Category Archives: History

21st April 1526 – the Panipat War and Start of Mughal Dynasty

21 Monday Apr 2014

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The Mughals ruled India for more than three centuries. It started with the Panipat War in 1526 with Babar defeating Ibrahim Lodi and the end of  Lodi Dynasty. The war started and ended on 21st April 1526. The Mughal dynasty continued till 1857, for at least namesake, when the British crushed the First war of Independence. The Mughals, in fact, had lost their power much before.

The conquerors win not through the sheer numbers of army, but through tactics and war strategy. In the 1526 Panipat War, the Lodis had 30,000 to 40,000 soldiers with about 1,000 war elephants. But Babar had only about 10,000 – 15,000 soldiers, but had the cannons and a clear strategy. Naturally, Ibrahim Lodi was defeated and killed in the war.

In many other wars also, you can see the victory of the better strategy and use of better arms.

Indians were lacking in both. Further there were people to join with the enemy and help them. That is why we were ruled by foreigners for centuries.

Now we are free. Instead of foreign military, MNCs are coming and trying to control the finance of the country. Let us not get in to the trap. Let us fight this capitalism and crony capitalism and remain free both politically and economically and progress.

 

‘Rebellion 1857 – A Symposium’

13 Sunday Apr 2014

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81px-Rani_of_jhansiThe above is the title of a book which I completed reading a few days back. It is a book edited by Comrade P.C.Joshi, veteran Communist leader and published in 1957, in the centenary year of the First War of Independence 1857. There are many articles written on the 1857 struggle by many important historians and authors. The articles deal with the brutal exploitation of the people through heavy taxes and appropriation of the land of the people through auctions etc in case of non-payment, the conversion to Christianity using official status, taking over the zamindari/landlords etc. which agitated the people. The sepoys, as the Indian military was called, were also affected by the above. Compelling the sepoys to use pig fat for oiling the guns was the breaking point, which hurt their religious sentiments. It was not only sepoys, but the people in large number participated in the rebellion in the north India. The Nawabs, Kings and prominent persons who lost their property and power also joined ranks. You can say that it was a well prepared struggle considering the then situation. The capture of Delhi by the rebels, the decision making the Mogul Emperor Bahadur Shah as the head of the rebel government,the formation of a Court of Administration with a few top leading persons, the manifesto issued by the Government in a democratic way – all these were positive points of the government. One after another, cities fell to the rebel government. But the weaknesses of the government was more than its positive side. The manifesto included restoration of the lands to those from whom it were taken away and also tried to put an end to the exploitation of the small land owners. The former zamindars etc. now started worrying that the new government may turn against them. Some of the local chieftains also thought that it will be better for them under the British Government. The British also sent emissaries to them assuring that in future no confiscation of their property will be there. The rebels expected help from Punjab and Bengal also in addition to the central north. But, for their own reasons, the new reformists of W.Bengal and the Punjabs kept themselves away from the rebellion and in some places, actually helped the British. Since there was not any other war engaged by the British at that time, except in China, they could mobilise their armies in full against the rebels. The Telegraphs and Railways was a big help for communications and transport. The sincerity and bravery of the rebel leaders was no match against the well trained, disciplined British army with more destructive guns and ammunition. The leaders of the rebellion, one after another had to sacrifice themselves in the battlefield or were captured and killed. Rani Laxmi Bai, Tatia Topi, Kunwar Singh – all were dead. The War of Independence was over within one year. Though the struggle was crushed and the people brutally shot and hanged by thousands, the seed for the Independence Struggle has been sown. There was no going back. It started again with the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885. The development of the freedom struggle and its culmination on 15th August 1947, India becoming a free nation, is well known.

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre – A Dark Chapter of British Rule

12 Saturday Apr 2014

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180px-Massacre_memorial_in_AmritsarOne of the darkest chapters in the British Rule was the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of hundreds of innocent Indians who had assembled to protest against the Rowlatt Act/hear the speeches of the freedom fighter leaders. This was on 13th April 1919.

