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Inquilab: Bhagat Singh on Religion & Revolution
Extolled for his extraordinary courage and sacrifice, Bhagat Singh is one of our most venerated freedom fighters. He is valourised for his martyrdom, and rightly so, but in the ensuing enthusiasm, most of us forget, or consciously ignore, his contributions as an intellectual and a thinker. He not only sacrificed his life, like many others did before and after him, but he also had a vision of independent India.
In the current political climate, when it has become routine to appropriate Bhagat Singh as a nationalist icon, not much is known or spoken about his nationalist vision. Inquilab: Bhagat Singh on Religion and Revolution provides a corrective to such a situation by bringing together some of Bhagat Singh's seminal writings on his pluralist and egalitarian vision. In doing so, it compels the reader to see that while continuing to celebrate the memory of Bhagat Singh as a martyr and a nationalist, we must also learn about his intellectual legacy. This important book also makes a majority of these writings, hitherto only available in Hindi, accessible for the first time to the English-language readership.
In the current political climate, when it has become routine to appropriate Bhagat Singh as a nationalist icon, not much is known or spoken about his nationalist vision. Inquilab: Bhagat Singh on Religion and Revolution provides a corrective to such a situation by bringing together some of Bhagat Singh's seminal writings on his pluralist and egalitarian vision. In doing so, it compels the reader to see that while continuing to celebrate the memory of Bhagat Singh as a martyr and a nationalist, we must also learn about his intellectual legacy. This important book also makes a majority of these writings, hitherto only available in Hindi, accessible for the first time to the English-language readership.
220 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 29, 2018
Requires better introduction but nonetheless an important contribution to Indian history. Bhagat Singh was not just a man of action but also a man of ideas (and deserves to be remembered that way).
July 26, 2021
This book offers bhagat singh's political views on veriety of topics - Religion, Revolution, Violence (bhagat singh unlike Gandhi distinguishes between illegitimate use of force for an unjust cause which he calls violence and legitimate use of force for a just cause which he terms as revolutionary force) Brotherhood, anarchism , Marxism , on Indian leaders like Bose and Nehru( after analysing their public speeches he compares both of them and comments that Nehru's leadership would be better than bose in terms of advancement of Freedom struggle and Revolution ) and various other topics including on his trial in Lahore conspiracy case.
What blew my mind was the deapth of his knowledge considering he was hanged by British (Trail being a farce in which British authorities were hell bent on giving him death penalty) in his early twenties.
It won't be an exaggeration to say bhagat singh was not only a revolutionary , martyr , political activist , commentator and most importantly a clear political thinker.
As an avid book reader he used to devour books. It would be an emotional touch for the readers to know, that just before the day he was supposed to be hanged he got a book of Lenin(through his lawyer) to read only to realize that his death timing was advanced to the preceding day(meaning the very day the book arrives) and he could finish only few pages. Then he fearlessly gets ready for the sentence leaving his last message to youth - "down with imperialism" and "long live revolution".
What blew my mind was the deapth of his knowledge considering he was hanged by British (Trail being a farce in which British authorities were hell bent on giving him death penalty) in his early twenties.
It won't be an exaggeration to say bhagat singh was not only a revolutionary , martyr , political activist , commentator and most importantly a clear political thinker.
As an avid book reader he used to devour books. It would be an emotional touch for the readers to know, that just before the day he was supposed to be hanged he got a book of Lenin(through his lawyer) to read only to realize that his death timing was advanced to the preceding day(meaning the very day the book arrives) and he could finish only few pages. Then he fearlessly gets ready for the sentence leaving his last message to youth - "down with imperialism" and "long live revolution".
March 9, 2020
His writings are way ahead of the time. He was not only a great thinker but also talked about things which were of contemporary relevance. He has covered exhaustive themes through his writings. Bhagat Singh should not be categorised into just a revolutionary fighter rather he was a political worker who at very young age understood things and wrote about it.
