Lala Lajpat Rai

Lala Lajpat Rai (Punjab Kesari or The lion of Punjab) was born on 28th January, 1865 in Punjab. He joined student politics during his higher studies in Lahore college. He was highly influenced by the teachings of Arya Samaj. He initially pursued a career in law but his passion for political and social activism soon led him to play a significant role in India’s freedom struggle. He was involved with the Indian National Congress (INC) during its initial days. He was one of the first leaders to propagate the idea of Swaraj. He also played an important role in mobilising the masses during the Swadeshi movement, Non-cooperation movement and Civil disobedience movement. He also played a prominent role in the politics of Punjab. He advocated for the education in Punjab by founding National college (now known as D.A.V. college) in Lahore. He was actively associated with the Arya Samaj and contributed towards bringing various social reforms like Promotion of education and Protection of workers’ rights. Due to his constant efforts for workers rights, the All India Trade Union Congress was formed on October 31, 1920, in Bombay. He was also a prolific writer. He published articles in various journals such as The Punjabee, The People, Vande Matram and New era. He was also the author of various important books such as The Story of my deportation, Unhappy India , England’s debt to India and Young India. Lala Lajpat Rai also protested against various policies and actions of the British government. In one such protest against he was lathi charged by British officers and due to this he got severe injuries which led to his death on November 17, 1928, at the age of 63. His death caused a widespread outrage in the country. Rai's legacy continues to inspire generations, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought tirelessly for India's freedom.

Lala Lajpat Rai was born on 28th January, 1865 in Dhudike village in Moga district of Punjab. He was born into a Punjabi Aggarwal family, which was known for its involvement in social and political affairs. His father Munshi Radha Kishan Azad was a Urdu teacher and Arya Samajist. His mother’s name was Gulab Devi. He completed his early education from his hometown and later pursued his higher studies in Lahore college. He was excellent in academics. He was also interested and involved in student politics. In his early political life he was highly influenced by the Arya samaj movement founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati. After completing his studies, he initially pursued a career in law. However, his passion for social and political activism soon led him to prioritize his role as a nationalist leader over his legal career.

Lala Lajpat Rai, also known as Punjab Kesari or Lion of Punjab was an important figure in the India’s freedom struggle. He emerged as a prominent leader, politician, and social reformer during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is known for being a fiery and courageous nationalist and for inspiring the mass against British imperialism.

• Lala Lajpat Rai and Indian National Congress (INC)
  • He joined the INC during the late 19th century and was actively involved in various agitations and movements organized by it.
  • He aligned himself with the extremist faction within the INC.
  • In 1907, he was sent to Mandalay jail for his political activism. He returned in 1908 and resumed his political journey.
  • He played a key role in shaping the radical faction within the Indian National Congress (INC) along with Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal known as the Lal-Bal-Pal trinity.
  • In 1920, Lala Lajpat Rai served as the President of the INC during its special session in Calcutta. In this session, the Congress adopted the Non-Cooperation Movement against British rule under his leadership.
• Promotion of the idea of Swaraj : Lala Lajpat Rai was one of the foremost leaders who advocated Swaraj. He propagated the idea of Swaraj through his writings, speeches, and public meetings. He emphasised the idea of economic self-reliance as an integral part of Swaraj.He also advocated for the idea of Swaraj internationally on his travel to the United States and Canada through delivering lectures.
• Promotion of Swadeshi movement :
  • The Swadeshi movement was launched in response to the British government's decision to partition Bengal in 1905.
  • Lala Lajpat Rai advocated for the boycott of British goods during the Swadeshi movement and promoted the indigenous industries.
• Role in Non cooperation movement (NCM) :
  • Lala Lajpat Rai was one of the prominent leaders to participate in the Non cooperation movement started in 1920.
  • The NCM was approved by the Indian National Congress under the Presidency of Rai.
  • He mobilized masses across India to participate in the Non-Cooperation Movement. He organized rallies, public meetings, and protests to raise awareness about the objectives of the movement.
  • He played a crucial role in organising the movement in Punjab.
  • He continued to promote the Swadeshi Movement during the Non-Cooperation Movement, encouraging Indians to use Indian products and support local industries.
• Role in Civil disobedience movement
  • Civil disobedience was initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 and Lala Lajpat Rai emerged as one of the important leaders to mobilise masses to participate in the movement.
  • He supported the Salt Satyagraha and participated in the famous Dandi march led by Mahatma Gandhi.
  • He encouraged Indians to refuse to cooperate with the British administration, to boycott British-made goods, and to participate in acts of civil disobedience against unjust laws and policies.
  • He was imprisoned multiple times by the British for his active participation in the Civil disobedience movement.
• Role in Punjab politics :
  • Lala Lajpat Rai played a significant role in the Punjab politics advocating for the rights of people of Punjab.
  • He opposed many British policies which affected the people of Punjab like Rowlatt Act of 1919.
  • In 1919, he played a prominent role in organizing protests and rallies against the historic Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar.
  • He also advocated for education in Punjab. He found National college (now known as D.A.V. college) in Lahore.

