Hindustan Socialist Republican Association
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The Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), known as the Hindustan Republican Association until 1928, was an Indian independence association led by revolutionaries Bhagat Singh and Chandrasekar Azad. It was one of first socialist organizations in India and was inspired by the Bolsheviks involvement in the Russian Revolution of 1917.
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[edit] Initial actions
The association was established at a meeting in the village of Bholachang, Brahamabaria subdivision, East Bengal. Present at the founding meeting were Pratul Ganguly, Narendra Mohan Sen and Sachindra Nath Sanyal. It emerged as an offshoot of the Anushilan Samiti.[1] The aim of the party was to organize armed revolution to end the colonial rule and establish in a Federal Republic of the United States of India.[2].
The Kakori train robbery was a notable act by this group. On 9 August 1925 the members of the group looted government money that was being transferred in a train. The Kakori case led to the hanging of Ashfaqullah Khan, Ramprasad Bismil, Roshan Singh, Rajendra Lahiri. The following arrests of its leaders was a major setback.
[edit] Later activities
In Lahore on 17 December 1928, Bhagat Singh, Chandrasekar Azad and Rajguru assassinated Saunders, a police official involved in deadly lathi-charge on Lala Lajpat Rai. Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw a bomb inside the central legislative assembly. The Assembly Bomb Case trial followed. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were hanged in March 1931. On 27th February, 1931, Chandrasekar Azad was killed in a gunfight with the police.
It is unclear of the eventual fate of the Association, but the common understanding is that it disbanded with the death of Chandrasekar Azad and the hanging of its popular activists: Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru.
[edit] Significance
The association was in the forefront of revolutionary movement in northern parts of India. Younger generation from U.P, Punjab, Bengal, Maharashtra were its members.
The association was in direct opposition to Mahatma Gandhi's Congress, and the ideals of the two parties differed greatly, however, it can be said that the revolutionary ideals of the HSRA appealed more to a younger audience. The contribution of HSRA to Indian society still lives on today, and served as inspiration for current Indian leftwing groups.[3].
[edit] Notes
- ^ Saha, Murari Mohan (ed.), Documents of the Revolutionary Socialist Party: Volume One 1938-1947. Agartala: Lokayata Chetana Bikash Society, 2001. p. 16-17
- ^ Gateway of India article
- ^ Communist Party of India (Marxist)
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