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Q1. Discuss the reasons behind the rise of revolutionary terrorism during the Indian freedom struggle and its impact. (150 words 10 Marks)
Answer:
The emergence of revolutionary ideology in India during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century was the result of several internal and external influences working on the minds of the youth. Early phase of the revolutionary movement in India was predominantly operated in Bengal, Maharashtra and Punjab as these regions were more politically active than other parts of the country.
The reasons behind the rise of revolutionary terrorism:
Internal Reasons:
- Nationalism among youth: Most vital factor which contributed to amplifying the spirit of nationalism among the countrymen was the ‘economic exploitation’ of Indians by the British Government and the Partition of Bengal.
- Failure of Moderate and extremist congress: Younger element was not ready to retreat after the decline of the national militancy phase. Fallout of the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement was the immediate reason.
- Leadership’s failure to tap revolutionary energies of the youth.
- Government repression left no peaceful avenues open for the protest.
External Reasons:
- Inspired from the individual heroic action on the lines of Irish nationalists or Russian nihilists.
- Ideological appeal of ideas: Freedom through revolution, heroic action, supreme sacrifice, Assassinate unpopular British officials, strike terror in hearts of rulers and arouse people to expel the British with force attracted the new nationalists.
Impacts of revolutionary terrorism
- The era of revolutionary terrorism began and very soon secret societies of the revolutionaries came up all over the country. The Anusilan Samiti, the most famous and long lasting secret society, with its headquarters at Calcutta created revolutionary centres all over India.
- Their activities took two forms- the assassination of oppressive officials, traitors and informers, and dacoities to raise funds for the purchase of arms, etc.
- It had its impact on the Congress strategy to involve the youths in the short term programme of rural reconstruction.
- Their sacrifices aroused the emotions of the Indian people and thus helped the building up of the national consciousness which certainly contributed to gaining independence.
- It could not mobilize the masses. In fact, it had no base among the people. They believed in individual heroism.
Though the revolutionary movement failed it made a valuable contribution to the growth of nationalism in India. The sacrifice and the martyrdom of the revolutionaries did not go waste. Although they had failed to attain set objectives of attaining independence through armed revolt, they were successful in arousing people and removing the fear of authority from their minds and striking terror in the heart of the rulers
