This article examines the new phase of the revolutionary movement in Bengal, highlighting women's involvement, the shift to group action, changes in ideological approach, and the movement's limitations.

The Revolutionary Movement in Bengal saw active participation of women and significant ideological shifts under leaders like Surya Sen and Bhagat Singh. From early 1930s armed resistance to later adoption of Marxism and mass-based strategies, these movements highlight collective action, social inclusion, and the challenges faced by revolutionaries. Understanding these developments is crucial for students studying Indian freedom struggle and competitive exams.

Women and Ideological Evolution in Revolutionary Movement in Bengal

• Key aspects of revolutionary activities, women participation, and ideological shifts in Bengal’s freedom struggle
  • (i) Involvement of young women revolutionaries under Surya Sen in armed and supportive roles.
  • (ii) Shift from individual heroics to organized group actions.
  • (iii) Changes in ideological approaches facilitating inclusion of Muslims and reducing religious constraints.
  • (iv) Official reaction involving severe repression and legal actions.
  • (v) Redefinition of revolution by Bhagat Singh towards mass politics, Marxism, and systemic change.

• Participation of Women in Revolutionary Activities

  Young women actively participated in revolutionary efforts under Surya Sen, providing shelter, carrying messages, and engaging in armed actions.

  • Prominent Women Revolutionaries

    • (i) Pritilata Waddedar – Died during a raid
    • (ii) Kalpana Dutt – Arrested and given life sentence with Surya Sen
    • (iii) Santi Ghosh and Suniti Chandheri – Assassinated the district magistrate in December 1931
    • (iv) Bina Das – Attempted assassination of governor in February 1932

• Emphasis on Group Action

  The revolutionary movement focused on collective actions targeting British administration to demoralize bureaucracy.

  • Strategy of Collective Action

    • (i) Reduced emphasis on individual heroism
    • (ii) Coordinated attacks and propaganda to showcase power of organized groups

• Changes in Ideological Approach

  Earlier religious-centric practices were removed, allowing broader participation including Muslims in revolutionary activities.

  • Inclusive Participation

    • (i) Key Muslim members included Satar, Mir Ahmed, Fakir Ahmed Mian, and Tunu Mian
    • (ii) Encouraged interfaith unity within revolutionary groups

• Drawbacks of the Revolutionary Movement

  Despite successes, the movement lacked broader socio-economic agendas and alignment with peasant struggles.

  • Limitations and Missed Opportunities

    • (i) Retained conservative elements
    • (ii) Failure to address broader socio-economic issues
    • (iii) Lack of support to Muslim peasantry against zamindars in Bengal

• Official Reaction to Revolutionary Activities

  Government responded with repression, punitive fines, and arrests to curb revolutionary activities.

  • Repression Measures

    • (i) Enactment of 20 repressive Acts
    • (ii) Burning of villages in Chittagong and punitive fines
    • (iii) Arrest of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1933 for sedition

• Ideological Rethinking in the Revolutionary Movement

  Leaders like Bhagat Singh emphasized mass-based political action and Marxist ideology, moving away from individual heroism.

  • Bhagat Singh’s Ideological Contributions

    • (i) Advocated mass politics and Marxism
    • (ii) HRA manifesto (1925) proposed nationalization of industries and organized armed revolution
    • (iii) Late 1920s: Revolutionaries pushed for broad-based public participation
    • (iv) Bismil promoted open political movements, Hindu-Muslim unity, support to Congress
    • (v) Established organizations like Punjab Naujawan Bharat Sabha and Lahore Students’ Union
    • (vi) Authored "The Philosophy of the Bomb" emphasizing mass-oriented revolutionary ideology

• Redefining Revolution

  Revolution was redefined as national liberation, social justice, and systemic change beyond personal vengeance.

  • Bhagat Singh’s Vision of Revolution

    • (i) Overthrow imperialism and establish socialist order
    • (ii) Reject violence for vendetta; emphasize systemic reform
    • (iii) Focus on struggles against domestic capitalist and feudal exploitation
    • (iv) Promote secularism, critical thinking, and moral strength among revolutionaries

• Summary: Revolutionary Movement in Bengal

  The Revolutionary Movement in Bengal witnessed active participation of women, shift from individual heroics to mass-based strategies, and adoption of Marxist ideology by Bhagat Singh. Key aspects include inclusive participation, collective action, official repression, and redefinition of revolution, making it essential for students studying India’s freedom struggle.