Indian Independence Movement

The Indian Independence Movement was a series of revolutions empowered by the people of India put forth to battle the British Empire for complete political independence, beginning with the Rebellion of 1857, reaching its climax with Mahatma Gandhi's Quit India Movement (1942-1945), and Subhas Chandra Bose's Indian National Army invasion of British India during World War II, and freedom came on August 15, 1947.

Revolutionary activities

Bhagat Singh

:Main article: Bhagat Singh

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As voices inside and outside the Congress became more strident, the British appointed a commission in 1927, under Sir John Simon, to recommend further measures in the constitutional devolution of power. The British failure to appoint an Indian member to the commission outraged the Congress and others, and, as a result, they boycotted it throughout India, carrying placards inscribed "Simon, Go Back."

Related Topics:
1927 - Sir John Simon

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In Lahore, Lala Lajpat Rai and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya protested to the commission in open about their displeasure. Thousands joined in the silent demonstration. Police troops charged the demonstration, and Lala Lajpatrai was hit with a lathi (bamboo stick) on the head several times by an officer Scott. He succumbed to the injuries.

Related Topics:
Lala Lajpat Rai - Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya

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Bhagat Singh, a young marxist from Punjab, vowed to take revenge and with the help of Chandrashekhar Azad, Rajguru and Sukhadev, plotted to kill Scott. Instead of Scott, however, he killed a junior officer named Mr. Sanders. This is widely thought to be a case of mistaken identity, yet the issue is not completely clear as, according to folklore, the story goes that they couldn't find Scott and killed Sanders instead.

Related Topics:
Bhagat Singh - Marxist - Punjab - Chandrashekhar Azad

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The British, under the Defense of India Act, gave more power to the police to arrest persons to stop processions with suspicious movements and actions. The act brought in the council was defeated by one vote. Even then it was to be passed in the form of an ordinance in the "interest of the public." Bhagat Singh volunteered to throw a bomb in the central assembly where the act was to be passed. It was a carefully laid out plot, not to cause death or injury, but to draw the attention of the government. It was agreed that Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt would court arrest after throwing the bomb.

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On 8 April, 1929, at Delhi Central Assembly, Singh and Dutt threw handouts, exploded a bomb in the corridor, and courted arrest after shouting the slogan "Inquilab Zindabad!" (Long Live, Revolution!). Bhagat Singh thought the court would be an ideal place to get publicity for the cause of freedom, and did not disown the crime. He was found guilty, and was hanged on 23 March, 1931.

Related Topics:
8 April - 1929 - 23 March - 1931

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Revolutionary activities in Bengal

:Main article: Surya Sen

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Surya Sen, a revolutionary from the Chittagong district of Bengal (now in Bangladesh), was the president of Indian National Congress in the district. By 1923, he had established revolutionary cells under the Jugantor (New Age) party. Aided by Purnendu Dastidar, Kalpana Dutt and Pritilata Waddedar, Surya Sen organized guerrilla raids on British targets. His group successfully raided offices of Assam-Bengal railways in Chittagong. The Chittagong Armoury Raid took place on 18 April, 1930, when the revolutionaries under the leadership of Surya Sen attacked the British Armory in Chittagong. However, the attack was thwarted by the British soldiers and police.

Related Topics:
Surya Sen - Chittagong - Bengal - Bangladesh - Indian National Congress - 1923 - Pritilata Waddedar - 18 April - 1930

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On 23 September, 1932, Surya Sen masterminded an successful attack on the European Club in Chittagong, which bore the notorious sign Dogs and Indians not allowed. However, Pritilata Waddedar, the leader of the group leading the attack was surrounded and committed suicide to avoid capture. After spending years in hiding, Surya Sen was captured on 17 February, 1933. He was later tried and sentenced to death. Members of Jugantor party made a futile attempt to rescue him. Surya Sen was hanged on 8 January, 1934 in Chittagong Jail.

Related Topics:
23 September - 1932 - Chittagong - Pritilata Waddedar - 17 February - 1933 - 8 January - 1934

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