On 11th June 2023, the 126th birth anniversary of Ram Prasad Bismil, a figure renowned for his poetic talent and revolutionary spirit against British colonial rule, was celebrated. This article delves into the life and achievements of Bismil, whose contributions to the freedom struggle earned him a revered place in Indian history.
Early Life and Ideological Formation
Birthed on 11th June 1897, in a village of Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, Ram Prasad Bismil was the son of Murlidhar and Moolmati. He joined the Arya Samaj, founded by Dayanand Saraswati in 1875, where his literary capabilities blossomed. As a poet, he used ‘Bismil’, translating to wounded or restless, as a pen name. His revolutionary ideologies originated when he learned about the death sentence of Bhai Parmanand, an Indian nationalist and Arya Samaj missionary. This event led him to pen the poem ‘Mera Janm’. Contrary to Gandhian methods, Bismil was a firm advocate of revolutionary approaches to the freedom struggle.
The Mainpuri Conspiracy and Bismil’s Revolutionary Tactics
Disillusioned with the moderate faction of the Congress Party, Bismil founded ‘Matrivedi’, a revolutionary organization. In 1918, Bismil and Dixit partook in the Mainpuri Conspiracy, which involved the distribution of prohibited literature. On January 28, 1918, he disseminated two of his pieces – Deshwasiyon ke Naam Sandesh (A Message to Countrymen) and Mainpuri ki Pratigya (Vow of Mainpuri). To finance their party, they looted government coffers thrice during 1918.
Formation of the Hindustan Republican Association
In 1920, Bismil, alongside Sachindra Nath Sanyal and Jadugopal Mukherjee, founded the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA). The HRA, through an armed revolution, aimed to create a federal Republic of United States of India. Bismil was largely responsible for writing the manifesto.
The Kakori Train Robbery
In 1925, the HRA carried out the infamous Kakori train robbery, intending to obtain funds and publicity. Bismil, with Chandrasekhar Azad and Ashfaqulla Khan, planned to rob a train in Kakori, near Lucknow. Despite the successful loot, they were captured within a month along with other HRA members. This incident led to the infamous Kakori Conspiracy Case, which spanned over 18 months, culminating in death sentences for Bismil, Lahiri, Khan, and Thakur Roshan Singh.
Influence Through Poetry and Writing
Bismil’s numerous writings and patriotic verses in Hindi and Urdu served as a beacon lighting the path to freedom, inspiring many to join the struggle. His works reflected societal issues, equality, and human dignity.
Advocacy for Hindu-Muslim Unity
Bismil and Ashfaqullah Khan shared a close friendship symbolic of communal unity. In his final letter before execution, Bismil emphasized that Hindus and Muslims should unite for national service.
Death and Legacy
On 19th December 1927, Bismil was hanged at Gorakhpur Jail. His cremation took place on the banks of the river Rapti. The site was later named Raj Ghat in his honor. Today, Bismil’s contributions to India’s fight for independence are remembered and celebrated, with his spirit of revolution continuing to inspire generations.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024