Militant Nationalism in The Punjab, 1919–1935

This book presents a comprehensive account of the growth and development of militant nationalism in Punjab between two landmark events in the history of the Indian nationalist movement – the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh. It highlights the ideology of the Babbar Akali Jatha, Kirti‑Kisan Party, Punjab Naujawan Bharat Sabha, Hindustan Socialist Republican Association and the Atashi Chakkar Group and the daring deeds of the militant nationalists. It traces the vital links between the militant movement in Punjab and its counterparts in Bengal, Bombay, UP and Delhi in the early 20th century, thus interweaving region and nation. The author also discusses the long and much‑ignored contribution of Punjabi women as comrades‑in‑arms.

An important contribution to the history of India’s struggle for freedom, this book will be indispensable for students and researchers of regional history, colonial history and modern Indian history. For those interested in the history of South Asia, it will provide valuable insights into the changing nature of militancy from Veer Savarkar to Bhagat Singh.