Born as Sher Singh on 26 December 1899, Udham Singh was an Indian revolutionary linked to both the Ghadar Party and HSRA. He gained fame for assassinating Michael O'Dwyer, the former lieutenant governor of Punjab, on 13 March 1940, seeking revenge for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Early Life
Born into a Sikh family on 26 December 1899, Udham Singh, originally named Sher Singh, hailed from the Pilbad neighborhood of Sunam, situated around 130 miles south of Lahore in British India. His father, Tehal Singh, belonged to the Kamboj community and worked as a low-skilled, low-paid manual laborer, while his mother was named Narain Kaur. Udham Singh was the youngest of their children, with a two-year age gap between him and his elder brother, Sadhu. Tragically, when Udham Singh was around three years old and Sadhu around five, their mother passed away.
Following their mother's death, the two boys remained close to their father, who continued to toil in the village of Nilowal, engaged in the laborious task of carrying mud from a recently constructed canal as part of the Punjab Canal Colonies project. Subsequently, after losing his job, Tehal Singh found employment as a railway crossing watchman in the village of Upali.
In October 1907, while the two brothers were being taken on foot to Amritsar, their father tragically collapsed and passed away at RamBagh Hospital. Subsequently, the boys were entrusted to an uncle who, unable to care for them, placed them in the Central Khalsa Orphanage. According to the orphanage register, they were initiated on 28 October. The older brother, the Sadhu, was rebaptized as "Mukta," signifying "one who has escaped reincarnation," while Sher Singh was renamed "Udham Singh," with "Udham" meaning "the upheaval." At the orphanage, he was lovingly referred to as "Ude."
In 1917, Mukta succumbed to an unknown sudden illness. Despite being below the official age of enrollment, Udham Singh persuaded the authorities to allow him to join the British Indian Army during the First World War. Upon enlistment, he was assigned to the 32nd Sikh Pioneers, where he served in the lowest-ranking labor unit, tasked with the restoration of the field railway from the coast up to Basra. However, due to his young age and frequent clashes with authority, he decided to return to Punjab within a span of fewer than six months. In 1918, he reenlisted in the army and was sent to Basra and then Baghdad, where he engaged in carpentry and general maintenance of machinery and vehicles. After a year, he returned to the orphanage in Amritsar in early 1919.
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
A turning point in Singh’s life occurred on April 13, 1919, during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar. On this day, thousands of unarmed Indian civilians gathered in Jallianwala Bagh to protest against the repressive Rowlatt Act, which allowed the British government to arrest and detain Indians without trial. British troops, under the command of General Reginald Dyer, opened fire on the crowd without warning, resulting in the deaths of hundreds and injuring thousands.
Singh was in Amritsar at the time and witnessed the aftermath of the massacre, which left a profound impact on him. He was horrified by the brutality and violence inflicted on his fellow countrymen, which fueled his anger and desire for revenge against the British authorities. Singh viewed Dyer and O'Dwyer, the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, as symbols of British oppression, and he pledged to avenge the innocent lives lost that day.
Early Involvement in the Freedom Struggle
Following the massacre, Singh’s involvement in the Indian freedom struggle intensified. At the age of 20, he was arrested in 1919 for possessing unlicensed weapons, reflecting his early commitment to revolutionary activities. This arrest did not deter him; instead, it further solidified his resolve to fight against British colonialism.
During his time in prison, Singh developed connections with other freedom fighters and became influenced by various revolutionary ideologies. He was particularly inspired by the Ghadar Party, which aimed to overthrow British rule through armed resistance. His experiences during this period were crucial in shaping his beliefs and commitment to the struggle for India's independence.
Involvement with the Ghadar Party
Sardar Udham Singh became involved with the Ghadar Party, a revolutionary organization formed by Indian expatriates in the United States in 1913. The Ghadar Party sought to overthrow British rule in India through armed insurrection, advocating for independence and the rights of Indians living under colonial oppression.
Although Singh was not one of the original founders of the Ghadar Party, he became associated with its members during his time in the United States and later while in England. The party's ideals deeply resonated with him, particularly their emphasis on militant action against the British authorities and their commitment to liberating India from colonial rule.
Singh was inspired by the stories and struggles of fellow Ghadarites, who had dedicated their lives to the cause of independence. This involvement not only solidified his revolutionary fervor but also provided him with a network of like-minded individuals who shared his passion for justice and freedom.
The influence of the Ghadar Party was pivotal in shaping Singh's later actions, especially his decision to assassinate Michael O'Dwyer in 1940 as an act of vengeance for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Singh's alignment with the Ghadar Party's revolutionary spirit exemplified his commitment to the struggle for India's independence, making him a significant figure in the history of the Indian freedom movement.
Journey to UK
In the early 1930s, Udham Singh embarked on a pivotal journey to the United Kingdom, a step that would later define his legacy in the Indian independence movement. Driven by a profound desire to seek justice for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Singh boarded the SS Narkunda, reaching London in 1934. This journey was not just a crossing of geographical boundaries but a strategic move towards fulfilling a deeply personal and nationalistic goal.
Upon his arrival in London, Singh found himself in a city that was the nerve center of the British Empire, a place where he could directly confront the colonial authorities responsible for the oppression in India. To sustain himself and fund his activities, he took up various jobs, from carpentry to mechanics, all while maintaining a discreet profile to avoid detection by British intelligence.
Singh's time in the UK was characterized by his engagement with the local Indian revolutionary communities. He became an active participant in the activities of the Indian Workers' Association and other nationalist movements, which were fervently discussing and planning the end of British rule in India. Through these interactions, Singh not only forged important connections but also deepened his understanding of revolutionary tactics and ideologies.
