Sukhdev Thapar, Commemoration, Jallianwala Bagh

Sahil Rohilla
9 min readJan 17, 2024

--

Sukhdev Thapar (1907–1931) was a key revolutionary leader in the Indian independence movement. Alongside Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, he played a pivotal role in the Lahore Conspiracy Case. Born in Ludhiana, Punjab, Sukhdev was deeply committed to overthrowing British colonial rule. He actively participated in protests against the Simon Commission and was a prominent member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. His involvement in the assembly bombing to protest repressive laws led to his arrest and subsequent execution at the age of 23. Sukhdev Thapar remains an inspirational figure, symbolizing sacrifice and courage in the pursuit of India’s freedom.

Sukhdev Thapar was a well-known Indian revolutionary and freedom fighter who was instrumental in the campaign for Indian independence from British colonial authority. On May 15, 1907, he was born in Ludhiana, Punjab, which at the time was a part of British India.

Sukhdev Thapar is well recognized for his connections to Rajguru and Bhagat Singh. The trio was a member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), an uprising group that sought to oust the British monarchy through armed conflict and direct action.

In 1928, Sukhdev, Bhagat Singh, and Rajguru participated in the well-known demonstration against the Simon Commission. They waved black flags and yelled anti-commission chants because they believed the Indians were unfairly represented by the commission. This action resulted in their incarceration, provoked protests around the country, and helped advance their cause.

One of Sukhdev Thapar’s most important actions was the murder of James A. Scott, a policeman who had brutally attacked Lala Lajpat Rai with a lathi during a demonstration against the Simon Commission. However, due to a mix-up, J.P. Saunders rather than Scott was fatally injured.

Sukhdev, along with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, was involved in the bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi on April 8, 1929, as a protest against repressive laws. They wanted to make a symbolic message against the British government, not hurt any specific people. After the bombing, they actively sought capture, and they were subsequently tried in the Lahore Conspiracy Case.

On March 23, 1931, in Lahore Central Jail, Sukhdev Thapar, Bhagat Singh, and Rajguru were given death sentences and put to death. They became legendary figures in Indian history as a result of their sacrifices and commitment to the cause of Indian freedom.

The legacy of Sukhdev Thapar endures as a testament to his valor, loyalty, and selflessness. He, along with his fellow revolutionaries, is remembered and revered for their selfless commitment to the freedom struggle.

Early Life:

Sukhdev Thapar, a prominent freedom fighter in India, was born on May 15, 1907, in Ludhiana, Punjab. Raised in a patriotic and politically active family, Sukhdev imbibed a sense of nationalism from an early age. His father, Ramlal Thapar, was an educator who played a crucial role in shaping Sukhdev’s values and principles.

Sukhdev’s educational journey began at the National College in Lahore, where he became actively involved in student politics. It was during his college years that he met and befriended fellow revolutionaries Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, forming a trio that would later become iconic in India’s struggle for independence.

Deeply influenced by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Non-Cooperation Movement, Sukhdev dedicated himself to the cause of freeing India from British colonial rule. He participated in various protests and demonstrations, advocating for the rights and freedom of his fellow countrymen. His commitment to the cause led him to join the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a revolutionary organization that sought to achieve India’s independence through armed struggle.

Sukhdev Thapar’s early life was characterized by a fervent passion for the country’s freedom and a firm belief in the principles of justice and equality. His unwavering dedication to the cause would later lead him to sacrifice his life for the nation, making him an enduring symbol of courage and patriotism in the annals of Indian history.

Education:

Sukhdev Thapar, born on May 15, 1907, in Ludhiana, Punjab, India, was a prominent Indian revolutionary and freedom fighter. Unfortunately, detailed information about Sukhdev Thapar’s formal education is not readily available in the public domain. Sukhdev, along with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, played a significant role in the struggle against British colonial rule in India.

Sukhdev Thapar was associated with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a revolutionary organization that aimed to overthrow British rule through armed resistance. He was actively involved in various protests and acts of defiance against the British government.

One of the most notable incidents in which Sukhdev Thapar was involved was the Lahore Conspiracy Case, which also included Bhagat Singh and Rajguru. The trio was charged with the killing of J.P. Saunders, a police officer, and they faced trial for their actions.

Sukhdev Thapar, along with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, was executed on March 23, 1931, in the Lahore Central Jail. Their sacrifice and commitment to the cause of India’s independence have made them immortalized figures in Indian history.

While the details of Sukhdev Thapar’s formal education may not be extensively documented, his contributions to the freedom struggle and his ultimate sacrifice for the nation remain an integral part of India’s history and the fight for independence.

Involvement in Revolutionary Activities:

Sukhdev Thapar was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement and played a crucial role in revolutionary activities during the pre-independence era. Born on May 15, 1907, in Ludhiana, Punjab, Sukhdev was deeply influenced by the political climate of the time and the call for freedom from British colonial rule.

Sukhdev became actively involved in revolutionary activities during his college years. He became a member of the revolutionary Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), which aimed to topple British authority by force. Alongside other notable freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, Sukhdev became a key member of the HSRA and participated in various acts of protest and resistance against the British government.

One of the most significant events in which Sukhdev played a crucial role was the Lahore Conspiracy Case. On December 17, 1928, Lala Lajpat Rai, a prominent freedom fighter, succumbed to injuries sustained during a lathi charge by the police. In retaliation, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev planned to target James A. Scott, the police officer they held responsible for Lala Lajpat Rai’s death. But in a case of mistaken identity, the person who was shot was J.P. Saunders, a policeman.

