Quick Links
Quick Links
UPSC Exams
Latest Update
UP Police Head Operator Result 2025 UPSSSC Junior Assistant Admit Card 2025 Fastag Annual Pass 2025 UGC NET Answer Key June 2025 UGC NET Exam Analysis 2025 UGC NET Question Paper 2025 AP LAWCET Result 2025 UGC NET City Slip 2025 UPSC DAF 1 2025 Rajasthan PTET Answer Key 2025 UPSC Prelims Result 2025 UPSC IFS Result 2025 8th Pay Commission Salary Hike News UPSC 2024 Prelims Answer Key UPSC 2026 Calendar UPSC Admit Card 2025 UPSC Prelims Result Date 2025 UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 UPSC Prelims 2025 Expected Cut Off UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2025 UPSC Final Result 2025 UPSC Topper Shakti Dubey UPSC Application Rejected List 2025 UPSC Application Date Re-Extended UPSC Interview Date 2024 UPSC Notification 2025 UPSC Admit Card 2025 for Prelims UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC IFS Notification 2025 Indian Navy MR Result 2025 Indian Navy SSR Result 2025
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers Last 25 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers Last 10 Years UPSC Question Papers UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC Mains 2024 Model Answers UPSC 2024 Question Papers UPSC 2023 Question Papers UPSC 2022 Question Papers UPSC 2021 Question Papers UPSC 2020 Question Papers UPSC 2019 Question Papers UPSC 2018 Question Papers UPSC 2017 Question Papers UPSC 2016 Question Papers UPSC 2015 Question Papers UPSC 2014 Question Papers UPSC CSAT Question Papers UPSC IFS Previous Year Paper UPSC Assistant Labour Commissioner Previous Question Year Papers UPSC Combined Geo Scientist Previous Year Paper UPSC APFC Previous Year Question Papers UPSC CMS Previous Year Question Paper UPSC EPFO Previous Year Paper UPSC Air Safety Officer Previous Year Papers UPSC SO Steno Previous Year Paper UPSC IES ISS Previous Year Question Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Albania India Relations India Algeria Relations Andorra India Relations India Angola Relations India Antigua Barbuda Relations India Argentina Relations Austria India Relations India Azerbaijan Relations Bahamas India Relations India Bahrain Relations Barbados India Relations India Belarus Relations Belgium India Relations Belize India Relations Benin India Relations Bolivia India Relations India Bosnia Herzegovina Relations India Botswana Relations Brazil India Relations Brunei India Relations Bulgaria India Relations Burundi India Relations Cabo Verde India Relations India Cambodia Relations India Cameroon Relations Canada India Relations India Cayman Islands Relations India Central African Republic Relations India Chad Relations Chile India Relations India Colombia Relations India Comoros Relations India Democratic Republic Of The Congo Relations India Republic Of The Congo Relations India Cook Islands Relations India Costa Rica Relations India Ivory Coast Relations India Croatia Relations India Cyprus Relations India Czech Republic Relations India Djibouti Relations India Dominica Relations India Dominican Republic Relations India Ecuador Relations India El Salvador Relations India Equatorial Guinea Relations India Eritrea Relations Estonia India Relations India Ethiopia Relations India Fiji Relations India Finland Relations India Gabon Relations India Gambia Relations India Georgia Relations Germany India Relations India Ghana Relations India Greece Relations India Grenada Relations India Guatemala Relations India Guinea Relations India Guinea Bissau Relations India Guyana Relations India Haiti Relations India Holy See Relations India Honduras Relations India Hong Kong Relations India Hungary Relations India Iceland Relations India Indonesia Relations India Iran Relations India Iraq Relations India Ireland Relations India Jamaica Relations India Kazakhstan Relations India Kenya Relations India Kingdom Of Eswatini Relations India Kiribati Relations India Kuwait Relations India Kyrgyzstan Relations India Laos Relations Latvia India Relations India Lebanon Relations India Lesotho Relations India Liberia Relations Libya India Relations Liechtenstein India Relations India Lithuania Relations India Luxembourg Relations India Macao Relations Madagascar India Relations India Malawi Relations India Mali Relations India Malta Relations India Marshall Islands Relations India Mauritania Relations India Micronesia Relations India Moldova Relations Monaco India Relations India Montenegro Relations India Montserrat Relations India Morocco Relations Mozambique India Relations India Namibia Relations India Nauru Relations Netherlands India Relations India Nicaragua Relations India Niger Relations India Nigeria Relations India Niue Relations India North Macedonia Relations Norway India Relations India Palau Relations India Panama Relations India Papua New Guinea Relations India Paraguay Relations Peru India Relations India Philippines Relations Qatar India Relations India Romania Relations Rwanda India Relations India Saint Kitts And Nevis Relations India Saint Lucia Relations India Saint Vincent And Grenadines Relations India Samoa Relations India Sao Tome And Principe Relations Saudi Arabia India Relations India Senegal Relations Serbia India Relations