The Rowlatt Bill, which curtailed the rights of the Indian people and enabled the government to impose stringent punishments was strongly opposed by the Congress and the freedom movement. Mahatma Gandhi called for observance of protest strike and disobedience movement against the same. It was also decided to observe 30th March 1919 as protest day by fasting, hartal etc. Five people died in the firing by police in Delhi on that day. Protesting against this, countrywide demonstrations were held participated by thousands all over the country. The entire country was in a protest move.

In Punjab, the situation was more tense. Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal,  who were organising the 1919 All India Session of the Congress in Punjab were arrested and taken away to some secret place. The people who started protesting were fired upon and some were killed.

A big public meeting was organised to protest the atrocities of the British on 13th April 1919 at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. More than 20,000 gathered in the place to hear the leaders. When the meeting started and leaders started speaking, all of a sudden, General Dyer came there with about 150 troops both British and Indian. Immediately,without any warning, he ordered fire against the people gathered there. It is recorded that 1600 rounds were fired and was stopped only when they ran out of ammunition.

It was terrible. Hundreds of people were killed on the spot and thousands were seriously wounded many of whom died later. There was no warning before the firing or at least the people did not know. And even if known, there was no way to disperse. The maidan was surrounded by walls/ houses and there was only a narrow path to go out through which even a vehicle could not pass. According to Government there were 400 killed and more than 1000 wounded. But this is far less than the actual casualty. General Dyer later told arrogantly that he wanted the people to be punished for defying the law. The British cut the water and power supply in the whole of Amritsar. People were fogged for coming out in to the streets. A terror was let loose.

The entire country rose in anger. Protest actions continued for days together. Revolutionary activities increased against the British. General Dyer who returned to England was shot dead by Udham Singh, a youth from Punjab who went to England to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

95 years have passed since this brutal massacre of the Indian people. We have got freedom. Every year on 13th April, the day is observed at Jallianwala Bagh, where a martyrs column is erected in memory of those killed, with massive participation, speeches, homage to the martyrs etc. I had the privilege to attend and pay my respectful homage to the martyrs there, five years back. All over Punjab and many centres in India, the day is observed as Jallianwala Bagh Martyrs Day.

We all pay our respectful homage to those martyrs who have sacrificed everything at the altar of the freedom of the country. They will always be an inspiration in our future struggles and advance march.

( The Photo given above is the Martyrs Memorial erected at Jallianwala Bagh. The well in which many fell and died, the walls on all sides of the maidan with bullet shots etc. can be clearly seen even now. A visit to the jallianwala Bagh is a must when one visit Punjab).

History of the P and T Trade Union Movement

12 Saturday Apr 2014

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Dear Comrades and Friends,

As per the decision of the Central Executive Committee of BSNLEU, a Trade Union Class was organised for the leaders and workers at K.G.Bose Bhawan, New Delhi on 7th and 8th of April 2014. I was assigned to take the class on ” History of the Indian Trade Union Movement, with particular reference to the P and T Trade Union Movement”. I took the class which continued for about three and half hours. In fact, the subject needed much more time.

After the class, many comrades came to me, appreciated and suggested that a book be written on the P and T TU movement for the benefit of the new generation. I have been pressed earlier also by many senior leaders and comrades to write a book on the subject. After much thought I have decided to take the stupendous task and challenge. Earlier I have written some articles and small booklets on the subject and had taken classes. But writing a full history is not an easy task. My experiences as a humble worker in the thick of the movement for more than five decades will certainly help me. There are union journals and certain booklets already published on the subject. But a lot have to be studied before preparing a comprehensive book.

Along with the records of the past, the experiences of the living senior comrades and workers are very important. They have to be met for their assistance. That I will do. I request all our comrades to assist me in this regard so that we will be able to produce a full history of the P and T Trade union Movement in India.

With Warm Greetings

V.A.N.Namboodiri.

The Indian War Heroes of World War I

06 Sunday Apr 2014

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India GateTower of LondonIndia Gate rising high majestically in the middle of the Boat Club in view of the Parliament, Rashtrapati Bhawan and the Central secretariat buildings is the memorial to the Indian War heroes of the World War I. It has about 70,000 names of Indian soldiers who died in the WW I , fighting for the British Empire, mainly in the foreign lands and restored its supremacy in the world. But the number commemorated is only a faction of the total soldiers who were killed. It comes to lakhs and lakhs.

