The rise of Revolutionaries

India got independence on 14^th August 1947 by the Act of British parliament known as ‘the Indian Independence act of 1947’. But behind this act lies the struggle of millions of Indians, today we will talk about those who took this struggle to the extreme level and were ready to use force against the British government. The revolt of 1857 played a very important role in promoting the idea of nationalism among masses. In 1885 formation of Indian national congress marked the beginning of organised nationalism in India. The first phase of Nationalism was dominated by the ideas of moderates that believed in the idea that changes can be brought through petition and prayers, but the partition of Bengal gave opportunity to extremists to lead the nationalist activities in India.

Extremists believed in the radical methods like hartals, protests and boycott. They also believed that best interest of Indians can be served only if Indians will be ruled by Indian, they demanded complete independence from British Raj. The greatest extremists during the partion of Bengal were Lala Lajpar Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal, all these leaders were in favour of armed struggle against the British Raj. The biggest success of extremists was the transformation of the nature of the national movement from educated Indians to the masses.

The revolutionaries were inspired by the ideas of extremists but they also believed that methods like hartals and protests are not enough to attain the objective of Poorna swaraj or complete independence. The stubborn attitude of the government regarding the partition of Bengal was the first incident that contributed to the rise of militant nationalism in Bengal. Many secret societies were formed these societies were involved in the murders of unpopular British officials, they provided training to youngsters to carry out militant activities, they also published newspapers justifying revolutionary activities, they also planned dacoity of British treasury and goods. During early 20^th century they were so influential that C.R Das thought it fit to organise a meeting between Gandhi Ji and revolutionaries so that the latter were persuaded to halt their activities and support Non Cooperation movement to be launched by Gandhi ji.  

Though NCM was a great success in the beginning but its sudden withdrawal due to  Cahuri Chaura disillusioned the revolutionaries and they were again ready for armed struggle against the British government. It was during this period that one of the most popular revolutionary came into picture, The Bhagat singh. He was chosen by HSRA for a sacrifice that inspired the youth of India, and everywhere youth and student organisations began to grow against the British rule.