In the first decade of the 20th century, the atmosphere was ripe for the emergence of revolutionary groups to fill up the vacant space in the political map of the country. Critically examine.

Answer:

The early twentieth century saw the rise of revolutionary nationalism as impatient youth, disillusioned with moderate methods, turned to direct action.

A Ripe Atmosphere

• Failure of moderate petitioning to yield results bred frustration.
• The unpopular Partition of Bengal (1905) and the Swadeshi movement radicalised the youth.
• Repression of the extremists left a "vacant space" for militant activity.

Emergence of Revolutionary Groups

• Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar in Bengal; the Abhinav Bharat of the Savarkars in Maharashtra.
• Activities included the Alipore and Muzaffarpur (Khudiram Bose) episodes; abroad, the India House in London and the Ghadar Party (1913) among emigrants.

Critical Assessment

• Individual heroism and assassinations could not mobilise the masses and invited severe repression.
• Yet they kept the spirit of resistance alive and inspired later movements.

Therefore, the political conditions of the first decade did foster revolutionary groups; though limited in immediate success, they added a heroic and militant dimension to the freedom struggle.