• Association with Arya Samaj : Lala Lajpat Rai was influenced by the principles of Arya Samaj which emphasized the promotion of Vedic values, social reform, and the revival of Hinduism. As a member of the Arya Samaj, he actively promoted the social reform initiatives aimed at eradicating social evils.
• Promotion of education : Rai advocated for the promotion of education as a means of social upliftment. He also encouraged women to get education. He also established education institutions to provide quality education. For example, Punjab National College in Lahore
• Promotion of workers’ rights : Lala Lajpat Rai was an advocate of workers’ rights. He recognised the exploitation of workers under British colonial rule. He encouraged workers to organize themselves into unions to effectively negotiate with employers and demand better wages, working hours, and labour protections. He also participated in various labour movements to support the workers.
  • Due to his constant efforts for workers rights, the All India Trade Union Congress was formed on October 31, 1920, in Bombay
• Opposition to Social Evils : Lala Lajpat Rai organised many campaigns to make people aware and eradicate social evils like child marriage, purdah system, and dowry system.

Lala Lajpat Rai was a prolific writer. He wrote on various topics including nationalism, social reform, education, and Indian culture. His works include -

• Journals :
  • The Punjabee : It was started in 1880 and was published in both English and Punjabi. It played a crucial role in promoting nationalist sentiments, social reform, and cultural revival particularly in Punjab.
  • The People (English weekly): It was founded by Tilak but Lala Lajpat Rai also published his articles in it advocating for Indian self-rule.
  • Vande Matram (Urdu daily): It was founded by Bipin Chandra Pal in 1905. Lala Lajapat Rai also contributed to it by publishing many articles to awaken national consciousness and promote the cause of Indian nationalism.
  • New Era : Lala Lajpat Rai founded and edited the newspaper "New Era," which served as a platform for disseminating nationalist ideas, promoting social reform, and mobilizing public opinion against British colonial rule.
• Books:
  • The Story of my deportation : It is about the experiences Lala Lajpat Rai had in Mandalay jail when deported by British authorities in 1907.
  • Unhappy India : It was published in 1908 and includes economic, social, and political consequences of British imperialism on Indian society.
  • Englnd’s debt to India : It is about the economic exploitation of Indians by British and it argues that Britain owes a debt to India for its centuries of colonial exploitation
  • Young India : It was written in 1916 and includes a collection of essays and speeches by Lala Lajpat Rai on topics such as nationalism, education, and social reform. In it, Rai addressed the youth of India.

• Lala Lajpat Rai got severely injured during a lathi charge by British officials while leading a protest against the Simon Commission on 28th November in Lahore.
• Despite medical treatment, he passed away on November 17, 1928, at the age of 63.
• His death caused a widespread outrage in the country and led to intensified protests and demonstrations against British authorities.

Bhagat Singh became increasingly involved in revolutionary activities after the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. In an act of retaliation for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh and his comrades assassinated J.P. Saunders, the British police officer who was responsible for Rai's death on December 17, 1928 in Lahore. He was also involved in the bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi on April 8, 1929, to protest against repressive colonial laws. Later, he was arrested for his involvement in the bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly and the assassination of J.P. Saunders and hanged along with his compatriots.

Lala Lajpat Rai, the lion of Punjab had a profound impact on India's freedom struggle due to his unique fiery style. Rai's contributions spanned various facets of the nationalist movement, from his role in the foundation of the Indian National Congress to his tireless efforts in promoting Swadeshi and advocating for the rights of the marginalized. His tragic death due to lathi charge ignited widespread protests and intensified the struggle against colonial oppression. Rai's legacy continues to inspire generations, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought tirelessly for India's freedom.