Bhagat Singh’s iconic hat is one of the most recognizable symbols of his revolutionary persona, but his decision to wear a suit and tie in some of his photographs was deliberate and strategic. Here’s why:
1. Breaking the Stereotype of a “Rustic” Revolutionary
- In the 1920s, the popular image of a freedom fighter was often associated with traditional Indian attire, such as a dhoti or kurta-pajama.
- Bhagat Singh wanted to challenge this image and show that revolutionaries were not just rural, uneducated rebels but also intellectuals who could match the British in every way, including appearance and ideology.
2. Inspired by European Revolutionaries
- Bhagat Singh was deeply influenced by European revolutionary movements, especially those in Russia.
- Many of his role models, such as Vladimir Lenin, Karl Marx, and Irish revolutionaries, often wore Western attire. By adopting a similar style, he aligned himself with global revolutionaries.
3. Media and Public Perception
- He was highly conscious of how the media portrayed him. The famous suit-and-tie photo was meant to project a confident, modern, and fearless youth, countering the British narrative that revolutionaries were simply violent extremists.
- This image helped inspire educated youth to join the freedom movement.
4. The Hat Became a Symbol of Revolution
- Though Bhagat Singh did not always wear the hat, it became synonymous with his identity after the famous Assembly Bombing Case (1929).
- Interestingly, before that, he was usually seen in a turban, reflecting his Sikh heritage. However, to evade police detection after the killing of British officer John Saunders (1928), he cut his hair and shaved his beard, which was a major step for a Sikh.
5. International Exposure and a Global Outlook
- Unlike many other revolutionaries of his time, Bhagat Singh read extensively about world politics, socialism, and revolutions in Russia, Ireland, and France.
- He adopted Western attire not as a symbol of admiration for the British, but to show that Indians were equals to them and capable of leading a modern revolutionary movement.