In the last post, we studied the Pro-Changers and No-Changers groups of Congress. Both groups did their job full of zeal and enthusiasm. These groups gave the flow to the Indian National Freedom Movement. Therefore the mid-1930s was the Golden Era of Communism in India.

In this post, we will read about the Second Phase of Revolutionary Nationalism. The following table shows the reasons for the emergence of the Revolutionary Nationalism group in India.

Philosophy of Revolutionary Nationalism

The Second phase of revolutionary nationalism emphasised organisation and ideology: for example, the formation of the Hindustan Republican Association. The goal was to preach and spread the philosophy of socialism in India. Socialism gives emphasis that important means of production should come under the control of the people and a democratic government.

According to Karl Marx, Capitalism is the root cause of all evils. Like, imperialism, colonialism etc. So, Karl Marx was of the opinion that Capitalism leads to the exploitation of common people and the working class. Therefore, in this background, Marx appealed to the people that the working class should unite. So, on the basis of their numerical strength, they should occupy the political power of a nation and eliminate capitalism.

The formula of communism and socialism was evolved by Marx. But it was practically applied by Lenin. Marx and Lenin both became the inspiration for the second phase of revolutionary nationalist leaders. Bhagat Singh said.

Capitalism and Imperialism, both are my enemies.

Bhagat Singh!

He also emphasised communism and socialism.

Communism in India

Communism in India had its beginning with National Movement. So, it was acting as a counter to the national movement. During the time of Bhagat Singh, communism was a decisive factor and it was the reason for weakening the old methods of national movements.

Bhagat Singh and his group Hindustan Republican Association took steps against communalism. To give the message to the people they preached unity is the strength. Bhagat Singh left Sikhism on the ground that religion acted as a barrier between him and his countryman.

Although Lala Lajpat Rai was a fatherly figure for him. But still, he opposed Lalaji for the establishment of Hindu Mahasabha. In 1927, Bhagat Singh formed Punjab Naujawan Sabha with the objective to promote political awareness among youth. It was basically to fight against communalism.

The political ideology of these comrades was complete independence through armed struggle. So, they renamed Hindustan Republican Association as Hindustan Republican Army in 1924 in Kanpur.

Important Events of the Second Phase of RN

As Bhagat Singh declared Capitalism and Imperialism are his enemies. So, the capitalists of that era did not support this group. Labourers and farmers for whom they were fighting, did not yet understand the meaning of the word like Capitalism, Imperialism, Socialism, Communism etc.

Kakori Robbery

So, without finance from the Capitalists, it was impossible to maintain an organisation and go for revolution. So, in these circumstances, Kakori Robbery took place on 9th August 1925. After the Kakori Robbery government was in a mood of suppression and took action against the youth. So, this became a pain for elder leaders in India.

Lala Lajpat Rai mediated between the youth and the government. So, the youth promised to leave the path of violence. The evidence of this promise was that Hindustan Republican Army renamed as Hindustan Socialist Republican Association.

Assassination of Saunders

But in spite of this promise, this group killed Saunders. Because Lala Lajpat Rai died because of the Lathi Charge during the Simon Go Back movement. So, according to Bhagat Singh, it was not the path of violence but was a step to take revenge for the killing of Lala Lajpat Rai. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru became the victims of the Saunders murder case.

In the background of the killing of Saunders, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw a Bomb at the assembly. The bomb was dropped with the intention to make the deaf government hear on the issue of the Public Safety Bill and Trade Dispute Bill.

This was the brief of the activities during the Second Phase of Revolutionary Nationalism. In the next coming post, we shall do some evaluation of this phase of the National Movement ie the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association.

Thank you so much. 🙂 Stay Connected. 🙂