The 1920s and 1930s marked a significant period in Indian history. Indians participated actively in the national movement. And India saw the emergence of new political forces including youth and trade unionism.

Influence of Marxism and Socialism in New Political Forces

• Young nationalists were influenced by the Soviet Revolution.
• Criticized Gandhian ideas and sought radical solutions to India's problems.
• The Communist Party of India was founded in 1920 in Tashkent.
• Many communists were imprisoned in 1924 (Kanpur Bolshevik Conspiracy Case).
• Government crackdown on communists in 1929 (Meerut Conspiracy Case).

• The Activism of Indian Youth: Formation of student leagues and conferences. Jawaharlal Nehru's significant role in engaging students.
• Peasant Agitations: Demanded revision of tenancy laws, lower rents, protection from eviction, and debt relief. Major uprisings in United Provinces, Andhra, Rajasthan, Bombay, and Madras. Vallabhbhai Patel led Bardoli Satyagraha in Gujarat (1928).
• Growth of Trade Unions: All-India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) was founded in 1920.
• Major strikes in Kharagpur, Tata Iron and Steel Works, and Bombay Textile Mills. May Day was first observed in India in Madras in 1923.
• Caste Movements: Expressions of societal contradictions through caste associations.
• Notable movements: Justice Party, Self-respect Movement, Mahars under Ambedkar.
• Revolutionary Activities: Groups dissatisfied with nonviolence sought armed struggle.
• Hindustan Republican Association in Punjab-UP-Bihar. Surya Sen led revolutionary groups in Bengal.

North Indian revolutionaries realized that armed conflict necessitated propaganda, recruitment, and arms, and the upsurge in youth activism played a significant role in facilitating the spread of socialist ideas.

New Political Forces through Revolutionary Nationalism

The revolutionary activities were a defining aspect of the country's quest for freedom from British colonial rule, driven by a desire for liberty and armed resistance, forming a distinct nationalist force.

• Ideology of Revolutionaries: Strike terror in the hearts of rulers, Freedom through revolution, Heroic actions, supreme sacrifice, assassinate unpopular British officials, Expel British with force.

Reasons and Impact of Revolutionary Awakening in India

Though the revolutionary movement failed it made a valuable contribution to the growth of nationalism in India. Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Rajguru, etc. became a household name of the Indian people and aroused patriotism among the masses.

Revolutionaries as New Political Forces in the Freedom Struggle

• Popularity of Printed Materials: The use of printing for pamphlets and hygiene manuals became popular, aiding in the dissemination of information and education.
• Spreading Revolutionary Ideas: Revolutionaries popularized radical ideologies like socialism, Marxism, and secularism, inspiring future movements.

• Example: Bhagat Singh was attracted to anarchism and communism.

• Establishment of Revolutionary Organizations: They formed secret societies and organizations that coordinated armed resistance and acts of defiance against British rule.

• Example: Anushilan Samiti, Mitra mela, Jugantar party, Abhinav Bharat, Hindustan Republican Association, Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).

• Military and Professional Training: Training in military and professional skills, including weapons, was incorporated to prepare individuals for the freedom struggle.
• Influential Newspapers: Several well-known newspapers, such as Bengalee, Bande Mataram, and Amrita Bazar Patrika, were established to voice revolutionary ideas and news.
• Subsequent Movements: The revolutionary movements had a lasting impact on subsequent phases of the freedom struggle, influencing future leaders and strategies.

• Example: Kakori Conspiracy Case, and Lahore Conspiracy Case.