Ram Prasad Bismil(1897–1927)
Ram Prasad Bismil was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement during the early 20th century. Born on June 11, 1897, in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Bismil was a poet, philosopher, and revolutionary who played a crucial role in challenging British colonial rule in India. He was deeply influenced by the ideas of nationalism and freedom, which fueled his determination to fight for India’s independence.
It is essential to remember revolutionary heroes like Ram Prasad Bismil for several reasons. Firstly, they epitomize the spirit of sacrifice and courage that characterized the freedom struggle. Bismil, along with other revolutionaries, fearlessly stood up against the oppressive British regime, risking their lives for the cause of liberty and justice. Secondly, their actions serve as a reminder of the power of individuals to bring about significant societal change, even in the face of formidable challenges. Bismil’s commitment to the cause of independence inspired countless others to join the struggle and contributed to the eventual overthrow of British rule in India. Lastly, remembering revolutionary heroes like Bismil helps preserve our collective memory and heritage, ensuring that their sacrifices and contributions are not forgotten by future generations.
Early Life and Influences
Ram Prasad Bismil was born on June 11, 1897, in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, into a humble Brahmin family. His father, Murlidhar, was a religious scholar who instilled in him a love for literature and a sense of duty towards society. Despite facing financial difficulties, Bismil received a basic education in Hindi, Urdu, and Sanskrit, which laid the foundation for his later literary and revolutionary pursuits.
Bismil’s upbringing in an environment steeped in nationalist sentiments and his exposure to the socio-political injustices of British colonial rule played a significant role in shaping his revolutionary ideologies. He was deeply influenced by the works of freedom fighters like Swami Vivekananda, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, and Mahatma Gandhi, as well as by the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana, which emphasized the importance of righteous action and sacrifice for the greater good.
Additionally, Bismil was inspired by the revolutionary fervor sweeping through India during the early 20th century, especially after witnessing the brutal suppression of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 and the subsequent Rowlatt Act. These experiences fueled his determination to fight against British oppression and work towards India’s independence.
Contribution to the Kakori Conspiracy
The Kakori Conspiracy, also known as the Kakori Train Robbery, was a daring act of resistance against British colonial rule orchestrated by members of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) on August 9, 1925. The revolutionaries, including Ram Prasad Bismil, targeted a train carrying government funds near Kakori, a town in present-day Uttar Pradesh. The objective was to obtain funds to finance the revolutionary activities of the HRA.
The significance of the Kakori Conspiracy lies in its demonstration of the revolutionary spirit and determination of Indian freedom fighters to challenge British authority through bold and direct action. It captured the imagination of the Indian masses and inspired widespread support for the nationalist cause, while also drawing attention to the injustices perpetuated by the colonial regime.
Ram Prasad Bismil played a crucial role in planning and executing the Kakori Conspiracy. As one of the key leaders of the HRA, Bismil was instrumental in conceptualizing the plan to rob the train carrying government funds. Along with his comrades, including Ashfaqulla Khan, Chandrashekhar Azad, and others, Bismil meticulously planned the operation, considering various logistical challenges and security measures.
On the night of August 9, 1925, Bismil and his associates carried out the daring train robbery near Kakori, successfully intercepting the train and seizing the funds. Despite facing stiff resistance from the authorities, the revolutionaries managed to escape with the funds, although some were eventually captured and faced trial.
Literary Contributions
Aside from being a revolutionary leader, Ram Prasad Bismil was also a prolific poet and writer. His literary talents allowed him to express his deep-seated patriotism, ideals, and aspirations for a free India. Bismil’s poetry often served as a medium to inspire and mobilize people towards the cause of independence. His verses were imbued with themes of nationalism, social justice, and the spirit of sacrifice, resonating deeply with his fellow freedom fighters and the wider Indian populace.
Bismil published a pamphlet titled Deshvasiyon ke nam sandesh (A message to my countrymen). While living underground, he translated some of Bengali books viz. Bolshevikon Ki Kartoot ( The Bolshevik’s programme) and Yogik Sadhan (of Arvind Ghosh). Beside these a collection of poems Man Ki Lahar ( A sally of mind) and Swadeshi Rang was also written by him.
Another Swadhinta ki devi: Catherine was fabricated from an English book into Hindi. All of these were published by him in Sushil Mala series. Bismil wrote his autobiography while he was kept as condemned prisoner in Gorakhpur jail.
The autobiography of Ram Prasad Bismil was published under the cover title of Kakori ke shaheed by Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi in 1928 from Pratap Press, Cawnpore. A rough translation of this book was prepared by the Criminal Investigation Department of United Province in British India. Translated book was circulated as confidential document for official and police use throughout the country.
He immortalised the poem Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna, Man Ki Lahar and Swadeshi Rang as a war cry during the British Raj period in India. It was first published in journal “Sabah”, published from Delhi.
The poem Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna’s popularity and creation are often attributed to Ram Prasad Bismil. However, scholars have refuted this myth and have correctly attributed this ghazal to its rightful creator, Bismil Azimabadi. The Ghazal “Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna” is sourced from Bismil Azimadi’s book Hikayat-e-Hasti, available on Rekhta e-Books. It is said that when Ram Prasad Bismil was put on the gallows, the opening lines of this
poem were on his lips.
poem were on his lips.
sarfaroshī kī tamannā ab hamāre dil meñ hai
dekhnā hai zor kitnā bāzū-e-qātil meñ haiai shahīd-e-mulk-o-millat maiñ tire uupar nisār
le tirī himmat kā charchā ġhair kī mahfil meñ hai
dekhnā hai zor kitnā bāzū-e-qātil meñ haiai shahīd-e-mulk-o-millat maiñ tire uupar nisār
le tirī himmat kā charchā ġhair kī mahfil meñ hai
vaa.e qismat paañv kī ai zo.af kuchh chaltī nahīñ
kārvāñ apnā abhī tak pahlī hī manzil meñ hai
rahrav-e-rāh-e-mohabbat rah na jaanā raah meñ
lazzat-e-sahrā-navardī dūrī-e-manzil meñ hai
shauq se rāh-e-mohabbat kī musībat jhel le
ik ḳhushī kā raaz pinhāñ jāda-e-manzil meñ hai
aaj phir maqtal meñ qātil kah rahā hai baar baar
aa.eñ vo shauq-e-shahādat jin ke jin ke dil meñ hai
marne vaalo aao ab gardan kaTāo shauq se
ye ġhanīmat vaqt hai ḳhanjar kaf-e-qātil meñ hai
māne-e-iz.hār tum ko hai hayā, ham ko adab
kuchh tumhāre dil ke andar kuchh hamāre dil meñ hai
mai-kada sunsān ḳhum ulTe paḌe haiñ jaam chuur
sar-nigūñ baiThā hai saaqī jo tirī mahfil meñ hai
vaqt aane de dikhā deñge tujhe ai āsmāñ
ham abhi se kyun batā.eñ kyā hamare dil meñ hai
ab na agle valvale haiñ aur na vo armāñ kī bhiiḌ
sirf miT jaane kī ik hasrat dil-e-‘bismil’ meñ hai
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@Puja Singh 😊 🌿…..