June 4, 2019
'Inquilab' has a very simple meaning, yet the power it wields is immense: Revolution, or in a political term Uprising
The impact this simple word 'Inquilab', had on millions of people during our nation's freedom struggle was immeasurable and humongous.
This book holds the power to change your whole thought process, just like the word 'Inquilab' has the power to topple any government or turn the world upside down
When I received this book for reviewing purpose, I hadn't thought it to be so revolutionary.
The book 'Inquilab' is a collection of essays, newspaper, articles, letters, and diary entries written by Bhagat Singh and translated and incorporated by Irfan Habib. The book begins with an article 'Universal Brotherhood' which is one of the earliest writings of Bhagat Singh and was published in Calcutta weekly 'Matawala'. This article shows how matured and Revolutionary his thought process was at that age of 17.
I have been influenced by Bhagat Singh's ideology since I was very young, and as I grew older I started researching him around, read a book or two. And the more I read, the more I got inspired by his ideologies, his principles and his rational outlook towards freedom struggle.
This book reflects his ideology in a true sense!
Every article and essay in this book speaks of his life principles, and how even his death revolutionized millions of young as well as old minds.
In 'Inquilab', Bhagat Singh gives a glimpse to his reader in working of his scholarly bred mind and moreover shows them what inspired him and what carved his thought process.
Bhagat Singh was a revolutionary to the core and was greatly influenced by Marx and Engels and also by the anarchists. He had turned an atheist very early in life, although at one stage he did adhere to principles of the Arya Samaj. He could have pleaded for clemency, but he chose to die to show it to the rulers that they could eliminate revolutionaries but they could not eliminate ideas. The idea of India's freedom was very dear to the young and no amount of force or aggression by the foreign rulers could stop them from achieving their goal. Inspired by revolutionary poets such as Ram Prasad Bismil, Bhagat Singh chose his own path, which was not similar to the one pursued by Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress.
Apart from being a freedom fighter, he was also a voracious reader and had read around 500 to 700 books in his short lifespan of just 24 years. He particularly preferred book with political and economic themes. Dickens, Upton Sinclair, Hall Cane, Victor Hugo, Gorky, Stepnik, Oscar Wilde and Leonard Andrew were among his favorites. Though he was mightily influenced by Russian literature.
Also, read: 7 Books you should Read to know who Bhagat Singh actually was
The beginning of the book is slow but as the book progresses, it starts to grow on you, so I suggest you plow on, and don't stop.
Irfan is an eminent historian, and he has done a remarkable job of thorough research before putting the book together and moreover, the narrative of Irfan is quite engrossing. And it doesn't lose its charm while translation in English as the majority of Bhagat Singh's writing is in Hindi.
This book has earned a 4.5 for its easy language and for its engrossing narrative.
The impact this simple word 'Inquilab', had on millions of people during our nation's freedom struggle was immeasurable and humongous.
This book holds the power to change your whole thought process, just like the word 'Inquilab' has the power to topple any government or turn the world upside down
When I received this book for reviewing purpose, I hadn't thought it to be so revolutionary.
The book 'Inquilab' is a collection of essays, newspaper, articles, letters, and diary entries written by Bhagat Singh and translated and incorporated by Irfan Habib. The book begins with an article 'Universal Brotherhood' which is one of the earliest writings of Bhagat Singh and was published in Calcutta weekly 'Matawala'. This article shows how matured and Revolutionary his thought process was at that age of 17.
I have been influenced by Bhagat Singh's ideology since I was very young, and as I grew older I started researching him around, read a book or two. And the more I read, the more I got inspired by his ideologies, his principles and his rational outlook towards freedom struggle.
This book reflects his ideology in a true sense!
Every article and essay in this book speaks of his life principles, and how even his death revolutionized millions of young as well as old minds.
In 'Inquilab', Bhagat Singh gives a glimpse to his reader in working of his scholarly bred mind and moreover shows them what inspired him and what carved his thought process.
