The Meerut Conspiracy Case (March 1929) was a famous case during British rule in India where several trade union leaders and communists were arrested and tried for spreading communist ideas and trying to overthrow British rule.
What Happened?
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Why the Case?
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The British government was afraid of the growing influence of communism in India, especially after the Russian Revolution (1917).
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Indian workers were forming trade unions and demanding better wages and working conditions.
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The British saw this as a threat and wanted to suppress the movement.
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Who Were Arrested?
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31 people, including important leaders like Muzaffar Ahmad, S.A. Dange, Shaukat Usmani, and P.C. Joshi, were arrested in Meerut (Uttar Pradesh) on 20 March 1929.
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They were accused of trying to spread communist ideology and overthrow the British government.
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The Trial
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The trial took place in Meerut and lasted for about four years (1929-1933).
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The British government used this case to create fear among Indian workers and stop the communist movement.
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However, the case got a lot of attention in India and worldwide, making people more aware of workers' rights and communism.
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Outcome
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Many of the accused were sentenced to long prison terms, but due to public pressure, they were later released.
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The case helped spread communist ideas in India and strengthened the trade union movement.
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Why is it Important?
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It exposed British fear of Indian workers uniting against them.
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It showed how Indians were fighting for workers’ rights.
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It inspired future trade union movements and communist leaders in India.
The Meerut Conspiracy Case became a symbol of resistance against British rule and encouraged more Indians to fight for independence. 🚩