Sambhav-2024

• Start the answer with a discussion that sets a context for the question.
• Discuss the Impact of Revolutionary Militants in the Indian freedom struggle.
• Discuss the Limitations of Revolutionary Militants in the Indian freedom struggle.
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction

The activities of revolutionary heroism around the early 20^th century were marked as a byproduct of the growth of militant nationalism. While their daring actions symbolized the spirit of resistance, the limitations inherent in their approach highlight the challenges of achieving widespread mobilization through militant means alone.

Body

• Impact of Revolutionary Militants:
  • Awakening Nationalistic Sentiments: The revolutionaries intended to inspire the people by appealing to their patriotism, especially the idealistic youth who would finally drive the British out.
    • For instance, Yugantar (in 1906) wrote: “ The 30 crore people inhabiting India must raise their 60 crore hands to stop this curse of oppression. Force must be stopped by force.”
  • Disruption of Colonial Apparatus: The militants strategically targeted symbols of colonial oppression, such as government officials and institutions to create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among British authorities.
    • The Ramosi Peasant Force established by Vasudev Balwant Phadke aimed to rid the country of the British by instigating an armed revolt by disrupting communication lines.
  • Intellectual Contribution: Revolutionary writings and speeches articulated the need for radical change and a more assertive approach to attaining freedom.
    • The newspapers and journals advocating revolutionary activity included Sandhya and Yugantar in Bengal, and Kal in Maharashtra..
  • International Solidarity: The actions of revolutionary militants garnered international attention and support.
    • The Ghadr Party was a revolutionary group with its headquarters in San Francisco and branches along the US coast.

• Complementing Nonviolent Movements: Their role serves as a reminder of the need for a holistic approach that combines nonviolent mass movements with localized resistance.
  • Under the persuasion of Gandhi and C.R. Das, many revolutionary groups agreed to join the non-cooperation program.

Limitations of Revolutionary Militants:

• Limited Mass Mobilization: Acts of violence and sabotage, while impactful, did not provide a mass-based movement that could mobilize the diverse Indian society against colonial rule.
  • Thus, Bhagat Singh had moved away from a belief in violent and individual heroic action to Marxism with the belief that a popular broad-based movement alone could lead to a successful revolution.
• Brutal Suppression: The British response to revolutionary activities was severe and brutal.
  • The Rowlat Act allowed the arrest of Indians without a warrant on the mere suspicion of ‘treason'.
• Divergent Philosophies: Differences in ideological approaches and varied perspectives on the means and ends of the struggle created divisions that hampered a cohesive and sustained movement.
  • The famous statement of the revolutionary position is contained in the book The Philosophy of the Bomb written by Bhagwati Charan Vohra.
• Isolation from Mainstream Nationalist Movements: Revolutionary militants often operated independently, distancing themselves from mainstream nationalist movements like the Indian National Congress.

Conclusion

Despite their limited success in the Indian freedom struggle, revolutionary militants left enduring symbols of sacrifice and bravery. The legacy of revolutionary figures continues to inspire future generations in their pursuit of justice and freedom.