Bhagat Singh was a revolutionary to the core and was greatly influenced by Marx and Engels and also by the anarchists. He had turned an atheist very early in life, although at one stage he did adhere to principles of the Arya Samaj. He could have pleaded for clemency, but he chose to die to show it to the rulers that they could eliminate revolutionaries but they could not eliminate ideas. The idea of India's freedom was very dear to the young and no amount of force or aggression by the foreign rulers could stop them from achieving their goal. Inspired by revolutionary poets such as Ram Prasad Bismil, Bhagat Singh chose his own path, which was not similar to the one pursued by Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress.
Apart from being a freedom fighter, he was also a voracious reader and had read around 500 to 700 books in his short lifespan of just 24 years. He particularly preferred book with political and economic themes. Dickens, Upton Sinclair, Hall Cane, Victor Hugo, Gorky, Stepnik, Oscar Wilde and Leonard Andrew were among his favorites. Though he was mightily influenced by Russian literature.
Also, read: 7 Books you should Read to know who Bhagat Singh actually was
The beginning of the book is slow but as the book progresses, it starts to grow on you, so I suggest you plow on, and don't stop.
Irfan is an eminent historian, and he has done a remarkable job of thorough research before putting the book together and moreover, the narrative of Irfan is quite engrossing. And it doesn't lose its charm while translation in English as the majority of Bhagat Singh's writing is in Hindi.
This book has earned a 4.5 for its easy language and for its engrossing narrative.
April 14, 2020
Amid this chaos of Coronovirus lockdown, I started reading the works of Irfan Habib. After finishing his 'On Socialism', I moved on to 'Inquilab'. This book has beautiful collection of writings by Bhagat Singh, from his jail diary and several other articles which he wrote under various pseudonyms. Even at his age 17, on 'Universal Brotherhood', he made various references to personalities such as Lenin, Brutus, George Washington, Caesar and Garibaldi.
His views on communal politics are relevant even today as he wrote, "If religion is separated from politics, then all of us can initiate political activities, even through in matters of religion we might have differences with each other. We feel that the true well-wishers of India would these principles and save India from the suicidal path it is on at present."
His views on caste discrimination, representation and untouchability very much aligns with Dr. BR Ambedkar's views.
"Councils and Assemblies are duty-bound to ensure full and free access for all these communities to schools, colleges, wells and roads, that too not only on paper but by actually getting them admitted there. ........that is why we plead that the untouchables must persist in pressing for their own district representation in legislatures in proportion to their numerical strength."
Comparing his two favorite leaders Subash Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru, he found the former to be a emotional Bengali and a reformist while the latter a revolutionary and a rationalist. He further urged the youth to follow Jawaharlal Nehru as future leader. As he wrote in 1928,
"The need of the hour is that Punjabi youths should ponder over these revolutionary thoughts and make up their minds. Punjab needs food for thought and this can be provided only by Pandit Nehru. This does not mean that we should be blind followers. But as far as views are concerned, it is time for Punjabi youths to follow him.... "
One of my favorite writing is the 'Why I Am an Atheist', in which he makes splendid explanation on what made him question the existence of God followed by how reasoning and rationalism is vital for the progress of humanity. That was just an excellent piece of writing and best thing I read today;
"Any man who stands for progress has to criticize, disbelieve and challenge every item of the old faith. Item by item, he has to reason out every nook and corner of the prevailing faith. If after considerable reasonable reasoning, one is led to believe in any theory of philosophy, his faith is welcomed. His reasoning can be mistaken, mislead or fallacious, but he is liable to correction because reason is the guiding star of his life. But mere faith and blind faith is dangerous. An individual who claims to be a realist has to challenge all the old faith."
On Socialism, he wrote ''Our immediate aim is the achievement of power. The state and government machinery is just a weapon in hands of ruling class to further and safeguard its interest. We want to snatch it and handle it for the consummation of our ideal, i.e., on Marxist basis."
