Role and Influence of Communists in the Kashmiri Freedom struggle, 1937–1947

Abstract

Since the victory of the October Revolution in 1917, Communists have been actively spreading their ideology and establishing organisations with members globally. They penetrated and preached their Ideology in Indian and then in Kashmir. The Kashmiri revolutionaries, during their studies at British Indian universities, were influenced by communist freedom leaders' ideology, which focused on class struggle, socio-economic inequality, and political discrimination. The communists were fully aware that people in princely states [Kashmir] were battling and facing socio-economic and political challenges under the undemocratic and dictatorial rule of the Maharaja. In 1937, communist leaders from Punjab visited Kashmir and successfully influenced the political outlook of the National Movement. Their approach emphasized equitable society and economic opportunity, contributing to the political awakening in Kashmir. In the 1940s, Srinagar became a hub for spreading leftist ideologies through groups, organizations, unions, socialist programs, and revolutionary movements. The study delves into the role and influence of communists in Kashmir, examining their tactics for disseminating their ideology and their success in gaining the support of the masses and the progressive forces.