The Life and Times of Madan Lal Dhingra

Vishav Bandhu, Head and Associate Professor of the P.G. Department of History, D.A.V. College, Amritsar. He has been awarded doctorate by the Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. His previous publication includes Arya Samaj: Its Contribution to Education. He has been associated with various academic and administrative bodies of D.A.V. College and Guru Nanak Dev, University, Amritsar.

Madan Lal Dhingra was the first Indian revolutionary who caused a sensation in the British administration by assassinating a high profile British Officer in London. His daring act received a wide condemnation at home and abroad. GK. Gokhale, Surendranath Banerjee, Bipin Chandra Pal criticized it and Mahatma Gandhi called it 'an act of cowardice'. His family disowned him, declared him eccentric and his act detestable. The firm and determined Madan Lal Dhingra did not budge from his stand, braved all accusations and court ordeals with utmost courage and confidence without flinching even once or breaking down. He refused to obtain the services of a lawyer. He did not beg for clemency and kissed the altar of death with a smile. The West might have heard of such heroic deeds but had not seen one, till they came across Madan Lal Dhingra. Not even once did he show any remorse for his act and proudly roared in the court justifying his action, "...it was an attempt to shed English blood intentionally and of purpose as a humble protest against the inhuman transportation and hanging of Indian youth." "I may be reborn of the same mother and I may re-die for the same sacred cause, till my mission is done and She stands free..."

For my present work I am deeply indebted to Prof. Malwinder Jit Singh Waraich for providing the source material and guidance for my entire project, without which this work could not have been undertaken and completed.

My special thanks are due to Mr. Anil Mahajan, my uncle who helped me in editing and suggesting suitable changes. I am also thankful to Dr. Babusha Maingi (History Department), for helping in setting up the bibliography and index, Prof. Shilpi Seth for setting up source material and Prof. Amit Sayal for tracing some material. My thanks are due to my wife who stood by me through thick and thin and supported me in the completion of my ’work.

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