OPSC OAS 2024 PrelimsHistory, Art & CultureQuestion 4
Solved previous year question from the OPSC OAS/OCS 2024 Preliminary Examination (General Studies), with the official answer key and a detailed explanation.
Question
The foundational ideology of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association was inspired by:
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Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: (B) Leninist Communism and the Russian Revolution
The *Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)* was formed in 1928 (originally established as Hindustan Republican Association in 1924 and renamed HSRA in 1928) and its foundational ideology was significantly influenced by *Leninist Communism and the Russian Revolution of 1917.*
Key Points
1. Ideological Foundation
- The HSRA was deeply inspired by socialist and communist ideals, particularly the Bolshevik Revolution and Leninist ideology
- Leaders like Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Bhagwati Charan Vohra studied Marxist-Leninist literature extensively
- They envisioned an independent India based on socialist principles with economic equality and workers’ rights
2. Influence of the Russian Revolution
- The success of the 1917 Russian Revolution demonstrated that revolutionary methods could overthrow oppressive regimes
- The revolutionary youth were attracted to the idea of armed struggle combined with socialist reconstruction
- Bhagat Singh, in particular, was heavily influenced by Marxist thought and wrote extensively about socialism
3. Evolution from HRA to HSRA
- The addition of "Socialist" to the name in 1928 reflected the organization’s commitment to not just political independence but also social and economic transformation based on socialist principles
- This differentiated them from other revolutionary groups focused solely on political freedom

