Bhagat Singh's Literary Legacy: The Books that Shaped a Revolutionary

Bhagat Singh, the prominent Indian revolutionary, was a man of profound intellect and a voracious reader. His extensive library of books played a critical role in shaping his political ideology and revolutionary thoughts. Through his readings, Bhagat Singh drew inspiration and insights that would ultimately lead him to become a pivotal figure in India's struggle for independence. This article explores the significant books and authors that influenced Bhagat Singh's revolutionary journey.

Marxist Literature

One of the most significant influences on Bhagat Singh's thought was Marxist literature. He read foundational texts of Marxist ideology that deeply shaped his understanding of class struggle and revolution. These works included:

Karl Marx -The Communist Manifesto. This foundational text had a profound impact on Singh's views on class struggle and revolution. Marx -Critique of Political Economy. By engaging with Marx's critique of political economy, Singh gained a deeper understanding of capitalism and its societal effects. Bordiga -The Concept of the Party. This work addressed the philosophy behind revolutionary violence and resonated with Singh's views on armed struggle.

A notable influence was the anarchist ideology that advocated for radical social change. Although not a single author, Singh was certainly influenced by the anarchist thought, which challenged traditional societal structures and pushed for more drastic reform.

Leo Tolstoy's Non-Violence Philosophy

Tolstoy's ideas on non-violence and moral philosophy also had a significant impact on Bhagat Singh. Singh often contrasted Tolstoy's non-violent philosophy with his own revolutionary methods, seeking a balance between these two seemingly opposing ideologies. Tolstoy's works include:

The Kingdom of God is Within You. This text provided insights into Tolstoy's non-violent philosophy.

In addition to Tolstoy's writings, Singh read about and drew inspiration from the lives and works of other revolutionary figures, learning from their experiences and ideologies.

Socialism, Nationalism, and Political Theory

Singh's wide-ranging interest in theories and ideologies is evident in his extensive reading of works on socialism, nationalism, and political theory. This section of his library included:

Irish Literature

My Fight for Irish Freedomby Dan Breen. Principle of Freedomby Mac Sweeney. Ireland and League of Nationsby Bolton C Waller 1925. Economic case for Irish Independenceby Darrell Figgis 1920. Evolution of Sinn Feinby Robert Mitchell Henry 1921. The Victory of Sinn Fein: How It Won It and How It Used Itby P. S. O'Hegarty. Some Recollections of Griffith and his Timesby George A Lyons Dublin: Talbot Press 1923.

British Literature

Pickwickby Charles Dickens. A Tale of Two Citiesby Charles Dickens. Eternal Cityby Hall Caine. The Master of Manby Hall Caine. The Republic of Manby Hall Caine. Major Barbaraby George Bernard Shaw. John Bull's Other Islandby George Bernard Shaw. Man's Supermanby George Bernard Shaw. Preface to English Prisons under Local Governmentsby G. B. Shaw. English Prisons under Local Govermentsby Sidney and Beatrice Webb. The Decay of Capitalist Civilizationby Sidney and Beatrice Webb. Face to Face with Kaiserismby James W Coard. The Oppression of the Poorby C. F. Andrews. Tales From Shakespeareby Charles Lamb, William Shakespeare, and Mary Lamb 1923. The World and Its Peopleby Larkin Dunton 1903. The Poems and Plays of Goldsmithby Oliver Goldsmith and Austin Dobson 1910. Heroes and Hero Worshipby Thomas Carlyle. The Other Side of Medalby Edward John Thompson. Labour and Capital in Parliamentby Labour Research Dept 1923. Modern Breach Leaders. The official Report of the British Trade Union Delegation to Russia in Nov and Dec 1924. A Plea for Atheismby Charles Bradlaugh 1921. Vicar of Wakefieldby Oliver Goldsmith. Why MEN FIGHT: A Method of Abolishing the International Duelby Bernard Russell. Proposed Road to Freedomby Bernard Russell 1918. The Case for Socialismby Bertrand Russell. Poor Law Inquiry Commission of 1832by Nassau Senior. Handloom Weavers Commission of 1837by Nassau Senior. Two Treatises of Governmentby John Locke 1680-1690. The Principles of Natural and Political Lawsby Jean-Jacques Burlamaqui. Encyclopaediaby Denis Diderot. The Mind and Face of Bolshevismby Rene Fulop Miller 1926. The Punjab Peasant in Prosperity and Debtby Malcolm Lyall Darling. Vera The Nihilistby Oscar Wilde. The Principles of Politics: An Introduction to the Study of the Evolution of Political Ideasby Arthur Ritchie Lord 1921. Revolutionary Biographiesby R. W. Postgate. Imperialism – a studyby J. A. Hobson 1902.

These books and authors played a crucial role in shaping Bhagat Singh's revolutionary ideology, providing a vast array of perspectives that influenced his actions and writings. His extensive book collection was not merely for theoretical knowledge but as a part of his broader quest to develop a revolutionary ideology that could lead to India's independence and societal reform.