Historical Overview of Other Strands in the National Movement in India

The Indian National Movement was not limited to the Congress-led nonviolent campaigns. Beyond the mainstream, there were many other strands, notably the revolutionaries and left-wing political movements. These groups played a crucial role in shaping India's struggle for independence, often working parallel to Congress efforts, and sometimes in contrast. Below is an overview of these strands.

The Revolutionaries

Revolutionary movements emerged as a response to the perceived slow methods of constitutional agitation and the failures of early Congress-led campaigns under British dominion. These revolutionaries used aggressive and militant strategies to oppose colonial rule.

Bengal

Bengal was at the heart of revolutionary activity during the fight for independence. Groups like Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar emerged with a bold mission: to overthrow British rule through armed rebellion. Revolutionary leaders like Aurobindo Ghosh Barindra Ghosh and Rash Behari Bose were behind daring plans, including the Alipore Conspiracy and bomb-making efforts to fuel the struggle. ,,Punjab

One of the most iconic moments was the Chittagong Armory Raid in 1930, led by the fearless Surya Sen (Masterda) and his comrades. This ambitious act aimed to destroy British arms and spark rebellion, leaving an unforgettable mark on Bengal's revolutionary history.

Punjab’s revolutionary fervor was shaped by organizations like the Ghadar Party, constituted largely by Indian expatriates in North America. Leaders like Lala Hardayal and Kartar Singh Sarabha attempted to inspire armed uprisings in India through significant contributions to anti-colonial propaganda and coordination. The Komagata Maru incident became a symbol of Punjabi resistance against British subjugation.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s rich history of resistance was defined by figures like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, one of India’s first and strongest advocates for self-rule. Known as the "Father of Indian Unrest," Tilak surged nationalist sentiment through his fiery speeches, writings, and the promotion of cultural festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi to unify people against British rule. He paved the way for revolutionaries who were inspired by his vision of independence.

The revolutionary group Abhinav Bharat Society, founded in 1904 by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (Veer Savarkar), became a critical force in the struggle for freedom. This secret society trained its members in armed resistance, espionage, and propaganda to challenge colonial oppression. Savarkar, a prolific writer and thinker, also emphasized the importance of self-reliance and cultural pride, laying a foundation for future revolutionary movements across the country.

Uttar Pradesh (U.P.)

Revolutionary activities in U.P. really picked up steam thanks to leaders like Chandrasekhar Azad. He worked closely with groups like the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and teamed up with Bhagat Singh to take the fight for freedom to the next level. From guerrilla tactics to bold acts like the Kakori Train Robbery, they made sure their actions spoke louder than words.

Though less widespread, revolutionary efforts in the Madras Presidency were seen in individuals like V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, who fought colonial economic oppression, and smaller groups that opposed British rule through localized actions.

Outside India

Revolutionary movements were not confined to India's borders. Indian expatriates united under organizations like the India House in London and Berlin Committee, contributing to anti-colonial struggles through global lobbying. In the Americas, the Ghadar Movement sought active collaboration with the Axis powers during World War I, with figures like Har Dayal and Virendranath Chattopadhyay at the forefront.

The Left

The Left, inspired by socialist and Marxist ideologies, played a defining role in the Indian National Movement, particularly as socio-economic grievances under British rule escalated. These groups aimed to ensure independence resulted in widespread social and economic transformation and not just political liberation.

The Left within the Congress

Jawaharlal Nehru

Nehru’s exposure to socialist ideas during his time in Europe brought a strong leftward tilt to his politics. Within Congress, he advocated for planned economic development, social reforms, and an equal society, prioritizing the plight of workers and peasants.

Subhas Chandra Bose

Subhas Chandra Bose turned to radical leftist ideals, opposing conservative leadership within Congress. As the President of Congress, he pushed for accelerated independence and economic reforms to empower the working class. His resignation in 1939 resulted in his advocacy for armed resistance, eventually leading to his leadership of the Indian National Army (INA) alongside Axis Powers during World War II.

Congress Socialist Party (CSP)

Formed in 1934 within the Indian National Congress, the Congress Socialist Party served as a platform for leftists dissatisfied with moderate Congress policies. Leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan and Acharya Narendra Dev envisioned blending socialism with Gandhian principles to address India’s deep inequalities. While remaining under the Congress umbrella, the CSP often pushed boundaries with radical economic and socio-political demands.

Communist Party of India (CPI)

Founded in 1925, the Communist Party of India advocated for a proletariat-led independence and focused on worker and peasant struggles. The CPI opposed British rule but frequently clashed ideologically with Congress strategies. It gained momentum during the struggles of the 1930s, including organizing peasant uprisings, such as the Tebhaga Movement and Telangana Rebellion.

Other Left Parties

Besides the CPI, other leftist political formations contributed significantly to the National Movement. These included independent socialist groups, worker organizations, trade unions, and smaller parties that combined Marxist principles with localized demands. Over time, many such factions merged under the broader Indian Left’s framework.

Impact on the National Movement

Revolutionaries and leftists brought urgency, ideological diversity, and new blood to the Indian struggle for freedom. While the Congress played a pivotal leadership role, these groups expanded the independence narrative to include questions of social justice, economic equity, and global solidarity.

From Bharatiya bombs set off in Bengal to communist manifestos preached to rural peasants, these strands enriched India’s complex path to independence. Together, they laid the foundation for a more inclusive, equitable vision of post-independence India.