Russian Revolution in Perspective: Reflections on Its Impact on the Indian Freedom Struggle

Abstract

The Russian Revolution of 1917 had a profound impact on the anti-colonial struggles all over the world. Its impact on the Indian Freedom Movement was also far reaching. None other than Gandhi described it as “the greatest event” of the century and a “great lesson” for India. The Revolution brought home to the Indian freedom fighters and the revolutionaries, the efficacy of alternative means to resist autocratic ways. This was a marked departure from the Gandhian notion of non-violent resistance. The Russian Revolution and the post revolution ideologies increased the velocity of the Indian national movement by providing an ideological umbrella to both the moderates and the extremists viewpoints within the freedom movement. It played a very positive role in successfully transforming the character of the freedom movement from an elite-driven movement to a movement led and inspired by the concerns of the workers and peasants. The chapter highlights the influence of the Russian Revolution on significant ideological developments within the Indian freedom movement and its impact on the course of Indian politics during that period.