Syllabus: GS1/History
In News
- The Communist Party of India completed 100 years, marking a significant chapter in India’s history.
European Background of Communism
- Europe was divided between monarchists (Right) and republicans (Left), giving rise to the Right–Left political binary after the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.
- Industrial capitalism created wealth but also deep social inequalities.
- Karl Marx and Communist Ideology: Karl Marx envisioned a transition from capitalism to socialism due to capitalism’s internal contradictions.
- He expected socialist revolutions to begin in advanced capitalist countries of Western Europe.
Russian Revolution and Global Impact
- Contrary to Marx’s expectation, the first successful socialist revolution occurred in Russia in 1917.
- The Bolshevik Revolution opposed monarchy, capitalism, and imperialism.
- It inspired anti-imperialist movements and Communist parties across non-European, colonised countries, including India.
Impact on Indian Communism
- The Indian Communist movement drew strong inspiration from the Russian Revolution and Lenin.
- Three Political Strands Leading to CPI Formation
- Diasporic Revolutionaries Led by M. N. Roy and others active in the US, Mexico, Europe, USSR, Kabul and Berlin; connected to the Communist International (Comintern).
- Indian Left Groups: Local Communist groups in Lahore, Bombay, Calcutta and Madras, seeking coordination within India.
- Growth of labour organisations, especially the formation of the All-India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) in 1920.
Tashkent Meeting (1920)
- Indian revolutionaries, with Comintern approval, formed a Communist Party in Tashkent.
- It is aimed at overthrowing British imperialism and establishing socialism.
- It lacked links with Indian-based revolutionary groups and mass support inside India.
Kanpur Conference (1925)
- Indian Communist groups held a national conference in Kanpur and resolved to formally establish the Communist Party of India (CPI).
- It declared goals of ending British rule and creating a workers’ and peasants’ republic.
- It occurred in a politically symbolic location due to labour presence and earlier Bolshevik conspiracy cases.
Debate on CPI’s Foundation
- CPI (Marxist) recognises Tashkent (1920) as the founding moment due to Comintern approval.
- CPI considers Kanpur (1925) as the true foundation, emphasising Indian initiative and mass politics.
- Tashkent represents the “Communist” aspect; Kanpur represents the “Indian” aspect of Indian Communism.
Role in Anti-Imperialist Struggle
- Communists actively participated in India’s freedom struggle, except during 1942–45 when anti-fascist war efforts took priority.
- They faced repression through conspiracy cases, bans and imprisonment.
Relations with the Congress
- Communists debated whether to transform the Congress from within or build an independent political alternative.
- This dilemma persisted throughout the freedom movement.
- Mass Movements and United Fronts Led workers’ and peasants’ struggles and formed Workers’ and Peasants’ Parties.
- It allied with the Congress Socialist Party in the 1930s, though the alliance collapsed by 1939.
Post-1945 and Peasant Struggles
- It led major peasant movements like Tebhaga (Bengal) and Telangana (Hyderabad).
- It supported popular resistance against colonial rule.
- Communist movement split between armed revolutionary paths and parliamentary democracy.
- It achieved electoral success in states like Kerala, West Bengal and Tripura.
Criticism and Continuing Relevance
- Communism has faced criticism for authoritarianism, corruption and declining relevance.
- Despite limitations, it continues to stand for the disadvantaged in a world marked by deep global inequalities.
Source :IE
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