Indian Revolutionary Rajguru: Biography, Freedom Struggle

Shivaram Hari Rajguru was an Indian Revolutionary, born on the 24th of August 1908 in Khed, near Pune, Maharashtra. He was one of the freedom fighters of India who fought for Indian Independence. Moreover, Rajguru also sacrificed his life for “Bharat Mata” and was hanged to death along with Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev for freedom. This blog will provide you with details about the biography of Rajguru, his role in achieving independence, and his life and death. Keep reading to learn more about the legendary freedom fighter of India!

What was the Early Life of Rajguru?

• Full Name: Shivaram Hari Rajguru
• Born: 24 August 1908
• Place: Khed, Maharashtra (now called Rajgurunagar in his honour)
• Family: Born into a Deshastha Brahmin family
• Education: He studied Sanskrit and had deep knowledge of Indian scriptures, but was also drawn toward political activism from an early age.

As a teenager, Rajguru was inspired by the freedom struggle and revolutionary leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bhagat Singh. He later joined the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)—a revolutionary group that believed in direct action against British colonialism.

Also Read: Popular Struggles and Movements

Revolutionary Actions of Rajguru

Furthermore, Rajguru’s feelings of anger towards the British at that time instilled a sense of revolution within him.

• Joined HSRA (Hindustan Socialist Republican Association)
  Became a core member of this revolutionary group that aimed to overthrow British rule through direct action.
• Involved in the Assassination of J.P. Saunders (1928)
  Took part in the killing of British police officer Saunders in Lahore to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai.
• Used Arms and Firearms in Revolutionary Acts
  Was trained in the use of guns and participated in armed resistance against colonial officers.
• Planned Bomb Blasts to Protest British Laws
  Supported Bhagat Singh’s ideology of using revolutionary violence to shake the British government.
• Spread Revolutionary Literature and Ideas
  Helped circulate pamphlets and writings that encouraged Indians to rise against British oppression.
• Went Underground After the Lahore Incident
  Disguised himself and travelled secretly to avoid capture after the Saunders assassination.
• Faced Trial in Lahore Conspiracy Case
  Refused to plead guilty and accepted death with bravery, upholding his ideals till the end.

Assassination Planned by the Young Revolutionaries

The youthful revolutionaries, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, wanted revenge for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. They planned the assassination of James A. Scott, who was responsible for the lathi charge on Lala Lajpat Rai.

• The plan was made by members of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) to avenge Lala Lajpat Rai’s death.
• Main revolutionaries involved: Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, Sukhdev Thapar, and Chandrashekhar Azad.
• Target: James A. Scott, the British police officer responsible for the lathi charge on Lala Lajpat Rai.
• Mistaken identity: The revolutionaries accidentally shot Assistant Superintendent J.P. Saunders instead of Scott.
• Rajguru shot Saunders at close range with a revolver, while Bhagat Singh also fired to ensure his death.
• To aid their escape, Chandrashekhar Azad provided backup and cover.
• The incident took place on 17 December 1928 in Lahore.
• The successful execution of the plan shocked British officials and made the revolutionaries national heroes.
• The act was followed by the throwing of bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly by Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt to protest against repressive laws (not linked directly but part of their continued defiance).
• The assassination became a turning point, drawing mass attention to the youth-led revolutionary movement.

23rd of March is commemorated as Martyrs’ Day in India.

The Last Days

Following the assassination, Rajguru sought refuge in Nagpur to evade police pursuit.

• However, during his journey to Pune, he was apprehended and subsequently arrested.
• In the trial for the assassination, he, alongside Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad, received death sentences.
• On the 23rd of March 1931, at 7:30 PM in Lahore, Rajguru and his comrades were executed by hanging.
• Moreover, their remains were quietly cremated on the banks of the Sutlej River.
• Rajguru was just 22 years old at the time of his martyrdom.
• Soon after the killing, Rajguru went into hiding. But he was eventually arrested along with Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev. After a long trial, all three were sentenced to death.
• Executed: 23 March 1931
• Age at Death: Only 22 years old
• Place: Lahore Central Jail (in present-day Pakistan)
• Their sacrifice sparked a nationwide wave of outrage and inspired countless Indians to join the freedom movement.

The place of Khed where Rajguru was born has been named Rajgurunagar in his honour.

Legacy

Rajguru may have lived a short life, but his courage left an everlasting impact. Today, he is remembered as one of India’s youngest and most fearless revolutionaries.

• His birthplace was renamed Rajgurunagar in his memory.
• Every year, Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs’ Day) is observed on March 23 to honour him, along with Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev.

Shivaram Rajguru wasn’t just a name in history—he was a symbol of fiery patriotism and youthful courage. His story reminds us that age is no barrier when it comes to fighting for justice. He died young, but lived forever in the hearts of Indians.

Related Reads:

The Revolt of 1857	What is the Golden Revolution?
Important Revolutions in India You Must Know About	Third Carnatic War: Causes, Battles and Impact
Dadabhai Naoroji	What is Blue Revolution?

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