After about a century of the start of the I World War, UK Government is making amends by putting installation of 8,88,246 ceramic poppies on the famous Tower of London, in honour of so many soldiers, mainly Indian, who have been killed in action in the WWI.It will be unveiled on 5th August 2014, the day on which Britain entered the War.

Not only India was the Shining Star of the British Empire, but the Indian Army was the most powerful force of the British. The Indian Army and soldiers were utilised for about a century to keep the British Empire, the super Empire till the II World War, after which it fell in to pieces due to Independence of many of its colonies through out the world, including India.

The British should not only honour the soldiers, but also should return all the valuables that have been stolen, confiscated and looted from India, many of which are still put in the museums and kept with the Government. The Government of India should demand these valuable heritage of India to be returned to India.

New Delhi, The Capital of India

31 Monday Mar 2014

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New Delhi is the capital of British India from 1st April 1912 and continues to be the Capital of free India since 15th August 1947.

Delhi was the capital of many empires. It is stated to be Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas, mentioned in the mythological epic Mahabharata, though no proof is available.

There are clear proof about the city from 6th BC onwards. This was the capital of Maurya Empire, Tomara, Chauhans, Slave dynasties, Lodhi, Khilji and Mogul Empires. It has changed hands umpteen times.The Mogul empire continued from 1526 when Babur attacked and conquered and made Delhi the capital. In between, the capital was shifted to Agra, but again it was brought back to Delhi. The Mogul Empire continued till 1857-58 when the last Emperor Bahadur Shah was exiled by the British after the First War of Independence was crushed.

The British made Calcutta their capital, being their major centre for a long period. Shimla was its summer capital. However, considering all factors, the capital was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi in 1912.

A new city was built at Delhi, which is the present New Delhi. The construction  was completed in 1931, including the Viceroy’s House (present Rashtrapati Bhawan), Central Secretariat buildings, Connaught Place etc. New Delhi is also called Lueton’s Delhi,  based on the architect who planned and constructed the city.

1 April 2014 is the 112 anniversary of the shifting of Capital from Calcutta to Delhi. New Delhi is one of biggest cities in the world and India’s first. It has got a population of more than 2.2 crore according to 2011 census. People from all over India has migrated to New Delhi and it is a real Metro City. It is the city of Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Purana Quila and much more heritage sites.

The changes that have taken place in the last few decades after Independence have been phenomenal, both good and bad. It has expanded far beyond the old Delhi. Alwar, Baghpat, Gurgaon, Sonepat,Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida, Noida  and other nearby towns in UP, Haryana and Rajasthan are part of the National Capital Region centred by New Delhi.  It is still expanding. People from all over the country reach Delhi for jobs. At the same time, it is one of the most polluted city. Yamuna has moved away from the sides of the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Purana Quila etc. during the centuries. Metro has come. The Delhi Airport is one of the best in the world. It is the centre of government, the power centre. It is a city non-parallel.

Most of all, one thing. With all its best and worse, those who come to Delhi want to continue in Delhi. It has its own magic and attraction.

 

 

 

Murderous Attack on Jyoti Basu at Patna Railway Station.

31 Monday Mar 2014

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Communist leaders were and are targets to be eliminated by the ruling classes. History is full of such incidents of attacks and murders.
The attacks are to eliminate not only the communists, but also Communism. But it has always failed to achieve the target.
Most of the world communist leaders had faced threats to their life once or more.
In India also the situation is not different. It was on 31st March 1970 that Jyoti Basu was attacked in the Patna Railway Station. While he escaped miraculously, the comrade who came to receive him was shot dead.
In W.Bengal, the attack on the CPI(M) continues unchecked. 145 CPI(M) cadres have been killed after Mamata Govt. came in to power.
The ruling classes thinks that by terrorising and killing communists, communism can be finished. They are completely mistaken. Communism is a force which will come back again and again till it succeeds world over. Because it is the system, where there is no exploitation of man by man and the interests of the toiling masses are safeguarded.

