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Death Anniversary of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh – The Study IAS By Manikant Singh
45th Death Anniversary of Freedom Fighter Mahendra Pratap Singh
Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh (1886–1979) was a prominent Indian freedom fighter, journalist, writer, revolutionary, and social reformer. Born into the royal Thenua Jat family of Mursan in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, he was educated at the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental Collegiate School, later known as Aligarh Muslim University.
Contributions to the Indian Freedom Movement:
- Provisional Government of India in Exile: His most significant contribution was the establishment of the first Provisional Government of India in Kabul, Afghanistan, on 1 December 1915, during World War I.
- He declared himself President and Maulana Barkatullah as Prime Minister. This government-in-exile was a bold attempt to rally international support for Indian independence and challenge British colonial rule from abroad.
- The Provisional Government sought recognition and support from countries opposed to Britain, including Afghanistan, Germany, Russia, Turkey, and others under Ottoman influence.
- This initiative inspired revolutionary groups like the Ghadar Party and received tacit support from the Indian National Congress.
- International Diplomacy and Revolutionary Activities: Mahendra Pratap Singh travelled extensively to garner global support for India’s freedom, meeting leaders such as Vladimir Lenin in Russia and the Dalai Lama in Tibet.
- He participated in Gandhi’s campaign in South Africa in 1913, highlighting his internationalist approach to anti-colonial activism.
- During his exile, he published the ‘World Federation Monthly Magazine’ in Japan and formed the Executive Board of India in Tokyo in 1940, continuing his revolutionary activities throughout the Second World War.
- Promotion of Education and Social Reform: Singh was a pioneer in Indian technical education, founding Prem Mahavidyalaya in Vrindavan in 1909, considered India’s first polytechnic institute.
- He was deeply involved in the Swadeshi movement, promoting indigenous industries and small-scale artisans, and advocated for burning foreign-made clothes in protest against British goods.
- As a social reformer, he championed communal harmony, women’s education, and the upliftment of the underprivileged, envisioning an inclusive and progressive India.
Later Life and Legacy:
- After returning to India in 1946, Singh continued his public service, being elected as an Independent Member of Parliament from Mathura in 1957.
- He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1932, recognised for his commitment to peace, education, and social upliftment.
- The Government of India has honoured his legacy by issuing postage stamps and establishing the Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh State University in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
