BhagatSingh

Secretly Cremated – The British Attempt to Erase Bhagat Singh’s Legacy

After secretly hanging Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev on March 23, 1931, the British feared that their martyrdom would ignite massive protests and rebellion across India. To prevent their bodies from becoming symbols of resistance, they refused to hand them over to their families and instead opted for a secret cremation near the Sutlej River.

1. The Cover-Up Attempt

• After the execution inside Lahore Central Jail, the British authorities wanted to avoid public attention.
• Instead of following regular procedures, they smuggled the bodies out through a back gate, avoiding the main exit where a crowd had gathered.
• Under the cover of darkness, the bodies were taken to the banks of the Sutlej River near Ferozepur, Punjab.

2. The Secret Cremation

• To dispose of the evidence quickly, British officials and police hastily set the bodies on fire, performing an incomplete cremation.
• Their plan was to erase all physical traces of Bhagat Singh and his comrades, preventing their funeral from turning into a revolutionary event.
• However, the cremation was done hurriedly and carelessly, leaving behind half-burnt remains.

3. Discovery by Locals

• Villagers nearby saw the smoke and rushed to the spot.
• They found the half-burnt remains of the three revolutionaries and immediately recognized the British attempt to cover up the execution.
• The locals gathered the ashes and bones, ensuring that Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev received a proper last tribute.

4. The Final Tribute

• The remains were taken to Hussainiwala, near Ferozepur, where they were given a respectful cremation by the people of India.
• Word spread quickly, and thousands joined the last rites, defying British efforts to suppress the truth.
• This act of bravery by the villagers ensured that Bhagat Singh’s martyrdom became an eternal part of India’s history.

5. Impact of the Secret Cremation

• The British attempt to erase his legacy backfired spectacularly.
• The discovery of the cremation site fueled even greater outrage and nationalist sentiment across the country.
• Today, Hussainiwala (Punjab) is a memorial site, where people honor Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev every year on March 23, Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs’ Day).

Hanged Before the Scheduled Date – A Secret Execution

Bhagat Singh, along with Rajguru and Sukhdev, was sentenced to death in the Lahore Conspiracy Case for the killing of British officer John Saunders. Their execution was originally set for March 24, 1931, but fearing massive public protests, the British authorities secretly hanged them a day earlier, on March 23, 1931, at 7:30 PM inside Lahore Central Jail.

1. Fear of Public Uprising

• Bhagat Singh had become a national icon, and the demand for his release had spread across India.
• Massive protests and petitions urged the British government to commute his death sentence.
• Fearing that delaying the execution could lead to a nationwide revolt, the British decided to carry it out secretly.

2. The Secret Hanging

• On the evening of March 23, 1931, the jail authorities rushed the execution without informing the public.
• It is said that Bhagat Singh walked to the gallows with a smile, fearlessly shouting “Inquilab Zindabad!” (Long Live the Revolution).
• Just before being hanged, he is believed to have said, “A revolutionist is always prepared to die.”

3. The Attempt to Hide the Execution

• The British did not hand over the bodies to their families, fearing further unrest.
• Instead, the bodies were secretly cut into pieces and taken to the banks of the Sutlej River, where they were hastily burned in the middle of the night to erase evidence.
• Local villagers, however, discovered the remains, and soon the news spread, sparking massive outrage across India.

4. Impact of His Martyrdom

• March 23 is now observed as Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs’ Day) in India, honoring Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev.
• His execution made him a legendary figure in India’s freedom movement, inspiring countless revolutionaries.
• Even today, his sacrifice is remembered as a symbol of fearless patriotism and resistance against oppression.

In 1929, Bhagat Singh and his fellow revolutionaries undertook a historic 116-day hunger strike while imprisoned in the Lahore Central Jail. This strike was not just an act of defiance but a powerful statement against the inhumane treatment of Indian political prisoners by British authorities.

1. The Reason Behind the Hunger Strike

Indian prisoners were subjected to harsh and discriminatory conditions in British jails, while British prisoners received better food, clothing, and treatment. Bhagat Singh and his comrades demanded:

• Equal treatment for Indian and British prisoners.
• Better food, hygiene, and living conditions.
• Access to books, newspapers, and writing materials.
• The status of political prisoners, rather than common criminals.

2. The Start of the Hunger Strike (June 1929)

Bhagat Singh, along with Jatin Das, Dutt, Rajguru, Sukhdev, and others, refused to eat solid food and survived only on water mixed with salt for over three months.

3. Jatin Das’ Martyrdom

• The hunger strike took a tragic turn when Jatin Das died on the 63rd day (September 13, 1929) due to extreme weakness.
• His death intensified public outrage against British rule, and his funeral in Kolkata drew massive crowds.

4. Bhagat Singh’s Determination

Despite extreme weakness, Bhagat Singh continued the strike for 116 days. His weight dropped drastically, and his health deteriorated, but he refused to give in.

• Even while fasting, he continued reading books, writing letters, and studying revolutionary ideas.
• He famously wrote, “Revolution is an inalienable right of mankind.”

