Understanding the Authorship of “Philosophy of the Bomb”

The question asks about one of the authors of the significant historical document titled “Philosophy of the Bomb”. This text is a key document in the history of the Indian independence movement, particularly associated with revolutionary activities.

What is “Philosophy of the Bomb”?

“Philosophy of the Bomb” was a manifesto published in 1929 by members of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). It was written as a response to Mahatma Gandhi's article titled “The Cult of the Bomb”, which condemned the revolutionary methods involving violence.

The manifesto aimed to justify the use of violence and bombs by revolutionaries as a necessary tool against oppressive British rule, arguing that non-violence alone was insufficient to achieve complete independence.

Authorship and Yashpal's Role

While often attributed primarily to Bhagwati Charan Vohra, a prominent member of the HSRA, the document involved contributions from others within the revolutionary group. Historical accounts suggest that Bhagwati Charan Vohra was the principal author, drafting the main text.

However, the question specifically asks for one of the authors from the given options. Revolutionary documents like this were often collaborative efforts to some extent. Yashpal, another active member of HSRA and a well-known writer later, is known to have been involved in the production and dissemination of this document. Sources indicate that Yashpal either contributed to the drafting or wrote an introductory part of the manifesto.

Considering his involvement in drafting or contributing to the introduction of “Philosophy of the Bomb”, Yashpal is considered one of the authors or contributors to this important document.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the provided options in the context of the authorship of “Philosophy of the Bomb”:

• Bhagat Singh: Bhagat Singh was a leading figure in HSRA and would have been aware of and likely approved the manifesto. While he subscribed to the philosophy presented, he is not typically credited as an author of this specific document itself, although he was deeply involved with the group that produced it.
• Jawaharlal Nehru: Jawaharlal Nehru was a leader in the Indian National Congress and advocated for independence, but his methods and ideology were distinct from the revolutionary path championed by HSRA. He was not associated with writing “Philosophy of the Bomb”.
• Surya Sen: Surya Sen (Masterda) was a revolutionary leader, famous for the Chittagong Armoury Raid, but he primarily operated independently from the HSRA's central leadership and activities in North India concerning this manifesto. He was not an author of “Philosophy of the Bomb”.
• Yashpal: As discussed, Yashpal was an active member of HSRA and is credited with contributing to the “Philosophy of the Bomb” manifesto, possibly by writing an introduction or contributing to the text draft. Therefore, he is considered one of the authors.

Based on historical accounts of the document's creation and contributors within HSRA, Yashpal is the correct individual among the given options who was one of the authors of “Philosophy of the Bomb”.

Revision Table: Key Figures and “Philosophy of the Bomb”

Additional Information: “Philosophy of the Bomb” Context

The “Philosophy of the Bomb” was published shortly after the bombing incident in the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi by Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt in April 1929. Following this incident and subsequent arrests, Mahatma Gandhi published his views on revolutionary violence.

The HSRA felt it necessary to articulate their ideological stance and justify their actions. Bhagwati Charan Vohra, with contributions from others like Yashpal, drafted the manifesto. It was secretly distributed to counter the narrative against revolutionary methods and explain their perspective on violence as a last resort against state oppression.

The document outlines their political philosophy, advocating for complete independence and a socialist society, and explaining why they believed armed resistance was necessary when peaceful means were suppressed by the colonial power. It remains an important text for understanding the mindset of the Indian revolutionaries of that era.