From his writings, one can very well understand that his ideology was against everything what the alt-right-hyper-nationalistic-religious-fanatics stands for today. The right wing has conveniently reduced him to a raw nationalist, only by romanticizing his image as a gun-toting young man, with no reference to his ideas and politics so as to somehow fit their current right wing politics of nationalism. Bhagat Singh's nationalism was deeply rooted in his sharp critique of everything what the right wing preaches today.
His views on communal politics are relevant even today as he wrote, "If religion is separated from politics, then all of us can initiate political activities, even through in matters of religion we might have differences with each other. We feel that the true well-wishers of India would these principles and save India from the suicidal path it is on at present."
His views on caste discrimination, representation and untouchability very much aligns with Dr. BR Ambedkar's views.
"Councils and Assemblies are duty-bound to ensure full and free access for all these communities to schools, colleges, wells and roads, that too not only on paper but by actually getting them admitted there. ........that is why we plead that the untouchables must persist in pressing for their own district representation in legislatures in proportion to their numerical strength."
Comparing his two favorite leaders Subash Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru, he found the former to be a emotional Bengali and a reformist while the latter a revolutionary and a rationalist. He further urged the youth to follow Jawaharlal Nehru as future leader. As he wrote in 1928,
"The need of the hour is that Punjabi youths should ponder over these revolutionary thoughts and make up their minds. Punjab needs food for thought and this can be provided only by Pandit Nehru. This does not mean that we should be blind followers. But as far as views are concerned, it is time for Punjabi youths to follow him.... "
One of my favorite writing is the 'Why I Am an Atheist', in which he makes splendid explanation on what made him question the existence of God followed by how reasoning and rationalism is vital for the progress of humanity. That was just an excellent piece of writing and best thing I read today;
"Any man who stands for progress has to criticize, disbelieve and challenge every item of the old faith. Item by item, he has to reason out every nook and corner of the prevailing faith. If after considerable reasonable reasoning, one is led to believe in any theory of philosophy, his faith is welcomed. His reasoning can be mistaken, mislead or fallacious, but he is liable to correction because reason is the guiding star of his life. But mere faith and blind faith is dangerous. An individual who claims to be a realist has to challenge all the old faith."
On Socialism, he wrote ''Our immediate aim is the achievement of power. The state and government machinery is just a weapon in hands of ruling class to further and safeguard its interest. We want to snatch it and handle it for the consummation of our ideal, i.e., on Marxist basis."
From his writings, one can very well understand that his ideology was against everything what the alt-right-hyper-nationalistic-religious-fanatics stands for today. The right wing has conveniently reduced him to a raw nationalist, only by romanticizing his image as a gun-toting young man, with no reference to his ideas and politics so as to somehow fit their current right wing politics of nationalism. Bhagat Singh's nationalism was deeply rooted in his sharp critique of everything what the right wing preaches today.
October 2, 2020
Inquilab is collection of various articles and essays written by Bhagat Singh. Bhagat Singh was a giant of an intellectual; I find tremendous inspiration from his writings. Everything written by him is gold. The 'Why I am an atheist' essay is perhaps the best essay I have ever read. In the essay, he has acknowledged that belief in Almighty can help a man in his sorrow. But he has said that a faith that doesn't stand the test of reason should be discarded and reason should be the guiding principle of life. He then ventures to explain the origin of god. It is an essay that I feel should be included in the student's textbooks.
Bhagat Singh was heavily influenced by the Russian Revolution. He had extensive knowledge on socialism, anarchism and nihilism. He had a vision for independent India based on socialistic ideas. He also quite rightly saw religion as a hindrance to political progress. Singh also didn't agree with Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence at all cost. He said that force, when used for a righteous cause, is justified, even laudatory in some cases. Singh spent the last two years of his short life in prison. It was his most productive days as his jail notebook reveals. He had also written two books in prison, which sadly got lost and was never published.