Sukhdev, along with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, was arrested in connection with the killing of J.P. Saunders. During the trial, they used the court as a platform to propagate their revolutionary ideals and beliefs. Despite their valiant efforts, Sukhdev, Bhagat Singh, and Rajguru were sentenced to death and executed on March 23, 1931, in Lahore Central Jail.

Sukhdev Thapar’s involvement in revolutionary activities and his sacrifice for the cause of Indian independence have immortalized him as a symbol of courage and patriotism. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians in their pursuit of freedom and justice.

Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA):

Sukhdev Thapar was a prominent revolutionary and a key member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), an organization that played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. Born on May 15, 1907, in Ludhiana, Punjab, Sukhdev was deeply influenced by the patriotic fervor of the time and actively participated in the struggle against British colonial rule.

Sukhdev, along with other like-minded revolutionaries such as Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, joined the HSRA, which aimed at achieving complete independence for India through revolutionary means. The HSRA believed in the overthrow of British rule through armed resistance and sought to establish a socialist society in India.

Sukhdev was actively involved in several revolutionary activities and protests against the British government. One of the most notable incidents in which Sukhdev played a crucial role was the Lahore Conspiracy Case. On March 23, 1931, Sukhdev, along with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, was executed by hanging for their involvement in the killing of J.P. Saunders, a police officer, in retaliation for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai during a protest against the Simon Commission.

Sukhdev Thapar remains a symbol of sacrifice and dedication to the cause of Indian independence. The legacy of Sukhdev and his fellow revolutionaries continues to inspire generations of Indians in their pursuit of freedom and justice. The HSRA, despite its relatively short-lived existence, left a lasting impact on the history of the Indian independence movement.

Contribution to the Kakori Conspiracy:

Sukhdev Thapar was one of the key figures in the Kakori Conspiracy, a revolutionary episode in India’s struggle for independence against British rule. Born on May 15, 1907, Sukhdev was a prominent member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a revolutionary organization that sought to overthrow British colonial rule through armed resistance.

The Kakori Conspiracy, also known as the Kakori Train Robbery, took place on August 9, 1925. Sukhdev, along with other HSRA members such as Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and others, played a crucial role in executing the plan. The objective was to loot the government treasury carried in a train at Kakori near Lucknow, with the intention of using the funds for revolutionary activities against the British.

Sukhdev Thapar, known for his organizational skills and commitment to the cause of independence, was actively involved in planning and executing the Kakori Conspiracy. The revolutionaries successfully intercepted the train, but the operation did not go as planned. A shootout ensued, and the revolutionaries had to flee the scene.

Following the Kakori Conspiracy, Sukhdev Thapar and other participants were arrested, tried, and eventually sentenced to death by the British authorities. On March 23, 1931, Sukhdev, along with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, was hanged in Lahore Central Jail. Their sacrifice and commitment to the cause of independence inspired generations of Indians and continue to be remembered as a significant chapter in the country’s struggle for freedom. Sukhdev Thapar’s contribution to the Kakori Conspiracy symbolizes the spirit of resistance and sacrifice that characterized the freedom movement in India.

Commemoration:

Sukhdev Thapar, a prominent freedom fighter and revolutionary, played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence. Born on May 15, 1907, in Ludhiana, Punjab, Sukhdev was a key member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), alongside Bhagat Singh and Rajguru. His commitment to the cause of freedom and his unwavering resolve made him a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule.

Sukhdev’s involvement in the Lahore Conspiracy Case, which also included Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, marked a pivotal moment in the history of India’s fight for freedom. The trio was charged with the killing of J.P. Saunders, a police officer, in response to the brutal death of Lala Lajpat Rai during a protest against the Simon Commission.

On March 23, 1931, Sukhdev Thapar, along with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, was hanged in Lahore Central Jail. Their sacrifice and martyrdom left an indelible mark on India’s struggle for independence, inspiring countless individuals to join the fight against colonial oppression.

Every year, on March 23rd, the nation commemorates the supreme sacrifice made by Sukhdev Thapar and his comrades. The day serves as a reminder of the valor, determination, and sacrifice of these brave freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the cause of a free and independent India. Sukhdev Thapar’s legacy lives on, not just in history books but also in the hearts of the people who continue to draw inspiration from his courage and commitment to the ideals of justice and freedom.

Lala Lajpat Rai’s Death:

Sukhdev Thapar was a prominent freedom fighter in India, known for his active participation in the Indian independence movement. He, along with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, played a key role in the protest against the Simon Commission and the killing of J.P. Saunders, a police officer.

Lala Lajpat Rai, another notable freedom fighter, was leading a protest against the Simon Commission in Lahore in 1928. During this protest, the police, under the command of J.A. Scott, lathi-charged the demonstrators. Lala Lajpat Rai sustained injuries during the lathi charge and later succumbed to his injuries, leading to his death.

In retaliation, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Rajguru planned to avenge Lala Lajpat Rai’s death. However, their plan took an unexpected turn when they mistakenly identified J.P. Saunders as the responsible officer. In an attempt to seek justice for Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Rajguru assassinated J.P. Saunders in December 1928.

This event marked a crucial moment in the history of India’s struggle for independence and contributed to the radicalization of the freedom movement. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Rajguru were later arrested, tried in court, and ultimately sentenced to death by hanging for their involvement in the Saunders’ assassination. The sacrifice of these freedom fighters continues to be remembered and celebrated in India’s struggle for independence.

For more information about Sukhdev Thapar visit our website and click on the link.

--

--