Banerjea Subrata Kumar

Established in Calcutta in 1902, the Anushilan Samiti began as a collection of youth groups and gymnasiums, emphasizing physical education and the moral development of its members. Its initial aims included promoting Indian values, traditional sports like lathi and sword play, and the study of Indian history alongside European liberal movements. The organization evolved into a radical force seeking to overthrow British rule through revolutionary means.

Following World War I, the Anushilan Samiti experienced a decline as its members gravitated towards leftist ideologies and the Indian National Congress. Despite this, it saw a resurgence in the late 1920s, participating in significant events in various regions of India. Ultimately, the Samiti dissolved in 1930, merging into the Revolutionary Socialist Party.

The Anushilan Samiti emerged during a period of rising Indian nationalism, following the decline of the Mughal Empire and the consolidation of British power. The growth of an Indian middle class, coupled with a burgeoning sense of national identity, fueled a desire for self-determination. In Bengal, this sentiment was influenced by figures like Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, whose writings promoted the concept of "Anushilan-Tattva" or the theory of discipline, advocating for the all-round development of individuals. The organization also drew inspiration from European nationalist movements and philosophies, such as those of Giuseppe Mazzini, and the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, which emphasized physical strength and mental fortitude as crucial for national revival. This intellectual milieu fostered a spirit of physical improvement and proto-nationalism among Bengali youth, aimed at countering colonial stereotypes and cultivating national pride.

The Anushilan Samiti was formally founded around 1902 in Calcutta, stemming from the efforts of Jatindranath Bannerjee and Aurobindo Ghosh, who sought to organize youth for revolutionary purposes. Bannerjee established a gymnasium and youth society, connecting with other emerging groups. Among these was a gymnasium run by Sarala Devi and an organization named Anushilan Samiti, initially founded by Satish Chandra Basu with support from Pramathanath Mitra. Basu's group, influenced by Swami Vivekananda and the concept of "Anushilan-Tattva," focused on lathi practice, social work, and promoting indigenous industries. The amalgamation of Bannerjee's group with Basu's in March 1902 marked a significant step in consolidating these nascent revolutionary efforts under a unified banner, laying the groundwork for its future activities.

From its inception, the Anushilan Samiti's focus expanded beyond physical training to encompass moral development and the promotion of Indian cultural values. It encouraged members to study Indian history and the revolutionary movements of Europe. The organization soon adopted a more radical stance, aiming to achieve India's independence through revolutionary violence against the British Raj. After World War I, its influence waned as many members aligned with leftist ideologies and the Indian National Congress. However, the Samiti experienced a temporary resurgence in the late 1920s, marked by involvement in several notable incidents. In 1930, the Anushilan Samiti officially dissolved, with its members contributing to the formation of the Revolutionary Socialist Party.