India’s Revolutionary Hero & Martyr
Bhagat Singh was one of India’s greatest revolutionaries, known for his courage, patriotism, and sacrifice for India’s independence. His execution at the young age of 23 made him a martyr and a symbol of youth-led revolution.
1. Early Life & Family Background
- Born: 28 September 1907 in Banga, Punjab (now in Pakistan).
- Father: Kishan Singh, a freedom fighter.
- Mother: Vidyavati Kaur.
- Influence of Family:
- His uncle, Ajit Singh, and father were part of the Indian freedom struggle.
- Grew up hearing stories of Ghadar Movement and Revolt of 1857.
- Education:
- Studied at National College, Lahore, where he was influenced by Lala Lajpat Rai and Bhagat Singh’s professor, Jai Chand Vidyalankar.
- Read books on Marxism, Leninism, and Russian Revolution, shaping his revolutionary ideology.
2. Political Ideology
- Started as a Gandhian but later rejected non-violence.
- Believed in armed revolution against British rule.
- Inspired by Marxism and Socialism, he dreamed of a classless society.
3. Major Revolutionary Activities
(a) Assassination of J.P. Saunders (1928)
- Lala Lajpat Rai was beaten by British police officer James A. Scott during a protest against Simon Commission (1928).
- Lala Lajpat Rai died due to injuries, angering revolutionaries.
- Bhagat Singh, along with Rajguru and Sukhdev, mistakenly killed J.P. Saunders instead of James Scott.
- Escaped disguised as a Sikh pilgrim.
(b) Bombing in Central Legislative Assembly (1929)
- April 8, 1929 – Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw bombs in the British Legislative Assembly in Delhi.
- The bombs were non-lethal, meant to protest British oppression.
- Instead of escaping, they surrendered, shouting “Inquilab Zindabad” (“Long Live the Revolution”).
4. Imprisonment & Hunger Strike
- Jailed in Lahore with Rajguru and Sukhdev.
- Went on a 116-day hunger strike demanding better treatment for Indian prisoners.
- Jatin Das died during the hunger strike in September 1929.
5. Execution & Martyrdom
- Sentenced to death for the killing of J.P. Saunders.
- Executed on 23 March 1931, along with Rajguru and Sukhdev, at Lahore Jail.
- Hanged one day before the scheduled execution to avoid public outrage.
Last Words:
“Down with British imperialism!”
6. Legacy & Impact
- Inspired generations of freedom fighters.
- His slogan “Inquilab Zindabad” became a battle cry for independence.
- Memorialized in films, books, and political movements.
- Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs’ Day) is observed on 23 March every year.
MCQs on Bhagat Singh
1. When was Bhagat Singh born?
a) 2 October 1909
b) 28 September 1907
c) 15 August 1905
d) 23 March 1910
Answer: (b) 28 September 1907
2. Which British officer was Bhagat Singh trying to assassinate but mistakenly killed J.P. Saunders?
a) John Simon
b) James Scott
c) John Saunders
d) Lord Irwin
Answer: (b) James Scott
3. What slogan is associated with Bhagat Singh?
a) Jai Hind
b) Vande Mataram
c) Inquilab Zindabad
d) Swaraj Mera Janm Sidh Adhikar Hai
Answer: (c) Inquilab Zindabad
4. In which year did Bhagat Singh throw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly?
a) 1927
b) 1928
c) 1929
d) 1931
Answer: (c) 1929
5. Who was Bhagat Singh’s accomplice in the Assembly Bombing?
a) Chandrashekhar Azad
b) Batukeshwar Dutt
c) Rajguru
d) Sukhdev
Answer: (b) Batukeshwar Dutt
6. What was Bhagat Singh’s punishment for the Saunders assassination?
a) Life imprisonment
b) Death sentence
c) Exile
d) Fine and imprisonment
Answer: (b) Death sentence
7. Where was Bhagat Singh executed?
a) Andaman Cellular Jail
b) Tihar Jail
c) Lahore Jail
d) Alipore Jail
Answer: (c) Lahore Jail
8. What was Bhagat Singh’s ideology?
a) Non-violence
b) Socialism and Revolution
c) Gandhism
d) Capitalism
Answer: (b) Socialism and Revolution
9. Who among the following was NOT hanged along with Bhagat Singh?
a) Rajguru
b) Sukhdev
c) Chandrashekhar Azad
d) None of the above
Answer: (c) Chandrashekhar Azad (he died in an encounter)
10. On which date is “Shaheed Diwas” observed in memory of Bhagat Singh?
a) 28 September
b) 15 August
c) 23 March
d) 26 January
Answer: (c) 23 March
Conclusion
Bhagat Singh was a brave revolutionary who sacrificed his life for India’s independence. His ideals of socialism, freedom, and revolution continue to inspire young Indians today.
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