The revolutionary slogan "Inquilab Zindabad" (meaning "Long live the revolution") became famous during India's freedom struggle. Which of the following leaders is most closely associated with popularising this slogan?

Introduction / Context:
Slogans played a powerful role in India’s freedom struggle, inspiring people and symbolising different strands of the movement. “Inquilab Zindabad”, meaning “Long live the revolution”, became one of the most iconic revolutionary slogans. This question checks whether you can link that slogan with the revolutionary leader who helped to popularise it through his actions and speeches.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The slogan is “Inquilab Zindabad”.
• It is associated with the revolutionary strand of India’s independence movement.
• We must choose which leader is most closely linked with popularising it.
• Options list Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi and Lala Lajpat Rai.

Concept / Approach:
Historically, the slogan “Inquilab Zindabad” was initially coined by Maulana Hasrat Mohani, but it became widely known and emotionally charged because of its use by Bhagat Singh and his comrades. In exam-oriented general knowledge, when asked who popularised “Inquilab Zindabad”, the standard expected answer is Bhagat Singh. Therefore, the approach is to recall which leader’s image is most strongly tied to this cry in popular memory and textbooks.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Link the phrase “Inquilab Zindabad” with revolutionary, rather than moderate or Gandhian, politics. Step 2: Recall that Bhagat Singh, along with Batukeshwar Dutt and others, shouted this slogan in the Central Legislative Assembly after throwing bombs to protest British rule. Step 3: Note that Mahatma Gandhi emphasised non-violence and different slogans, such as “Do or Die” came later under his leadership. Step 4: Understand that Subhas Chandra Bose used slogans like “Jai Hind” and “Give me blood, I will give you freedom”, not “Inquilab Zindabad” as his main cry. Step 5: Conclude that Bhagat Singh is the leader most strongly associated with popularising “Inquilab Zindabad”.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick check is to visualise popular depictions of Bhagat Singh in films, posters and textbooks. He is frequently shown raising his fist and shouting “Inquilab Zindabad”. Similarly, historical accounts of the Assembly bombing describe that slogan. Other leaders, such as Tilak and Lajpat Rai, had different styles and famous phrases, confirming that Bhagat Singh is the most appropriate answer in competitive-exam context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Subhas Chandra Bose: Famous for slogans like “Jai Hind” and “Give me blood, I will give you freedom”, not primarily for “Inquilab Zindabad”.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Known for “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”.
Mahatma Gandhi: Associated with non-violent mass movements; the tone of “Inquilab Zindabad” does not match his usual slogans.
Lala Lajpat Rai: A prominent nationalist, but not chiefly linked to this specific slogan.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to pick any well-known revolutionary or fiery leader, such as Bose or Tilak, without recalling specific slogans. Students also sometimes confuse the originator of the phrase with the person who made it popular. For exam purposes, you should remember the simplified mapping: “Inquilab Zindabad” → Bhagat Singh; “Swaraj is my birthright” → Tilak; “Jai Hind” → Bose; “Do or Die” → Gandhi during Quit India.

Final Answer:
The leader most closely associated with popularising “Inquilab Zindabad” is Bhagat Singh.