In the context of the Indian revolutionary movement abroad, who was the founding leader of the Ghadar Party?

Introduction / Context:
The Ghadar Party was an important revolutionary organisation formed by Indian expatriates, mainly in North America, with the aim of overthrowing British rule in India through armed rebellion. Questions about its founding leadership often appear in modern Indian history sections, because the party symbolises the international dimension of India's freedom struggle.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The organisation in question is the Ghadar Party, formed by Indian migrants overseas.
• The options include several well known revolutionaries: Basant Kumar Biswas, Sohan Singh Bhakna, Ram Prasad Bismil, Bhagat Singh and Chandra Shekhar Azad.
• We must identify the founding leader associated most directly with the Ghadar Party.
• Some of the names are linked to other revolutionary groups and events.

Concept / Approach:
The Ghadar Party was established in 1913 in the United States, particularly around San Francisco. Sohan Singh Bhakna served as its first president and is often mentioned as a key founding leader. While Lala Har Dayal played a major role as an ideologue and organiser, in the context of this option set, Sohan Singh Bhakna is the only one directly identified with the Ghadar Party leadership from the beginning. Recognising his role allows us to choose correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard history texts on the Indian freedom struggle state that the Ghadar Party had Sohan Singh Bhakna as its president at the time of formation, while Lala Har Dayal acted as a leading thinker and organiser. Since Har Dayal is not listed in the options but Sohan Singh Bhakna is, this confirms that the option set expects Sohan Singh Bhakna as the founding leader.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Basant Kumar Biswas: Known for his role in the attempted assassination of Lord Hardinge, not for founding the Ghadar Party.
• Ram Prasad Bismil: A key figure of the Hindustan Republican Association and the Kakori conspiracy, but unconnected with the foundation of Ghadar.
• Bhagat Singh: Associated with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association and revolutionary activity in North India, not with the overseas Ghadar organisation.
• Chandra Shekhar Azad: Another major revolutionary linked to Bhagat Singh's group, but not to the founding of the Ghadar Party.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to choose a more widely known revolutionary like Bhagat Singh simply because his name is familiar. Another pitfall is mixing up different organisations within the broader revolutionary movement. To avoid confusion, students should remember that Ghadar was primarily based abroad and that Sohan Singh Bhakna was its first president, while Har Dayal was its main ideologue.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: Sohan Singh Bhakna.