 1 - 2 - 3
(b) 1 - 3 - 2
(c) 3 - 1 - 2
(d) 2 - 1 - 3
Answer: (b) 1 - 3 - 2
Explanation:
The Kakori Train Action was carried out by members of the
Hindustan Republican Association on
9 August 1925.
The Central Legislative Assembly Bomb Case was carried out by
Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt on
8 April 1929.
The Chittagong Armoury Raid, led by
Surya Sen, popularly known as Master Da, took place on
18 April 1930.
Therefore, the correct chronological sequence is
Kakori Train Action → Central Legislative Assembly Bomb Case → Chittagong Armoury Raid.
Q: Who among the following were associated with the formation of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi, in 1928? (UPSC CSE Prelims 2017)
1. Bhagat Singh
2. Chandrashekhar Azad
3. Sukhdev Thapar
4. Batukeshwar Dutt
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation:
In September 1928, revolutionaries from Punjab, the United Provinces, Bihar and Bengal met at
Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi.
Leaders associated with the meeting included
Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Sukhdev Thapar, Batukeshwar Dutt and Phanindra Nath Ghosh.
The organisation was renamed from the
Hindustan Republican Association to the
Hindustan Socialist Republican Association to reflect its growing ideological commitment to
socialism and revolutionary transformation.
Practice Questions
Q: With reference to the Chittagong Armoury Raid of 1930, consider the following statements:
1. It was planned and executed under the leadership of Surya Sen and his group, the Indian Republican Army (Chittagong Branch).
2. Women revolutionaries such as Pritilata Waddedar and Kalpana Datta actively participated in armed actions during this phase in Bengal.
3. The raid successfully triggered a prolonged peasant uprising across Eastern Bengal.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Chittagong Armoury Raid was organised under the leadership of
Surya Sen, popularly known as Master Da, and carried out by members of the
Indian Republican Army, Chittagong Branch.
Women revolutionaries also played an active role in this revolutionary phase.
Pritilata Waddedar later led the attack on the
Pahartali European Club, while
Kalpana Datta participated in revolutionary planning and armed activities.
Statement 3 is incorrect. Although the revolutionaries captured armouries and disrupted communication networks, the raid did not develop into a prolonged, broad-based peasant uprising across Eastern Bengal. It remained a revolutionary guerrilla action followed by severe British repression.
Q: Why did Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt throw non-lethal bombs inside the Central Legislative Assembly in 1929?
(a) To assassinate Viceroy Lord Irwin
(b) To protest against the Public Safety Bill and the Trade Disputes Bill
(c) To retaliate against the execution of Ram Prasad Bismil
(d) To destroy government records relating to imperial revenue collection
Answer: (b) To protest against the Public Safety Bill and the Trade Disputes Bill
Explanation:
On 8 April 1929,
Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw non-lethal bombs into the Central Legislative Assembly to protest against the
Public Safety Bill and the
Trade Disputes Bill.
These measures were viewed as repressive and anti-labour. Their objective was not to kill legislators but to
“make the deaf hear” by drawing public attention to colonial repression.
They deliberately courted arrest and later used the courtroom proceedings as a platform to spread revolutionary and anti-colonial ideas.
UPSC Mains – Previous Year & Practice Questions
Mains Previous Year Questions
[15 Marks | 250 Words]
Question: Highlight the differences between the approach of the revolutionaries in the first decade of the twentieth century and those active during the 1920s and 1930s. (UPSC CSE Mains 2019)
[10 Marks | 150 Words]
Question: Examine the ideological transformation of the Hindustan Republican Association into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. How did Bhagat Singh contribute to this ideological shift? (UPSC CSE Mains 2013)
[10 Marks | 150 Words]
Question: Assess the role of Surya Sen and the Chittagong Armoury Raid in intensifying the freedom struggle in Bengal during the 1930s. (UPSC CSE Mains 2007)
[15 Marks | 250 Words]
Question: Critically evaluate the contribution of revolutionary terrorism during the 1920s to the growth of national consciousness in India. (UPSC CSE Mains 2000)
[10 Marks | 150 Words]
Question: Explain the circumstances that led to the execution of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru in the Lahore Conspiracy Case. (UPSC CSE Mains 1994)
Mains Practice Questions
[15 Marks | 250 Words]
Question: “The revolutionaries of the 1920s were not merely violent agitators, but profound political thinkers who integrated anti-imperialism with social justice.” Examine this statement in the context of Bhagat Singh’s writings and political ideology.
[10 Marks | 150 Words]
Question: Discuss the participation of women revolutionaries during the second phase of the revolutionary movement in Bengal. How did their role differ from women’s participation during the earlier phases of the Indian National Movement?
[15 Marks | 250 Words]
Question: Analyze the factors responsible for the decline of revolutionary organisations during the late 1930s and examine their gradual absorption into mainstream socialist and communist organisations.
Revolutionary Terrorism-FAQs
What was Revolutionary Terrorism Phase II?
Revolutionary Terrorism Phase II refers to the renewed revolutionary activities of the 1920s and early 1930s, marked by socialist ideology, organized action and anti-imperialist struggle.
Why did revolutionary activities revive after 1922?
They revived because many youths were disappointed after the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement and began looking for more militant methods against British rule.
What were HRA and HSRA?
The Hindustan Republican Association was a revolutionary organization founded in 1924. It was later reorganized as the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association in 1928 with a stronger socialist orientation.
What were the major events of Revolutionary Terrorism Phase II?
Major events included the Kakori Train Action, Saunders assassination, Central Legislative Assembly Bomb Case, Lahore Conspiracy Case and Chittagong Armoury Raid.
Why is Revolutionary Terrorism Phase II important for UPSC?
It is important because it shows the ideological shift from individual revolutionary heroism to socialist, secular and organized anti-colonial revolutionary politics.
