Why this matters now
Lajpat Rai is tested for his Extremist leadership, exile, AITUC presidency and his death after the Simon Commission protest that fuelled revolutionary nationalism.
Early life and Extremist leader
Lajpat Rai was an Arya Samaj reformer in Punjab. He became one of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio (Extremists) with Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal. He used boycott, swadeshi and passive resistance during the Swadeshi Movement, and was deported to Mandalay (1907) without trial.
Institutions and exile
He helped found the Punjab National Bank (1894) and Lakshmi Insurance, and started the Servants of the People Society. During exile in the USA (1914-19), he founded the Indian Home Rule League of America. He was elected the first President of the AITUC (1920).
Simon Commission and martyrdom
Lajpat Rai led an anti-Simon Commission protest in Lahore (Oct 1928), where the police lathi-charge under James Scott left him gravely injured. He famously said: “Every blow on me is a nail in the coffin of British rule.” He died weeks later, on 17 November 1928. His death directly inspired Bhagat Singh and Rajguru to kill Saunders (mistaking him for Scott) in retaliation.
UPSC angle
Know Lajpat Rai — Arya Samaj, Lal-Bal-Pal Extremist, Mandalay deport (1907), PNB co-founder (1894), first AITUC President (1920), Simon Commission lathi-charge (Oct 1928) and death (17 Nov 1928) → Saunders revenge by Bhagat Singh.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Lajpat Rai called the Lion of Punjab?
For his fierce leadership of the Punjab in the freedom struggle and his powerful nationalist oratory.
Who were the Lal-Bal-Pal trio?
Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal — the leading Extremists.
What institutions did Lajpat Rai help found?
Punjab National Bank (1894), the Servants of the People Society, and (later) the AITUC.
How did Lajpat Rai die?
From injuries received in a police lathi-charge during the Simon Commission protest in Lahore (October 1928).