Lala Lajpat Rai – Biography, Political Career & Anti-Simon Commission Protest

Syllabus: Modern History (UPSC, HPPSC GS I)

Overview

Lala Lajpat Rai (1865–1928), popularly known as Punjab Kesari or the Lion of Punjab, was a renowned freedom fighter, nationalist leader, and social reformer. He played a crucial role in India’s independence movement and was a key member of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio alongside Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal.

Early Life and Education

• Born: 28 January 1865, Dhudike village, Punjab
• Education: Studied law at Government College, Lahore
• Influenced by the Arya Samaj movement, which shaped his views on social reform, nationalism, and education.

Political Career

• In 1914, he left his law practice to dedicate himself fully to India’s freedom struggle.
• Founded the Indian Home Rule League of America (1917, New York) to promote India’s self-rule movement abroad.
• Elected Deputy Leader of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1926.

Association with the Indian National Congress (INC)

• Prominent leader of the extremist faction of the INC, advocating Swaraj, Swadeshi, and boycott of British goods.
• Part of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio, which urged assertive political action for self-rule.
• Elected President of the INC (Calcutta, 1920), during the period leading to the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Freedom Movement and Ideology

• Strong supporter of the Swadeshi Movement (1905), especially during the Partition of Bengal protests.
• Encouraged self-reliance and economic independence through Indian-made goods.
• Initially hesitant about Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, but later supported it and opposed its withdrawal after the Chauri Chaura incident (1922).
• Advocated pragmatic cooperation with the British government where it benefited Indian interests.

Anti-Simon Commission Protest (1928)

• The Simon Commission (1928) had no Indian members, sparking nationwide outrage.
• Lala Lajpat Rai led the protest in Lahore and raised the slogan “Simon Go Back!”
• On October 30, 1928, he was severely injured in a lathi charge by police.
• Died on November 17, 1928, from injuries sustained during the protest.
• His death further ignited revolutionary fervor across India.

Social Reforms

• Advocated for education, equality, and social upliftment.
• Co-founded the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) College in Lahore with Mahatma Hansraj.
• Worked tirelessly against caste discrimination and for women’s rights.
• Promoted Vedic teachings and the idea that knowledge should be accessible to all, regardless of caste.

Literary Works and Journalism

• Founded and edited nationalist newspapers such as Vande Mataram and Arya Gazette.
• Authored several influential books, including:
  • Young India
  • England’s Debt to India
  • The Story of My Deportation
  • Unhappy India
  • ¹The Political Future of India
• Also wrote biographies of Mazzini, Garibaldi, and Swami Dayanand Saraswati.
• His writings played a major role in shaping nationalist thought and awakening political consciousness among Indians.

Legacy

• Remembered as the “Lion of Punjab” for his courage, leadership, and patriotism.
• His sacrifice during the Simon Commission protest became a symbol of resistance against British imperialism.
• Institutions like Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical College (Meerut) and various educational trusts commemorate his contributions.

In summary:
Lala Lajpat Rai was not only a fearless freedom fighter but also a visionary social reformer and prolific writer. His life’s work — from founding educational institutions to leading protests — continues to inspire India’s pursuit of justice, equality, and self-reliance.

1. Question Reference
   (HPAS PYQ 2025) ↩︎