5. The British Response

• The British authorities tried to force-feed the prisoners, but they resisted.
• Due to increasing public pressure and protests across India, the British were eventually forced to improve prison conditions.

6. End of the Hunger Strike

• The hunger strike ended on October 5, 1929, after some demands were met.
• Bhagat Singh emerged as a national hero, symbolizing sacrifice, courage, and resistance.

Impact of the Hunger Strike

• It exposed British cruelty and gained massive public support for the freedom movement.
• It inspired future revolutionaries to continue fighting for justice.
• It showed the world that non-violent resistance could be as powerful as armed struggle.

Bhagat Singh’s 116-day hunger strike remains one of the longest and most impactful hunger strikes in history, proving his unyielding commitment to justice and equality.

Bhagat Singh was not only a fearless revolutionary but also a sharp intellectual and prolific writer. He believed that the power of words was just as strong as the power of action. To spread revolutionary ideas while avoiding British censorship and surveillance, he often wrote under the pen name “Vidrohi” (meaning “Rebel” in Hindi).

1. Writing for Newspapers

Bhagat Singh contributed thought-provoking articles to Kirti (a Punjabi monthly magazine) and Pratap (a nationalist newspaper). His writings criticized British rule, exposed social injustices, and called for radical change.

2. Themes of His Articles

Under the pseudonym “Vidrohi,” Bhagat Singh wrote on topics like:

• British exploitation and oppression – He exposed the brutalities of colonial rule.
• Socialism and equality – He promoted the idea of a classless, just society.
• The need for armed revolution – He argued that non-violence alone wouldn’t free India.
• Criticism of blind faith – He strongly opposed superstitions and religious orthodoxy.

3. Why Did He Use a Pen Name?

• To avoid British crackdown – His radical writings could have led to his immediate arrest.
• To ensure widespread circulation – Newspapers feared publishing anti-British content under real names.
• To inspire without fear – The name “Vidrohi” itself symbolized defiance and rebellion, making his message stronger.

4. Writing Even from Jail

Even while imprisoned, Bhagat Singh continued writing. His famous essay, “Why I Am an Atheist,” was written in jail in 1930. Though this was under his real name, it carried the same rebellious spirit that defined “Vidrohi.”

5. Influence of His Writings

His words ignited the spirit of revolution in many young Indians, inspiring them to join the freedom struggle. Today, his articles remain a powerful testament to his intellect, courage, and vision for a free India.

Pseudonyms for Safety: Bhagat Singh’s Secret Identities

To evade British surveillance and continue his revolutionary activities, Bhagat Singh used multiple pseudonyms throughout his life. These aliases allowed him to travel discreetly, communicate securely, and publish articles without immediate detection by the colonial authorities. Some of his notable pseudonyms include:

1. Balwant Singh

• After the Lahore Conspiracy Case, Bhagat Singh needed to go underground. He used the name Balwant Singh while escaping after assassinating John Saunders in 1928.
• This alias helped him evade police while traveling across cities.

2. Ranjit Singh

• During his revolutionary activities, Bhagat Singh often used Ranjit Singh to avoid identification, especially in his correspondence and secret meetings with fellow revolutionaries.

3. Shaheed Bhagat Singh (Self-Adopted in Writings)

• Though he did not refer to himself as a martyr before his death, in some of his writings and slogans, he embraced the title “Shaheed” (Martyr) Bhagat Singh, symbolizing his commitment to sacrificing everything for India’s freedom.

4. Vidrohi (The Rebel) – Pen Name for Articles

• Bhagat Singh was a prolific writer and contributed powerful anti-British articles to newspapers like Kirti and Pratap. To protect his identity, he used the pen name “Vidrohi” (meaning “Rebel” in Hindi).

5. Name Change After Disguising Himself

• After the killing of John Saunders, Bhagat Singh cut his long hair and shaved his beard, adopting a completely new look. This was a drastic step for a Sikh, but it was necessary to avoid capture.
• He then dressed in Western attire, wearing a hat instead of a turban, making it easier for him to move around unnoticed.

Why These Pseudonyms Were Necessary

• British intelligence was constantly tracking revolutionaries. Using different names helped Bhagat Singh continue his work.
• It allowed him to publish radical ideas in newspapers without getting arrested immediately.
• He could travel across India without raising suspicion.

Bhagat Singh’s ability to adapt and use multiple identities played a crucial role in keeping the revolutionary movement alive. His strategic use of pseudonyms shows how deeply he understood the importance of secrecy in fighting against oppression.

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.

Bhagat Singh’s Vision for India: Beyond Independence

Bhagat Singh was not just a revolutionary fighting against British rule—he had a clear vision for a just, equal, and progressive India. His dream was not limited to political freedom but extended to social, economic, and intellectual liberation.

1. Socialism: A Classless Society

• Bhagat Singh believed that true freedom could only come through socialism, where wealth and power are equally distributed.
• He wanted to end exploitation by landlords, capitalists, and oppressive rulers.
• Inspired by Marxist and Leninist ideologies, he saw socialism as the path to a fair and just society.