India Sierra Leone Relations India Singapore Relations India Slovak Republic Relations India Slovenia Relations India Solomon Islands Relations Somalia India Relations India South Sudan Relations India Spain Relations India Sudan Relations Suriname India Relations India Sweden Relations India Syria Relations India Tajikistan Relations Tanzania India Relations India Togo Relations India Tonga Islands Relations India Trinidad And Tobago Relations India Tunisia Relations India Turkmenistan Relations India Turks And Caicos Islands Relations India Tuvalu Relations India Uganda Relations India Ukraine Relations India Uae Relations India Uruguay Relations India Uzbekistan Relations India Vanuatu Relations India Venezuela Relations India British Virgin Islands Relations Yemen India Relations India Zambia Relations India Zimbabwe Relations
Books
Government Schemes
Production Linked Incentive Scheme Integrated Processing Development Scheme Rodtep Scheme Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme Saathi Scheme Uday Scheme Hriday Scheme Samagra Shiksha Scheme India Nishta Scheme Stand Up India Scheme Sahakar Mitra Scheme Mdms Mid Day Meal Scheme Integrated Child Protection Scheme Vatsalya Scheme Operation Green Scheme Nai Roshni Scheme Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme Kalia Scheme Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Nirvik Scheme Fame India Scheme Kusum Scheme Pm Svanidhi Scheme Pmvvy Scheme Pm Aasha Scheme Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme Pradhan Mantri Lpg Panjayat Scheme Mplads Scheme Svamitva Scheme Pat Scheme Udan Scheme Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat Scheme National Pension Scheme Ujala Scheme Operation Greens Scheme Gold Monetisation Scheme Family Planning Insurance Scheme Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Topics
NASA Space Missions
NASA Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 6 (Friendship 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 7 (Aurora 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 9 (Faith 7) Mission NASA Gemini 3 Mission NASA Gemini 4 Mission NASA Gemini 5 Mission NASA Gemini 7 Mission NASA Gemini 8 Mission NASA Gemini 9 Mission NASA Gemini 10 Mission NASA Gemini 11 Mission NASA Gemini 12 Mission NASA Apollo 1 (AS‑204) Mission NASA Apollo 7 Mission NASA Apollo 8 Mission NASA Apollo 9 Mission NASA Apollo 10 Mission NASA Apollo 11 Mission NASA Apollo 12 Mission NASA Apollo 13 Mission NASA Apollo 14 Mission NASA Apollo 15 Mission NASA Apollo 16 Mission NASA Apollo 17 Mission NASA Skylab Orbital Workshop Mission NASA Skylab 2 Mission NASA Skylab 3 Mission NASA Skylab 4 Mission NASA Apollo–Soyuz Test Project Mission NASA STS‑1 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑3 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑7 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑8 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41B Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41G Discovery (1st female EVA) Mission NASA STS‑51L Challenger (accident) Mission NASA STS‑26 Discovery (Return‑to‑Flight) Mission NASA STS‑31 Discovery (Hubble Launch) Mission NASA STS‑49 Endeavour (first capture EVA) Mission NASA STS‑61 Endeavour (Hubble Servicing 1) Mission NASA STS‑73 Columbia (microgravity) Mission NASA STS‑95 Discovery (John Glenn returns) Mission NASA STS‑107 Columbia (accident) Mission NASA STS‑114 Discovery (RTF‑2) Mission NASA STS‑120 Discovery (Node 2) Mission NASA STS‑125 Atlantis (Final Hubble Service) Mission NASA STS‑132 Atlantis Mission NASA STS‑135 Atlantis (Final Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Artemis I (Orion/ SLS‑1) Mission NASA Artemis II (Planned) Mission NASA Artemis III (Planned lunar landing) Mission NASA Mariner 4 Mission NASA Mariner 6 Mission NASA Mariner 7 Mission NASA Mariner 9 Mission NASA Viking 1 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Mars Pathfinder & Sojourner Mission NASA Mars Global Surveyor Mission NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Spirit Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Opportunity Mission NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission NASA Phoenix Mars Lander Mission NASA InSight Mars Lander Mission NASA Mars 2020 (Perseverance & Ingenuity) Mission NASA Mars Sample Return – SRL (planned) Mission NASA Pioneer 10 Mission NASA Pioneer 11 Mission NASA Voyager 1 Mission NASA Voyager 2 Mission NASA Galileo Jupiter Orbiter/Probe Mission NASA Cassini–Huygens Mission NASA New Horizons (Pluto & KBO) Mission NASA Juno Mission NASA Europa Clipper (planned) Mission NASA Parker Solar Probe Mission NASA Solar Orbiter (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Surveyor 1 Mission NASA Lunar Orbiter 1 Mission NASA Lunar Prospector Mission NASA LCROSS Mission NASA LADEE Mission NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA VIPER Rover (planned) Mission NASA NEAR Shoemaker Mission NASA Deep Space 1 Mission NASA Stardust Mission NASA Genesis Mission NASA Deep Impact Mission NASA Dawn (Vesta/Ceres) Mission NASA OSIRIS‑REx Mission NASA Lucy Mission NASA DART Mission NASA Landsat‑1 (ERTS‑1) Mission NASA Landsat‑5 Mission NASA Landsat‑9 Mission NASA Terra Mission NASA Aqua