Understanding Revolutionary Philosophy During Trials

The question asks to identify the revolutionary who, during his trial, stated his aim was not just violence but social revolution. This specific statement is historically attributed to a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement.

Let's examine the context of such statements. Revolutionaries often used their trials as a platform to communicate their political ideas and motives to the public and the world. The statement about not glorifying the "cult of the bomb and pistol" but desiring a "revolution in society" implies a broader goal than mere acts of violence; it suggests a vision for societal change.

Analyzing the Revolutionary's Statement

The statement, "he did not wish to glorify the cult of the bomb and pistol but wanted a revolution in society," was made during a famous trial in colonial India. This trial involved the bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi in 1929. The act was not intended to kill, but to "make the deaf hear" and to protest against unjust laws like the Public Safety Bill and the Trade Disputes Act.

The individuals arrested for this act were tried. During the trial proceedings, one of the accused articulated their philosophy, emphasizing that their actions were part of a larger struggle for social and political revolution, moving beyond individual acts of terrorism.

Identifying the Revolutionary

The revolutionary known for this exact statement made during the trial for the 1929 Central Assembly bombing is Bhagat Singh. Along with Batukeshwar Dutt, Bhagat Singh threw bombs and scattered leaflets in the assembly hall. Their subsequent trial became a significant event where Bhagat Singh expounded on his revolutionary ideas, including his views on socialism, atheism, and the nature of revolution.

Examining Other Options

• Surya Sen: Known as Masterda, he was a key figure in the Chittagong Armoury Raid (1930). While a significant revolutionary, this specific statement is not primarily associated with his trials.
• Sachindra Nath Sanyal: A founder of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), he was involved in the Kakori Conspiracy (1925). He wrote 'Bandi Jeevan' (A Life of Captivity), a key text for revolutionaries. While he faced trials and expressed revolutionary ideas, this particular statement is strongly linked to Bhagat Singh.
• Barindra Kumar Ghosh: A brother of Aurobindo Ghosh, he was involved in the Alipore Bomb Case (1908). He was a key figure in early revolutionary activities in Bengal. His trial also highlighted revolutionary ideologies, but the specific phrasing about the "cult of the bomb and pistol" and "revolution in society" is most famously associated with Bhagat Singh's trial defense.

Therefore, based on historical records of the trials of these revolutionaries, the statement "he did not wish to glorify the cult of the bomb and pistol but wanted a revolution in society" was made by Bhagat Singh.

Revision Table: Revolutionary Figures

Additional Information: Bhagat Singh's Philosophy of Revolution

Bhagat Singh and his comrades of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA, the renamed HRA) believed that true revolution involved a fundamental change in the social and economic structure of society, leading to the end of exploitation of man by man. Their actions, like the assembly bombing, were intended as propaganda by deed to awaken the masses and signal the beginning of a broader revolutionary struggle. The statement during the trial was crucial in clarifying their objectives were not simply anarchic violence but aimed at a socialist revolution for independence and social justice.