UPSC Prelims 2014 Q86: Modern History – Revolutionary & Communist Movements
- (a) revolutionary association of Indians with headquarters at San Francisco
- (b) nationalist organization operating from Singapore
- (c) militant organization with headquarters at Berlin
- (d) communist movement for India’s freedom with headquarters at Tashkent
Answer: (a) revolutionary association of Indians with headquarters at San Francisco
Explanation
Ghadar
The Ghadar Party was a revolutionary association of Indians abroad, founded in 1913.
Its headquarters was the Yugantar Ashram in San Francisco, United States.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founders | Lala Har Dayal; Sohan Singh Bhakna was the first President |
| Members | Mostly Punjabi immigrants on the west coast of North America |
| Paper | Weekly 'Ghadar', first issued on 1 November 1913 |
| Aim | Armed revolt to overthrow British rule |
| Plan | Uprising in February 1915; it was betrayed and crushed |
Linked events:
| Event | Year |
|---|---|
| Komagata Maru incident | 1914 |
| First Lahore Conspiracy Case | 1915 |
The other options describe other groups: the Indian Independence League (Singapore), the Berlin Committee, and the Communist Party of India founded at Tashkent in 1920.
Answer: (a) revolutionary association of Indians with headquarters at San Francisco.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Ghadar was a revolutionary association based at San Francisco.
- (b) Incorrect. The body operating from Singapore was the Indian Independence League.
- (c) Incorrect. The group with headquarters at Berlin was the Berlin Committee.
- (d) Incorrect. The communist body formed at Tashkent in 1920 was the Communist Party of India.
Key point
Ghadar Party (1913, San Francisco): Lala Har Dayal, Sohan Singh Bhakna; weekly 'Ghadar'; planned the 1915 revolt; linked to Komagata Maru (1914).
Remember
Ghadar Party = San Francisco, 1913.
Common mistakes
- Placing the Ghadar headquarters in Berlin or Singapore.
- Confusing it with the Indian National Army of the 1940s.
- Forgetting the name of its base: Yugantar Ashram.
Exam tip
Ghadar = Pacific coast of America. Berlin Committee = Germany.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence, Ch 12 (World War I and Indian Nationalism: The Ghadar)
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India (Revolutionary activities abroad)