Mission NASA Aura Mission NASA Suomi NPP Mission NASA Sentinel‑6 Michael Freilich Mission NASA ICESat‑2 Mission NASA GRACE‑FO Mission NASA SMAP Mission NASA GPM Core Observatory Mission NASA CALIPSO Mission NASA CloudSat Mission NASA NISAR (NASA‑ISRO) Mission NASA Explorer 1 Mission NASA COBE Mission NASA Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Mission NASA Hubble Space Telescope Mission NASA Chandra X‑ray Observatory Mission NASA Spitzer Space Telescope Mission NASA WISE Mission NASA Kepler Mission NASA TESS Mission NASA Fermi Gamma‑ray Space Telescope Mission NASA NICER Mission NASA IXPE Mission NASA Roman Space Telescope (planned) Mission NASA NuSTAR Mission NASA GALEX Mission NASA Swift Mission NASA SOHO (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Cluster II (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA TIMED Mission NASA STEREO‑A/B Mission NASA MMS Mission NASA IRIS Mission NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory Mission NASA X‑37B OTV‑1 (USAF/NASA liaison) Mission NASA X‑59 QueSST Mission NASA Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Mission NASA Valkyrie R5 Robot Mission NASA Low‑Boom Flight Demo Mission NASA CRS‑1 Dragon Mission NASA CRS‑1 Cygnus Mission NASA Crew Dragon Demo‑2 Mission NASA Starliner OFT‑2 Mission NASA STS-2 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-4 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-5 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-6 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41D (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-51A (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-61C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-26 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-27 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-29 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-30 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-32 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-34 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-38 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-45 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-60 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-70 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-71 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-73 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-88 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-92 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-97 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-99 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-100 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-104 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-106 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-110 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-112 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-115 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-116 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-117 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-118 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-120 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-122 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-123 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-126 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-130 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Vanguard 1 Mission NASA Transit 1B Mission NASA Echo 1 Mission NASA Telstar 1 Mission NASA Syncom 3 Mission NASA ATS‑6 Mission NASA Skynet Mission NASA Nimbus‑1 Mission NASA Nimbus‑7 Mission NASA ERS-1 Mission NASA SeaSat Mission NASA QuikSCAT Mission NASA Jason‑1 Mission NASA Jason‑3 Mission NASA ICESat Mission NASA Earth Observing‑1 Mission NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory‑2 Mission NASA CYGNSS Mission NASA PACE Mission NASA TRMM Mission NASA Terrestrial Planet Finder (cxl) Mission NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Mission NASA Explorer 33 Mission NASA Voyager Interstellar Mission Mission NASA Helios‑A Mission NASA Helios‑B Mission NASA ISEE‑3 (ICE) Mission NASA ACE Mission NASA DSCOVR Mission NASA IBEX Mission NASA Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager Mission NASA SAGE‑III ISS Mission NASA SPACE Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Mission NASA ARIEL (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA OSAM‑1 (Restore‑L) Mission NASA Dragonfly (Titan rotorcraft) Mission NASA VERITAS (Venus orbiter) Mission NASA DAVINCI (Venus probe) Mission NASA SPHEREx Mission NASA MAGGIE (Mars Geophysical) Mission NASA CLPS – Peregrine Mission NASA CLPS – VIPER Delivery Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA Gateway (HALO / PPE) Mission NASA Mars Telecommunication Orbiter (cxl) Mission NASA Mars Polar Lander (MPL) Mission NASA Mars Climate Orbiter Mission NASA Pathfinder Mission Mission NASA SLS Block 1B (Exploration Upper Stage) Mission NASA Orion Crew Module Mission NASA Commercial LEO Destinations – Axiom Station Mission NASA ISS Expedition 1 Mission NASA ISS Expedition 70 Mission NASA CRS‑11 (Dragon) Mission NASA CRS‑21 (Dragon 2) Mission NASA Snoopy CubeSat Mission
Home / IAS Preparation / Udham Singh