Singh dedicated his life to the noble purpose of liberating his countrymen from the British tyranny. He was a man of incredible character and determination. It is quite sad that he died at the tender age of 23 when he was only developing as a thinker and a leader. Well, the best die young!
Few memorable quotes from the book -
The hand strikes to kill, but the ultimate goal is to end all violence.
Nine times out of ten, the best thing that can happen to a young man is to be thrown overboard in the water, to swim or to sink for himself.
You can kill individuals but you can not kill the ideas, great empires crumble but the ideas survive!
Bhagat Singh was heavily influenced by the Russian Revolution. He had extensive knowledge on socialism, anarchism and nihilism. He had a vision for independent India based on socialistic ideas. He also quite rightly saw religion as a hindrance to political progress. Singh also didn't agree with Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence at all cost. He said that force, when used for a righteous cause, is justified, even laudatory in some cases. Singh spent the last two years of his short life in prison. It was his most productive days as his jail notebook reveals. He had also written two books in prison, which sadly got lost and was never published.
Singh dedicated his life to the noble purpose of liberating his countrymen from the British tyranny. He was a man of incredible character and determination. It is quite sad that he died at the tender age of 23 when he was only developing as a thinker and a leader. Well, the best die young!
Few memorable quotes from the book -
The hand strikes to kill, but the ultimate goal is to end all violence.
Nine times out of ten, the best thing that can happen to a young man is to be thrown overboard in the water, to swim or to sink for himself.
You can kill individuals but you can not kill the ideas, great empires crumble but the ideas survive!
May 25, 2019
Often Bhagat Singh is known for his courageous & violent activities against British but less is known about his views, ideas regarding state, religion, future leaders etc. At such tender age of 17, he could write an article on “Universal Brotherhood” and later “Why I am an atheist?” shows his journey of mature understanding of issues. Some of the problems of society pointed by him is even true to this day...must read for anyone who loves Bhagat Singh!
June 11, 2020
اِنقلاب زِنده باد
January 15, 2019
I have read without fear, again a book on bhagat singh. I had been hugely influenced by him since young age for his valour. As i grew older....his personality intrigued me further and as history curator...it further pushed me to read more on him.
This book utterly reflects his ideology, principles he laid his life's foundation and how his death was an ideal one.
His thoughts and scholarly bred mind has been quiet disclosed. It explains what propelled and compelled him to go way he went. He gives brief history about anarchism,socialism and works of Engels ,Marx , many others.
A very well researched work...highly recommended for people interested in knowing his ideology...his revolutionary spirit...his atheism.
The book includes some of old writings of young bhagat singh, which kind of lowers the expectation in beginning but as he grows along ,one can notice the growth of his intellect and his study about the subjects. So ya...do not leave in mid way...i recommend it to be finished till the end.
This book utterly reflects his ideology, principles he laid his life's foundation and how his death was an ideal one.
His thoughts and scholarly bred mind has been quiet disclosed. It explains what propelled and compelled him to go way he went. He gives brief history about anarchism,socialism and works of Engels ,Marx , many others.
A very well researched work...highly recommended for people interested in knowing his ideology...his revolutionary spirit...his atheism.
The book includes some of old writings of young bhagat singh, which kind of lowers the expectation in beginning but as he grows along ,one can notice the growth of his intellect and his study about the subjects. So ya...do not leave in mid way...i recommend it to be finished till the end.
June 23, 2025
Inquilab means? Well I understand the word now that I have read this book. One of the finest works of literature on Bhagat Singh. The book is so well compiled that you are left with no confusion at all about the ideologies, the thought process the thinking of the great revolutionary. I want to read this book again after giving it a thorough thought over a period of time now that I have read it once excellent compilation of all that is available on the great Inquilabi. At 21, he was reading Lenin and explaining him to the world, he is explaining the likes of Mikhail Bakunin and Kropotkin to the World at 22!!!!!. The book is so well compiled that I won’t mind revolting for what I feel is right! now. “surely oppression maketh a wise man mad.”
