Mains Marathon

Approach

• Introduction: Start your answer with brief introduction of revolutionary militants
• Body: Discuss some of the major revolutionary groups and important people, and their contributions.
• Conclusion: Summarize the key points and conclude

Answer:

The revolutionary militants played a significant role in the struggle for independence in India, particularly during the early 20th century. They formed a distinct wing within the freedom movement, advocating for armed resistance against British colonial rule. These militants, often inspired by ideologies of nationalism and socialism, aimed to instigate a popular uprising and overthrow British dominance.

Some of the major revolutionary groups that emerged in India were:

• The Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar in Bengal, the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, the Abhinav Bharat in Maharashtra, and the Ghadar Party among Indians abroad.
• These groups carried out several daring attacks on British officials, institutions, and interests, such as the Chittagong armoury raid, the Kakori train robbery, the Lahore conspiracy case, and the Indo-German Conspiracy.
• They also published newspapers and pamphlets to spread their ideas and expose the atrocities of British rule.
• Some of the prominent revolutionaries were Bhagat Singh, Surya Sen, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ram Prasad Bismil and V.D. Savarkar.

Role of revolutionary militants in the freedom struggle:

• They aroused the patriotic sentiments of the people and made them aware of their rights and duties.
• They challenged the legitimacy and authority of British rule and exposed its weaknesses.
• They also influenced the mainstream leaders of the Indian National Congress, such as Tilak, Gandhi, and Nehru, to adopt a more radical approach towards self-rule.
• They also forged links with other anti-colonial movements across the world and sought support from foreign powers like Germany, Japan, and Soviet Union.

Thus, the revolutionary militants played a vital role in the struggle for independence in India. Their actions challenged the status quo, mobilized the masses, and provided an alternative approach to achieving freedom. Their contribution, though distinct, was complementary to the larger freedom movement, making them an essential part of India's journey towards independence.