During the early twentieth century revolutionary movement abroad, who was the main moving spirit behind the organisation of the Ghadar Party among Indian immigrants?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Lala Hardayal

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question is from the revolutionary phase of the Indian freedom movement, particularly activities of Indian immigrants overseas. The Ghadar Party was formed mainly by expatriate Punjabis in North America to fight for Indias independence through armed revolt. Understanding who acted as the moving spirit behind its organisation helps you map the network of revolutionaries working outside India.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The organisation in question is the Ghadar Party.
  • It was based largely among Indian immigrants, especially in North America.
  • The phrase moving spirit indicates the key organiser and ideologue.
  • The options list Lala Hardayal, V. D. Savarkar, Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh.


Concept / Approach:
The core concept is to connect the Ghadar Party with Lala Hardayal. He was an Indian nationalist and intellectual who worked in the United States and Canada. Hardayal helped organise Indian workers and students, edited the Ghadar newspaper and provided ideological direction for a worldwide uprising against British rule. Although many revolutionaries contributed, most histories describe Lala Hardayal as the main organiser or moving spirit in the early stages of the Ghadar movement.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Ghadar Party was founded in 1913 in San Francisco, with a strong base among Punjabi immigrants.Step 2: Identify Lala Hardayal as the leading organiser, writer and motivator who played a central role in establishing the party and its newspaper.Step 3: Recognise that Savarkar was active in Europe, especially in London, and associated with other revolutionary circles rather than the Ghadar base in North America.Step 4: Note that Gandhi and Bose led different phases of the freedom struggle and are not connected with the founding of Ghadar.Step 5: Select Lala Hardayal as the correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Vinayak Damodar Savarkar: A revolutionary and ideologue, but connected more with activities in London and India House, not the Ghadar Party in North America.
  • Mahatma Gandhi: Leader of non violent mass movements, not involved with the militant Ghadar Party.
  • Subhas Chandra Bose: Later leader of the Indian National Army in East Asia, not the founder of Ghadar.
  • Bhagat Singh: A prominent revolutionary within India, associated with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association, not Ghadar.


Common Pitfalls:
Because there are many revolutionary organisations and leaders, candidates may confuse Ghadar with India House, HSRA or INA and pick Savarkar, Bhagat Singh or Bose. The best way to avoid this is to always pair Lala Hardayal with Ghadar and remember that this organisation grew among Indian immigrants in the United States and Canada, not in Europe or within India itself.


Final Answer:
The main moving spirit behind the organisation of the Ghadar Party was Lala Hardayal.

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