January 29, 2025
Bhagat Singh lived only 23 years, yet he accomplished an extraordinary amount. He was among the few freedom fighters who had a clear vision for India's future post-independence. While he is revered for facing the gallows without fear, his writings deserve equal celebration. He left behind an intellectual legacy—a substantial collection of political and social writings addressing contemporary issues such as caste, untouchability, communalism, religion, and more. Remarkably, he achieved all this while on the run and enduring rigorous imprisonment. We can truly honor such a profound thinker by engaging with his ideas and perspectives. This book is undoubtedly a worthy starting point.
June 25, 2020
This book reveals the true character of Bhagat Singh whom people doesn't recognise beyond gun and bullets. He was not just a revolutionary but also an intellectual in a true sense. After his death, India never produced a leader who came even close to him. My heartfelt salute to him. Irfan Habib might have a bias against the Vedic religion and many people don't like him at all. If you are one of them, it's okay don't read his other historical works but please read this one. In my view, this is the finest contribution of Irfan Habib. Thank you for delivering this.
October 11, 2019
This book is sacred interms of of input from its compiler Mr Irfan Habib, but sometimes a young reader like me wants a guidance (input from the author) while reading through the great idealogy of bhagat singh. However its wonderful and so much informative.
September 2, 2020
A very new perspective on the most celebrated patriot of our time. A very detailed account of his various points of view .
May 4, 2020
The deeper I got into the book, the more I realize that this type of thinking and attitude is needed in this times too; even decades after the freedom. Author has beautifully collected the works and notes of Bhagat Singh giving very essential comments. I really enjoyed the book as it is very informative and inspirational. Bhagat Singh is the best example for showing the power of Books and knowledge that can give an individual a right path to walk on, despite of facing challenges.
March 17, 2021
Bhagat Singh was exceptionally strong minded, Utilitarian revolutionary who looked beyond the freedom of Indian 🇮🇳state. His thoughts were as powerful and Impactful then as they are today. But I, in many of his thoughts couldn't find agreement. Although it's someone's choice to be of atheist and theist, he did not force his ideas on that topic to anyone. His statements to support the fact that there was no God or world is without any supreme power are ideas out of very few encounters in life . But I do support the fact that relion and God have always been used in country as blindly to mar the logical process.
His another idea of making India a Socialist or Communist country was a very bad idea. He was more obsessed with the idea of socialis, communism due to personalities like Bakunin, Ulyanav, Marx etc. Although NO ONE CAN DOUBT ON HIS DEEP DESIRE TO IMPROVE LABOUR'S AND HUMAN CONDITIONS IN COUNTRY.
It amaze me that why he couldn't see the destruction and obliterated Russian 🇷🇺 socialist regime by the Dictator Joseph Stalin. Who took the power 💪 after Lenin. Dreaded Gulags and concentration camps were example of a totalitarian state originating From a Socialist state. So why he couldn't see that which was existing at his time??
It's a short brief book on his ideas.
One need to study little more ..
His another idea of making India a Socialist or Communist country was a very bad idea. He was more obsessed with the idea of socialis, communism due to personalities like Bakunin, Ulyanav, Marx etc. Although NO ONE CAN DOUBT ON HIS DEEP DESIRE TO IMPROVE LABOUR'S AND HUMAN CONDITIONS IN COUNTRY.
It amaze me that why he couldn't see the destruction and obliterated Russian 🇷🇺 socialist regime by the Dictator Joseph Stalin. Who took the power 💪 after Lenin. Dreaded Gulags and concentration camps were example of a totalitarian state originating From a Socialist state. So why he couldn't see that which was existing at his time??
It's a short brief book on his ideas.
One need to study little more ..
December 17, 2020
Every word is still relevant evem a hundred years on.
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