Com. AKG, ” The Crusader of the Downtrodden”, the British, the Congress and the Emergency.

23 Sunday Mar 2014

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India got Independence on 15th August 1947 putting an end to the British rule of about two hundred years, including that of East India Company. Many freedom fighters became martyrs in the struggle for independence. Congress, Communists, Socialists – all fought for freedom of the country.

But when the country became independent on 15th August 1947, there was one freedom fighter still in jail. It was Comrade A.K.Gopalan (Com. AKG). While hundreds of freedom fighters in jail were released, the Congress Govt. did not release him. Com. AKG hoisted the Indian Flag in the Jail and saluted it.

Again,there was the struggle against the hated draconian Emergency declared by the Indira Gandhi on 25 June 1975, when her election to Parliament was declared invalid. Almost all leaders of political parties, except Congress, were arrested and jailed. The press was silenced. Fascist methods were used against protesting people. Com. AKG, naturally opposed the Emergency tooth and nail.But due to his serious illness, he was not arrested. His illness took a turn to the worse and he passed away on 23rd March 1977.

The Emergency was withdrawn on 24th March 1997. The Congress was utterly defeated in the General elections and a Non- Congress Government for the first time in India was formed at Centre. Political leaders and trade union leaders and others were released. But Comrade AKG could not know about the good news. He was in comma for a few days earlier and passed away before the withdrawal of Emergency and formation of the Janata Government which won the elections with huge margin.

His famous words are significant and prophetic in this context: ‘I may not be alive to see the victory of the people. But it is a certainty that it will come sooner or later’.

Red Salute to Martyrs Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev!

22 Saturday Mar 2014

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March 23, 1931 is a day written in the blood of the eternal young martyrs Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev who sacrificed at the altar of freedom for the country. It was on this day these young freedom fighters were hanged by the British on the charge of terrorism against the British Empire.
They were not terrorists, but the true sons of the country. They were young and wanted mother India to be free. It is to be remembered that Bhagat Singh was only 23 years old when his life was cut short by the hangman’s knot.
Bhagat Singh very well knew that he will be hanged. But he and his comrades were not afraid. What Bhagat Singh told to his comrades, before the sentence was pronounced shows how these comrades thought about the punishment.
I am quoting below the following from the Book on Bhagat Singh written by his comrade and another accused, Com. shiv Verma, who escaped hanging.

“Then Bhagat Singh laughed and said: Our punishment will be ” To be hanged by neck till we are dead. This is reality Comrades. I know it. You also know it. Then, why shut the eyes to it?”
He continued ” This is the highest award for patriotism, and I am proud that I am going to get it. They think that by destroying my terrestrial body they will be safe in this country. They are wrong. They will kill me, but they can not kill my ideas. They can crush my body, but they will not be able to crush my spirits. My ideas will haunt he British like a curse till they are forced to run away from here.”
” But this is only one side of the picture. The other side is equally bright. Bhagat Singh dead will be more dangerous to the British enslavers than Bhagat Singh alive. After I am hanged, the fragrance of my revolutionary ideas will permeate the atmosphere of this beautiful land of ours. It will intoxicate the youth and make him mad for freedom and revolution, and that will bring the doom of the British imperialists nearer. This is my firm conviction. I am anxiously waiting for the day when I will receive the highest award for my services to the country and my love for my people.”

Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged on 23rd March 1931.

Bhagat Singh was correct. The spirit never dies. And it did not die in this case also. The whole nation revolted and the freedom came much earlier than expected.
( Excerpts from ” Bhagat Singh on the path of liberation” by Shiv Verma”)

Red Salutes to Shahid Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev!

Remember Paris Commune?

18 Tuesday Mar 2014

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About one half centuries back, in 1871 on 18th March, the workers revolted against the French Government and formed the Paris Commune. It had got inspiration from the French Revolution of 1789 to 1799 and wanted to completely to change the system in favour of the workers. But it was crushed by the Government by 21 May of the same year. 20,000 were killed, 38,000 jailed and 7,000 deported.
But the memory of that great uprising of the French people will inspire the working class all over the world.