Sardar Udham Singh - Early Life, Involvement in the Ghadar Party, Legacy And More

Last Updated on Nov 12, 2024
Also Read Udham Singh in Hindi
Download As PDF
IMPORTANT LINKS
Modern History UPSC Notes
List of Viceroy of India Battle of Haifa Battle of Saragarhi Madam Bhikaji Cama Badruddin Tyabji The Battle of Bhima Koregaon Jayaprakash Narayan Land Reforms in India UPSC Mughal Architecture Poona Pact Formation of Indian National Congress Prarthana Samaj Revolt of 1857 UPSC Hunter Commission Freedom Fighters of India Charter Act 1833 August Offer Third Anglo Maratha War Vellore Mutiny bengal Famine 1770​ Government Of India Act 1858 Bal Gangadhar Tilak UPSC Second Carnatic War Partition of Bengal First Anglo Maratha War Nana Saheb UPSC Extremist Period in India First Anglo Sikh war Moderate Phase Education Under British Rule Causes of Indian National Movement Indigo Rebellion Home Rule Movement Child Marriage Restraint Act 1929 Swadeshi Movement Nickname of Freedom Fighters Battle of Haldighati​ Wood Despatch​ Bardoli Satyagraha Salt Satyagraha Swaraj Party Indian National Army Social Causes of Revolt of 1857 Sarojini Naidu UPSC Lord Ripon British Railways in India Ambedkar UPSC Swami Vivekananda UPSC Moplah Rebellion Vaikom Satyagraha Butler Committee Treaty of Versailles UPSC All India Kisan Sabha CR Formula First Round Table Conference​ Dandi March UPSC HSRA UPSC Non Aligned Movement UPSC Political Causes of Revolt of 1857 Paika rebellion Madhav Rao Peshwa Military Causes of Revolt of 1857 Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Lord Lytton​ Sardar Udham Singh​ Slogans of Freedom Fighters World War 1 UPSC Moderates and Extremists Ghadar Party Difference Between Non Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Portuguese Conquest of Goa Important Battles in Indian History Mansabdari System Harijan Sevak Sangh Economic Nationalism in India Left Wing Movement in India Communal Politics Depressed Class Movement Partition of India 1947 Swaraj Movement Later Mughals Hindu Code Bill Hind Swaraj Operation Gibraltar​ British Industrial Policy Aruna Asaf Ali UPSC Lucknow Pact 1916 British Education System in India Architecture in Modern India Press in British India Famine Policy of British in India UPSC Women’s Organisations in British India British Legislation Concerning Women Muhammad Qasim Ferishta Abul Fazl Jawaharlal Nehru UPSC Khilafat Movement Industrial Revolution In India Communist Party of India UPSC Hindu Mahasabha Kol Rebellion
Ancient History UPSC Notes Medieval History UPSC Notes World History UPSC Notes Art and Culture UPSC Notes Indian polity and Governance UPSC Notes Science and Technology UPSC Notes Indian Geography UPSC Notes Indian Economy UPSC Notes Government Schemes UPSC Notes Reports and Indices UPSC Notes International Relations UPSC Notes Internal Security UPSC Notes
Agriculture Notes For UPSC Public Administration UPSC Notes Modern History Books For UPSC Overseas Citizen Of India Caste System & Panchayati Raj Godavari River Federalism In India Indira Point New Development Bank Battle Of Sinhagad Sankalp And Strive Schemes Digital India High Yielding Varieties Economic Growth Development League Of Nations Ease Of Doing Business Mid Day Meal Scheme Wildlife Protection Act 1972 UPSC Notes International Union Conservation Nature

