Delhi University Students and the Indian Freedom Struggle
A new book explores the revolutionary legacy of students involved in anti-colonial movements.
1Revolutionary Student Roots
A new book examines the active role Delhi University students played during the Indian freedom struggle. The narrative centers on Master Amir Chand, a former student of St. Stephen’s College. His involvement in anti-colonial activities highlights the intellectual and radical fervor that defined the student body during the early twentieth century.
2The Hardinge Bomb Case
On December 23, 1912, a group of revolutionaries led by Rash Behari Bose targeted Viceroy Lord Hardinge. The attack occurred as the Viceroy processed through Chandni Chowk on an elephant. The explosion destroyed the howdah and killed an attendant, marking a pivotal moment of violent resistance against British colonial rule.
3Execution of Amir Chand
Master Amir Chand was one of four individuals executed by British authorities for his role in the Hardinge bomb case. He was hanged in 1915, becoming a martyr for the independence movement. His grandson, Durga Chand, preserves these memories, reflecting on the high personal cost of challenging the established imperial order.
4Founding S Chand Publishing
The family behind this revolutionary history also established M/S S Chand and Company Pvt Ltd in 1917. Founded by Lala Sultan Chand, the firm aimed to provide affordable textbooks to Indian students. This initiative directly challenged the market dominance of European publishers and authors during the height of the colonial era.
5Democratizing Educational Access
Lala Sultan Chand actively encouraged Indian professors to write academic materials in accessible language. By prioritizing local authors, the company ensured that educational resources were both culturally relevant and economically viable for students. This strategy was a quiet form of intellectual independence, fostering local scholarship while bypassing traditional British academic gatekeepers.
6Historical Context of Resistance
The involvement of students in the freedom movement was not limited to protests but extended to clandestine revolutionary cells. These groups often operated within university circles, utilizing the intellectual environment to organize against colonial policies. The Hardinge incident remains a primary example of how radicalized students directly confronted the British administration.
7Legacy of Academic Publishing
The transition from revolutionary activism to educational publishing illustrates a shift in how the family contributed to nation-building. By focusing on textbooks, they supported the intellectual development of generations of Indian students. This legacy bridges the gap between the militant struggle for political freedom and the long-term pursuit of educational sovereignty.
8Significance of the Narrative
This book serves as a vital record of the personal sacrifices made by students during India's fight for independence. By linking the Hardinge bomb case to the evolution of a major publishing house, the text provides a unique perspective on how revolutionary ideals shaped both the political and educational landscapes of India.
Original article: Scroll.in — Delhi University Students and the Indian Freedom Struggle