'..This study is a positive contribution to the history of revolutionary terrorism in India prior to World War 1 and of the relationship between revolution and religion.' -The Historian. '...a most readable narrative. Heehs is able to bring out the idealism, patriotism and religious fervour which took the young revolutionaries smiling to the gallows.' -Business Standard. The use of violence to secure political ends has engaged the attention of social scientists, politicians, social activists as well as religious leaders. In this century, 'terrorism' is a term, which has become loaded, and is made to conjure images of religious fundamentalists on the rampage. However, the defining element of this political tool, the use of violence, has been debated in various ways depending upon the political position of those using violence, and the justifiability of their objectives. This book describes a moment in history which became a landmark on the map of the anti-colonial struggle, but which nationalist historiography did not sufficiently engage with - the revolutionary movement in Bengal.
Looking closely at primary sources, the author lays the ground for a differential understanding of the use of violence. He argues that violent revolutionaries at the turn of the century had a considerable impact on the anti-colonial movement, and their ideas and methods differed significantly from those using violence at the interface of religion and politics today. A new introduction situates the central concerns of the book against very recent events in world history, which have changed the way terrorism is viewed today.
- ISBN10 0195669126
- ISBN13 9780195669121
- Publish Date August 2005 (first published April 1994)
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 30 June 2010
- Publish Country IN
- Imprint OUP India
- Edition New edition
- Format Paperback
- Pages 360
- Language English