2. Equality for All, Beyond Religion & Caste

• He strongly opposed the caste system and religious divisions, believing they weakened India’s unity.
• He dreamed of an India where every citizen had equal rights, regardless of class, religion, or background.
• He criticized communal politics, fearing it would divide the country and hinder true independence.

3. The Importance of Education & Rational Thinking

• Bhagat Singh emphasized education as the key to progress.
• He believed that scientific thinking, awareness, and critical questioning were essential for a truly independent nation.
• His essay “Why I Am an Atheist” encouraged rationalism and challenged blind faith.

4. Independence Was Not Enough—Economic Freedom Mattered Too

• He saw how British exploitation had left India poor, and he wanted economic reforms that would benefit workers and farmers.
• He supported labor rights, fair wages, and better working conditions for all.

5. A Nation Built on Justice & Freedom

• He dreamed of an India where people would have the right to free speech, thought, and action.
• He was against dictatorship or oppressive governance, believing in a democratic system based on equality.

His Legacy Lives On

Bhagat Singh’s vision was much deeper than armed rebellion—it was about creating a fair, progressive, and truly independent India. His ideas continue to inspire movements for social justice, equality, and democracy even today. 🚩

Bhagat Singh’s Time in Jail: The Fight Continues Behind Bars

Bhagat Singh’s time in jail (1929–1931) was not just a period of confinement—it became an extension of his revolution. Even while imprisoned, he continued to challenge British rule through his actions, hunger strikes, and writings.

1. The Hunger Strike for Prisoners’ Rights (1929)

• Bhagat Singh and his comrades noticed that Indian political prisoners were treated far worse than British prisoners.
• They demanded equal treatment, including better food, clothing, books, and hygiene conditions.
• To protest, he led a hunger strike that lasted 116 days, despite facing extreme weakness and force-feeding attempts by the British.
• His comrade Jatin Das died on the 63rd day, making him a martyr of the strike.

2. Writing & Intellectual Growth in Jail

• Bhagat Singh used his time in jail to read extensively, studying socialism, history, and revolution.
• He wrote one of his most famous essays, “Why I Am an Atheist,” defending rational thought over blind faith.
• His letters from jail reflected deep intellectual insights and a clear vision for India’s future.

3. Refusing Clemency & Embracing Martyrdom

• The British offered him ways to save his life, including an apology or legal appeal.
• He refused, believing that his martyrdom would inspire future generations.
• Instead of fear, he remained calm and cheerful, reading books and writing letters until his last moments.

4. Secret Hanging & Its Aftermath

• Originally set for March 24, 1931, his execution was moved up to March 23 to avoid protests.
• He was hanged at 7:30 PM, alongside Rajguru and Sukhdev, at Lahore Central Jail.
• The British secretly cremated his body near the Sutlej River to prevent public outrage, but the news of his execution spread rapidly, igniting massive protests.

5. Legacy Beyond Prison

• His time in jail showed his mental strength, commitment to justice, and unshaken revolutionary spirit.
• His words and ideas continue to inspire generations beyond his lifetime.

Bhagat Singh was not just a fearless fighter but also a deep thinker and voracious reader. His revolutionary ideas were shaped by extensive reading on socialism, history, and philosophy.

• Interest in Political Ideologies: He studied the works of Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and Vladimir Lenin, drawing inspiration from their thoughts on class struggle and revolution.
• Influence of Literature: He admired writers like Victor Hugo (“Les Misérables”), which portrayed the fight against oppression, and Upton Sinclair, whose books exposed capitalist exploitation.
• Reading in Prison: While awaiting execution, he requested books such as “The Life of Lenin” and “The History of the Russian Revolution”, showing his unwavering commitment to learning.
• Multilingual Learning: Fluent in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and English, he also explored Bengali literature, particularly works of Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
• A Scholar with a Mission: For Bhagat Singh, reading was not just for knowledge but a weapon to challenge injustice, educate the masses, and lay the foundation for an independent, socialist India.

His love for books proved that true revolution begins in the mind before it reaches the battlefield. 🚩

Bhagat Singh was a master of disguise, using different appearances to outsmart British authorities.

• Shedding His Sikh Identity (1928): After the Lahore Conspiracy Case and the killing of British officer J.P. Saunders, Bhagat Singh cut his hair and shaved his beard—a significant sacrifice for a Sikh—to avoid being recognized while escaping Lahore.
• Adopting Western Attire: To blend in, he wore a suit, a hat, and spoke in English, presenting himself as a well-educated young man rather than a revolutionary.
• Growing a Beard for a New Identity (1929): Later, when the British intensified their search for him, he grew a full beard and adopted a more traditional Indian look, making it harder for authorities to identify him.
• Multiple Disguises and Fake Names: He often changed his name and identity while traveling—one of his aliases was Balwant Singh.
• Outsmarting the British Intelligence: Despite being one of the most wanted men in India, he managed to evade capture multiple times, proving his intelligence and adaptability.

His ability to transform his appearance helped him stay ahead of the British, but his ultimate goal was never to run—it was to inspire a revolution. 🚩