Apart from the non-violent movements, many Indians chose armed struggle against British rule. These were called revolutionary movements. They aimed to drive out the British through bold actions and sacrifice. Their leaders and incidents are common exam questions.
Early Revolutionary Activities
Revolutionary activity grew after the Partition of Bengal in 1905. Secret societies such as the Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar were formed in Bengal. Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki took part in early bombing attempts.
Important Organisations
- Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), founded in 1924.
- It was later renamed the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in 1928.
- Ghadar Party, founded in the USA in 1913 by Lala Hardayal and others.
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Famous Revolutionaries and Incidents
- The Kakori Conspiracy (1925) involved Ram Prasad Bismil and Ashfaqullah Khan.
- Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were hanged on 23 March 1931.
- Bhagat Singh and B.K. Dutt threw bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly (1929) shouting Inquilab Zindabad.
- Chandrashekhar Azad died fighting at Alfred Park, Allahabad, in 1931.
Significance
The revolutionaries inspired the youth and showed deep love for the country. Their sacrifice kept the spirit of freedom alive even when mass movements paused.
Quick Revision Points
- Secret societies: Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar.
- Ghadar Party founded in USA in 1913.
- HRA later became HSRA (1928).
- Kakori Conspiracy: 1925.
- Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru hanged on 23 March 1931.
- Slogan: Inquilab Zindabad.
- Chandrashekhar Azad died in 1931.