Cawnpore (now spelt Kanpur) Bolshevik Conspiracy case.
On 17 March 1924, S.A. Dange, M.N. Roy, Muzaffar Ahmad, Nalini Gupta, Shaukat Usmani, Singaravelu Chettiar, Ghulam Hussain and others were charged as communists seeking "to deprive the King Emperor of his sovereignty of British India, by complete separation of India from Britain by a violent revolution" in what was called the Cawnpore (now spelt Kanpur) Bolshevik Conspiracy case.
The Meerut Conspiracy Case
The Meerut Conspiracy Case was a controversial court case that was initiated in British Raj in March 1929 and decided in 1933. Several trade unionists, including three Englishmen, were arrested for organizing an Indian railway strike. The British government convicted 27 leftist trade union leaders under a lawsuit. The trial immediately caught attention in England, where it inspired the 1932 play Meerut by a Manchester street theatre group, the Red Megaphones, highlighting the detrimental effects of colonisation and industrialisation.[1]
The Meerut Conspiracy Case (1929-1933) was a significant legal trial that unfolded during the early years of the Indian independence movement. The case was centered around the arrest and prosecution of a group of communist leaders who were accused of conspiring against the British colonial government.
Key details of the Meerut Conspiracy Case:
Background:
The early 20th century witnessed the emergence of socialist and communist ideologies in India, finding resonance among workers and labor unions.
The Communist Party of India (CPI) was formed in 1925, and by the late 1920s, it had gained traction, particularly in the industrial regions.
Arrests:
In 1929, during the First Congress of the Red International of Labour Unions (RILU) held in Tashkent, Soviet Union, Indian communist leaders were alleged to have hatched a conspiracy against the British government.
Upon their return to India, several leaders, including S.A. Dange, Shaukat Usmani, Muzaffar Ahmed, Nalini Gupta, and others, were arrested in Meerut in March 1930.
Charges:
The accused were charged with attempting to promote anti-British activities and conspiring to overthrow the colonial government by force.
The authorities alleged that the communists were plotting to establish a communist government in India.
Trial and Sentencing:
The trial began in 1933, and it lasted for several years.
The accused leaders were defended by prominent lawyers, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Asaf Ali.
In 1933, the verdict was announced, and the accused were convicted.
The sentences varied, with some receiving rigorous imprisonment.
Impact:
The Meerut Conspiracy Case highlighted the growing influence of socialist and communist ideologies in the Indian political landscape.
Despite the legal setbacks, the case contributed to the politicization of labor movements and the synergy between anti-colonial and socialist struggles in India.
The Meerut Conspiracy Case remains a crucial chapter in the history of the Indian independence movement, reflecting the complex interplay of political ideologies during that period.
The Kanpur Conspiracy Case of 1930 was a significant event in the context of the Indian independence movement. The case involved the arrest and trial of several leaders associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI) and its offshoots, who were accused of conspiring against the British colonial government.
The conspiracy was linked to the activities of leftist and communist groups that sought to promote anti-imperialist sentiments and workers' rights. The British authorities, alarmed by the rising influence of communist ideologies, particularly during the period of economic distress, took action against the leaders associated with these movements.
Prominent figures such as S.A. Dange, Shaukat Usmani, Muzaffar Ahmed, and others were arrested in Kanpur in March 1930. They were accused of planning to overthrow the British government through revolutionary means, inspired by the ideals of socialism and communism.
The trial attracted widespread attention and became a focal point for discussions on the intersection of anti-colonial and socialist movements in India. The accused leaders presented their case, asserting their commitment to the larger cause of Indian independence and the rights of the working class.
Ultimately, the accused were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment. The Kanpur Conspiracy Case marked a phase where socialist and communist ideologies were gaining prominence within the broader spectrum of the Indian freedom struggle. Despite the setback in the legal proceedings, the ideas and movements associated with the accused leaders continued to influence political developments in India.
Meerut Conspiracy Case (1929-1933)
The article by Ali Raza, titled "Meerut and the Creation of ‘Official Communism’ in India," discusses the Meerut Conspiracy Case (1929-1933) and its implications for the Communist Party of India (CPI). The essence of the article can be summarized as follows:
Historical Context:
The Meerut Conspiracy Case occurred during a critical period in India's struggle for independence when various political ideologies, including communism, gained momentum.
Official Communism:
The term "Official Communism" refers to the perceived collaboration between the Communist Party leadership and colonial authorities during the Meerut Conspiracy Case.
Political Dynamics:
The article delves into the political dynamics within the Communist Party, highlighting the tensions between revolutionary and more moderate factions.
CPI Leadership's Response:
The leadership of the CPI, facing legal challenges and persecution, made strategic decisions that some critics characterize as compromises with the colonial authorities.
Impact on Communist Movement:
Raza explores how the Meerut Conspiracy Case influenced the trajectory of the communist movement in India, shaping its future strategies and relations with other political forces.
Legacy and Analysis:
The article likely assesses the long-term impact of the Meerut Conspiracy Case on the CPI, examining how the events contributed to the party's organizational structure, ideological stance, and its role in the broader national movement.
For a more in-depth understanding, it is recommended to read the full article by Ali Raza.
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