Kakori Conspiracy: 100 Years of Kakori Train Action, HRA & More

Kakori Train Action In 1925, members of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) took the landmark revolutionary step against British rule and targeted the train at Kakori. It marked increasing criticism of constitutional ways and increased armed resistance in the Indian independence movement.

The Kakori Train Action is an essential topic for UPSC History (Modern India) under GS Paper – I, Indian Freedom Struggle – Revolutionaries and their contributions. This helps to comprehend the concept of revolutionary nationalism and organisations like HRA/HSRA and their vital role in India's struggle for independence. Join the UPSC coaching today and boost your preparation.

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100 Years of Kakori Train Action

The Kakori Train Action centenary is not exactly a memory but rather a reiteration of the revolutionary audacity in our freedom movement. The act is representative of the shift to radical political actions of taking up arms. It motivated thousands of young people to participate in the struggle for independence and be reminded about India's battle for dignity, sacrifice and sovereignty. Its longstanding efforts to influence nationalist thinking and the national psyche are marked by commemorations in 2025.

What was the Kakori Train Action?

On 9 August 1925, revolutionaries of the HRA robbed the government treasury money travelling by train near Kakori, Uttar Pradesh. They aimed to raise money to fund the revolution and fight against British economic exploitation. This outlawed action frightened colonial powers.

About

• Planned and executed by HRA revolutionaries.
• Target: 8-Down Train from Shahjahanpur to Lucknow.
• Only treasury cash was looted; passengers were not harmed.

Background

• Inspired by revolutionary ideas post-Non-Cooperation Movement.
• The lack of funds was a significant hurdle to HRA's activities.
• The action aimed to weaken British authority and gain public attention for the revolutionary cause.

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Personalities Involved

• Ram Prasad Bismil (leader, poet, ideologue).
• Ashfaqulla Khan (key planner, executed later).
• Chandrashekhar Azad (escaped arrest, later became a legendary revolutionary).
• Rajendra Lahiri, Roshan Singh, Rajendra Nath Mukherjee, Banwari Lal, Sachindranath Bakshi and others.

British Response

• Severe crackdown with mass arrests of revolutionaries.
• Four leaders—Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, and Roshan Singh—were sentenced to death.
• Others received long-term imprisonment in the Andaman Cellular Jail.
• Sparked widespread outrage and admiration among Indians.

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Hindustan Republican Association (HRA)

Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) was established in 1924 by Ram Prasad Bismil, Sachindranath Sanyal, and Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee to amass an armed revolution against British rule. It wanted to bring a federal republic in India using a revolution. Later, the HRA gave way to Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in 1928, which stressed the idea of socialism and nationalism.

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Foundation

• Established in 1924 by Ram Prasad Bismil, Sachindranath Sanyal, and Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee.
• Aim: Organize armed struggle to overthrow British rule.

Members

• Key figures: Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Chandrashekhar Azad, Sachindranath Bakshi, Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee, Rajendra Lahiri.

Ideology

• Inspired by socialist and revolutionary nationalism.
• They believed that an armed revolution was essential to overthrow colonial rule.
• Advocated sacrifice, courage, and complete independence (Purna Swaraj).

HRA Renamed as HSRA

• 1928 HRA was reorganized as the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) under Chandrashekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh.
• Ideology shifted towards scientific socialism along with nationalism.

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Significance

• Innovated the radical branch of the Indian struggle for freedom.
• Enthused young people with the dream of sacrifice and weapon resistance.
• Paved the way to a nationalist ideology that is said to lead to socialist and radical movements in India.

Conclusion

Kakori Train Action was an act of robbery and a revolutionary way to protest against colonial oppression. It demonstrated how young revolutionists sacrificed their lives for the cause of national freedom. Its 100th anniversary reminds us of the culture of sacrifice at the inception of Indian Independence.

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