Was Mahatma Gandhi Responsible for the Death of Bhagat Singh?

This question has long been a subject of debate and scrutiny. Gandhi never supported any revolutionary activities, a stance that was in accordance with the Congress policies. However, it is crucial to dig deeper into the historical context provided by British archives and Indian historical documents to understand the full picture. This article will explore the historical background, the role of the Congress party, and the nuanced perspectives on Gandhi's relationship with Bhagat Singh.

A Closer Look at the Congress Party

The Indian National Congress (Congress) was not an indigenous party, but a British creation. It was founded in 1885 by A. O. Hume, a British officer, as a tool to channel the energy of India's freedom struggle in a non-violent manner. The primary objective was to provide a platform for Indian leaders to engage in non-violent civil disobedience, acting as a safety valve to prevent armed rebellion. This background is often overlooked or misinterpreted in discussions about the independence movement.

It is important to note that the British promoted the Congress more as a peace-loving party, and they ensured that the Congress narrative stayed on top in India. They provided full patronage, funding, and glory to the Congress with one condition: that Congress should not support or encourage violence against the British. As A. O. Hume's personal experiences in the 1857 War of Independence show, the British were well aware of the potential for violence and sought to contain it through peaceful means.

The Role of Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat Singh

Despite Gandhi's strong stand against violence, he was not blind to its consequences. He envisioned a non-violent India and was actively involved in various non-violent campaigns to achieve this goal. Gandhi was aware of the consequences of violent agitations and the risks it posed to the freedom movement. He once received Rs 100 (approximately Rs 3.5 lakhs in today's terms) per month from the British, which is documented in British archives and is a controversial aspect of his legacy.

However, it is crucial to understand that Gandhi's primary goal was to keep the movement non-violent. While he was not anti to the efforts made for the nation's freedom, he was deeply concerned about the negative consequences of violence. He did his best to get relief for Bhagat Singh and other revolutionaries but the British government was not amenable to his suggestions. Gandhi respected and revered all the brave hearts of the freedom movement, including Bhagat Singh.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether Mahatma Gandhi was responsible for the death of Bhagat Singh is a multi-faceted one. While Gandhi did not support violent actions, the historical context reveals that the British created the Congress to counteract the risk of armed rebellion. The primary responsibility for the decision to support non-violence rests with Gandhi, but the broader historical context is crucial in evaluating this question.

For a deeper understanding, authentic historical literature and documents, such as those available at the National Archives of India, should be consulted. These sources provide a more comprehensive view of the Indian freedom struggle and the complex relationships within it.