As Singh navigated life in London, his resolve to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre only strengthened. He meticulously planned the assassination of Michael O'Dwyer, who had been the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab during the massacre. O'Dwyer's support of the brutal actions taken by General Dyer on that fateful day in 1919 made him a primary target for Singh, who viewed this act not just as revenge but as a moral obligation to the victims and a political statement against colonial oppression.
Singh’s journey from India to the heart of the British Empire symbolizes not only his personal commitment to the cause of Indian independence but also the broader struggle of the Indian people against colonial rule. His actions in London, culminating in the assassination of O'Dwyer at Caxton Hall in 1940, were a dramatic assertion of that struggle and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom.
The Assassination of Michael O'Dwyer
On March 13, 1940, Udham Singh made a historic stand against British colonial rule by assassinating Michael O'Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, in London. O'Dwyer was a key figure responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, where British troops, under General Dyer's orders and with O'Dwyer's approval, opened fire on a peaceful gathering, killing hundreds of unarmed Indian men, women, and children. This brutal event had left deep scars on the Indian psyche, and Udham Singh had vowed to seek justice for the atrocity.
The assassination took place at Caxton Hall, where O'Dwyer was attending a meeting organized by the East India Association. Singh meticulously planned the act, traveling to London with a singular purpose. He concealed a revolver in his coat and quietly entered the hall. He sat among the audience, watching and waiting for the right moment to strike. As O'Dwyer prepared to speak, Singh rose from his seat, pulled out his revolver, and fired multiple shots, two of which struck O'Dwyer, killing him on the spot.
Singh did not attempt to flee. He was immediately apprehended by the authorities and showed no remorse for his actions. Instead, he openly declared that he had avenged the innocent lives lost during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. In his own words, Singh stated that he did it for his country and the bloodshed of his people. His defiant attitude and clear sense of purpose made him a symbol of resistance against British rule.
The assassination of O'Dwyer reverberated across Britain and India. British media widely covered the event, sparking heated discussions about colonialism, justice, and the Indian independence movement. Singh’s act of defiance brought the horrors of Jallianwala Bagh back into the spotlight and reignited debates about Britain’s oppressive rule in India. Singh was eventually tried and sentenced to death, and he was hanged on July 31, 1940.
Udham Singh’s assassination of Michael O'Dwyer was not just a personal act of revenge, but a larger statement against the violence and repression of British colonialism. It embodied the growing discontent among Indians and highlighted the sacrifices made in the struggle for freedom. Singh is remembered as a martyr in India's independence movement, and his courageous act continues to inspire those who fight for justice and equality.
Shaheed-e-Azam: A Legacy of Martyrdom
Udham Singh, given the title "Shaheed-e-Azam" or "Great Martyr" after his death, represents the ultimate sacrifice in the Indian struggle for independence. This title, given by the people of India, honors his bold act of vengeance for the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, an event that deeply affected the nation. Singh’s brave assassination of Michael O'Dwyer in 1940, who supported the massacre, was a critical moment in the fight against colonial rule. This courageous act changed him from just a participant in the freedom movement to a symbol of national pride and resistance.
Singh's recognition as Shaheed-e-Azam is not just about the act itself but also symbolizes the collective memory and reverence India holds for those who sacrificed their lives for its freedom. His legacy as Shaheed-e-Azam serves as a perpetual reminder of the cost of liberty and the depth of patriotism required to attain it. It underscores the narrative that true freedom comes at a price—a price that Udham Singh paid with his life. Today, his story continues to inspire generations, embodying the spirit of defiance and the undying desire for justice and sovereignty.
Trial and Sentencing
Udham Singh’s trial began shortly after his arrest and drew significant public interest. He used the courtroom as a platform to express his anger against British oppression and to explain the motivations behind his actions. When asked to state his name in court, Singh famously replied, "Ram Mohammad Singh Azad." This symbolic name reflected his belief in unity beyond race, caste, creed, or religion, combining elements from Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism, with "Azad" meaning free or liberated. By using this name, Singh sought to demonstrate that his fight was not just for one community but for all Indians, united in their struggle for freedom from British rule.
Throughout the trial, Singh made powerful statements about his desire for justice, especially for the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He boldly declared, “I have avenged the deaths of hundreds of my countrymen,” leaving no doubt about his purpose. Despite the prosecution’s efforts to portray him as a cold-blooded killer, Singh’s unwavering conviction resonated with many, particularly Indian nationalist groups and sympathizers who viewed him as a hero fighting against colonial tyranny.
On July 7, 1940, Udham Singh was sentenced to death by hanging, with the execution scheduled for July 31, 1940. Singh faced his execution with courage, reportedly expressing satisfaction that he had fulfilled his mission of avenging the massacre and standing up for his people’s rights. His trial and defiant stance made him a martyr in the eyes of many, solidifying his legacy as a symbol of resistance against British oppression.
Legacy
Sardar Udham Singh’s life and actions have left a profound legacy in the Indian independence movement. He is celebrated as a martyr who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of his country. His story resonates with those who believe in justice, equality, and the right to self-determination.
In India, numerous memorials and institutions honor Singh's legacy. Schools, parks, and statues have been erected in his memory, ensuring that future generations remember his contributions to the struggle for independence. His life has been depicted in various forms of art, literature, and cinema, inspiring countless individuals to stand against oppression.
Udham Singh’s assassination of Michael O'Dwyer is viewed as a symbol of resistance against colonial rule. His determination to seek justice for the Jallianwala Bagh victims exemplifies the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters during India’s struggle for independence.
Conclusion
Udham Singh remains a heroic figure in India’s history, representing the fierce fight for freedom. His courageous actions, especially the assassination of Michael O'Dwyer, show his deep commitment to justice and his country's independence. Singh’s story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and continues to inspire people to stand up against injustice. His legacy as a fearless freedom fighter will always be remembered and honored across generations.
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