Chandra Shekhar Azad was involved in several revolutionary activities that shook British rule in India. His fearless actions, strategic planning, and commitment to armed struggle made him a key figure in the Indian independence movement. Below is a detailed look at his major revolutionary activities:
🔹 Kakori Train Robbery (1925)
One of the most daring acts of resistance against British rule, the Kakori Train Robbery was a well-planned operation by the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA).
Background and Planning
- The revolutionaries needed funds to buy weapons and carry out further revolutionary activities.
- A plan was made to loot a British government treasury being transported by train.
- Azad, along with Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, and others, decided to target the No. 8 Down train running from Saharanpur to Lucknow.
Execution (9th August 1925)
- As the train approached Kakori, near Lucknow, the revolutionaries pulled the emergency chain and stopped the train.
- They overpowered the guards and looted government money from the train’s cash chest.
- Azad ensured that no innocent passengers were harmed during the operation.
Aftermath
- The British launched a massive manhunt and arrested Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, and Roshan Singh, who were later hanged.
- Azad escaped capture and continued his revolutionary activities, making him one of the most wanted revolutionaries in India.
🔹 Revenge for Lala Lajpat Rai’s Death (1928)
Azad played a crucial role in avenging the brutal attack on Lala Lajpat Rai, a senior nationalist leader.
Background
- Lala Lajpat Rai was leading a protest against the Simon Commission in Lahore in October 1928.
- British police chief James A. Scott ordered a violent lathi charge, injuring Lajpat Rai severely.
- He later died of his injuries, leading to nationwide outrage.
Execution of the Plan
- Azad, along with Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, planned to assassinate James A. Scott as revenge for Lajpat Rai’s death.
- On 17th December 1928, Bhagat Singh and Rajguru mistakenly shot J.P. Saunders, a British police officer, instead of Scott.
Azad’s Role
- Azad provided cover fire to help Bhagat Singh and Rajguru escape.
- He orchestrated their safe escape from Lahore, ensuring the revolutionaries could continue their activities.
Impact
- This act of revenge further intensified the British crackdown on revolutionaries.
- The incident made Bhagat Singh, Azad, and HSRA even more famous, inspiring more young Indians to join the freedom struggle.
🔹 Secret Training and Guerrilla Warfare
Azad was a master in guerrilla warfare and trained many young revolutionaries in combat tactics.
Training Young Revolutionaries
- He trained Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, and other members of the HSRA in:
- Weapon handling and shooting
- Combat techniques and self-defense
- Stealth and secret communications
- He also taught them how to evade police capture and move unnoticed.
Safehouses and Secret Locations
- Azad operated from Jhansi, Benares (Varanasi), and Allahabad, constantly shifting locations to avoid British intelligence.
- Jhansi was his main training base, where he trained revolutionaries under the disguise of a school teacher.
- He also used forests and remote areas for weapons training.
Evading British Capture
- Despite multiple attempts by the British to arrest him, Azad managed to escape several times.
- He had a network of informants and secret supporters who helped him stay ahead of the police.