Introduction
Lala Lajpat Rai was a prominent nationalist leader, social reformer, and freedom fighter of India’s independence movement. He was known as the “Lion of Punjab” (Punjab Kesari) for his fearless opposition to British rule. He played a vital role in Indian nationalism, social reforms, and education and was one of the key leaders of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal).
Early Life and Education
- Born: 28 January 1865, Dhudike, Punjab, British India.
- Father: Munshi Radha Krishan (a scholar and teacher).
- Education:
- Studied law at Government College, Lahore.
- Became a lawyer in Hisar, Haryana.
- Influence: Inspired by Swami Dayanand Saraswati and became a supporter of the Arya Samaj.
Role in the Indian Freedom Movement
1. Swadeshi and Nationalism
- One of the first leaders to promote the Swadeshi Movement (1905).
- Encouraged Indians to boycott British goods and promote local industries.
2. Lal-Bal-Pal Trio
- Lala Lajpat Rai (Punjab), Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Maharashtra), Bipin Chandra Pal (Bengal) led the Extremist faction of the Indian National Congress.
- Advocated for Swaraj (self-rule) and aggressive protests against British policies.
3. Protest Against Simon Commission (1928)
- Led a peaceful protest against the Simon Commission in Lahore.
- British police, under James A. Scott, brutally lathi-charged him.
- Died on 17 November 1928 due to injuries sustained from the attack.
- His famous words: “Every blow on my body will be a nail in the coffin of British rule.”
Social Reforms and Contributions
1. Educational Reforms
- Established educational institutions, including:
- National College, Lahore (where Bhagat Singh studied).
- Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) College, Lahore.
2. Hindu-Muslim Unity
- Advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity but later became concerned about separate communal politics.
3. Role in Arya Samaj
- Supported Arya Samaj reforms and spread Vedic education.
Major Books Written by Lala Lajpat Rai
- Young India – Criticized British policies and their effects on India.
- The Story of My Deportation – Described his exile to Burma by the British.
- Unhappy India – Exposed British oppression and communal politics.
- England’s Debt to India – Explained India’s economic exploitation by the British.
Death and Legacy
- Died: 17 November 1928, Lahore (present-day Pakistan).
- Legacy:
- Lala Lajpat Rai’s death inspired Bhagat Singh and others to take revenge, leading to the assassination of James A. Scott.
- Several institutions are named after him, including Lala Lajpat Rai University and Lajpat Nagar in Delhi.
MCQs on Lala Lajpat Rai
1. When was Lala Lajpat Rai born?
a) 1857
b) 1865
c) 1872
d) 1885
→ Answer: b) 1865
2. Which title was given to Lala Lajpat Rai for his bravery?
a) Lokmanya
b) Punjab Kesari
c) Netaji
d) Father of the Nation
→ Answer: b) Punjab Kesari
3. Lala Lajpat Rai was part of which revolutionary trio?
a) Nehru-Gandhi-Patel
b) Lal-Bal-Pal
c) Bose-Tilak-Azad
d) Rajaji-Krishna Menon-Azad
→ Answer: b) Lal-Bal-Pal
4. Against which commission did Lala Lajpat Rai lead a protest in 1928?
a) Hunter Commission
b) Simon Commission
c) Rowlatt Commission
d) Cabinet Mission
→ Answer: b) Simon Commission
5. What was the result of the protest against the Simon Commission?
a) British government withdrew the commission
b) Lala Lajpat Rai was elected Congress President
c) He was brutally beaten and later died from injuries
d) British officers resigned from the government
→ Answer: c) He was brutally beaten and later died from injuries
6. Lala Lajpat Rai was an advocate of which movement?
a) Quit India Movement
b) Non-Cooperation Movement
c) Swadeshi Movement
d) Salt Satyagraha
→ Answer: c) Swadeshi Movement
7. Which book was written by Lala Lajpat Rai?
a) India Wins Freedom
b) Young India
c) Hind Swaraj
d) Discovery of India
→ Answer: b) Young India
8. Where did Lala Lajpat Rai pass away?
a) Delhi
b) Lahore
c) Mumbai
d) Kolkata
→ Answer: b) Lahore
Short Answer Questions on Lala Lajpat Rai
Q1: When and where was Lala Lajpat Rai born?
A: 28 January 1865, in Dhudike, Punjab.
Q2: What was Lala Lajpat Rai’s famous title?
A: Punjab Kesari (Lion of Punjab).
Q3: Name two educational institutions established by Lala Lajpat Rai.
A: National College, Lahore & DAV College, Lahore.
Q4: Which British commission did Lala Lajpat Rai protest against in 1928?
A: Simon Commission.
Q5: How did Lala Lajpat Rai die?
A: Due to injuries from a brutal lathi charge during the Simon Commission protest in 1928.
Q6: What role did Lala Lajpat Rai play in the Swadeshi Movement?
A: Encouraged boycotting British goods and promoting Indian industries.
Q7: Which book did Lala Lajpat Rai write to expose British exploitation of India?
A: England’s Debt to India.
Q8: How did Lala Lajpat Rai’s death influence India’s freedom struggle?
A: Inspired Bhagat Singh and his associates to assassinate James A. Scott as revenge.
Conclusion
Lala Lajpat Rai was a fearless patriot, reformer, and nationalist who sacrificed his life for India’s freedom. His contributions to education, social reforms, and the independence movement continue to inspire generations. His ideals of self-reliance and nationalism remain relevant even today.
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