Sardar Udham Singh was an Indian revolutionary affiliated with the Ghadar party. He is well known for the assassination of Michael O’Dwyer on March 13, 1940. Michael O’Dwyer was the lieutenant governor of Punjab when the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place in Amritsar. 

In this article, let us look at who was Sardar Udham Singh, his involvement in the Ghadar Party, the massacre at Jallianwala Bagh, the assassination of Michael O’Dwyer, the shooting at Caxton Hall, Udham Singh’s trial & execution, and his legacy for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. You can also enroll and start preparing for History topics through Testbook’s flagship UPSC History Optional Coaching Program.

Udham Singh in News

  • Amid criticism of the renovated Jallianwala Bagh memorial, a few people raise questions over the statue of Shaheed Udham Singh mounted at the Bagh.
  • The recently released movie ‘Sardar Udham’ has brought the limelight again onto the militant feature of the national struggle, with a focus on Udham Singh and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Know more about the Indian National Movement – Extremist Period!

Who Was Sardar Udham Singh?

Udham Singh is considered one of the most important revolutionaries of the Indian independence struggle. Following the Jallianwala Massacre, he shot Michael O'Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. General Dyer was the one who had ordered open firing on people protesting against the Rowlatt Act.

Early Life of Sardar Udham Singh

  • Udham Singh was born as Sher Singh on December 26, 1899, in Sunam, Punjab.
  • His father was a railway crossing watchman.
  • After his father's death, he and his brother were taken in by the Central Khalsa Orphanage Putlighar in Amritsar.
  • He was deeply influenced by the Jallianwala Massacre that took place on April 13, 1919.
  • He passed his matriculation exams in 1918 and left the orphanage in 1919.
  • He united with the Ghadar Party in 1924 to organize Indians living abroad with the aim of overthrowing colonial rule.
  • In 1927, he was detained for unlawful ownership of weapons and was sentenced to five years in prison.

Udham Singh: Overview

The table below gives a quick overview of Sardar Udham Singh:

Sardar Udham Singh – Overview

Birth Name

Sher Singh

Date of Birth 

26th December 1899

Place of Birth 

Sunam, Sangrur district of Punjab

Political Associations

Ghadar Party

Influenced by

Bhagat Singh

Renowned for

The assassination of Michael O’Dwyer or the Caxton Hall Shooting Incident

Also known as

Shaheed-i-Azam, which denotes ‘great martyr’

Know more about the Moderate Phase Of The Indian National Movement!

FREEMentorship Program by
Ravi Kapoor, Ex-IRS
UPSC Exam-Hacker, Author, Super Mentor, MA
100+ Success Stories
Key Highlights
Achieve your Goal with our mentorship program, offering regular guidance and effective exam strategies.
Cultivate a focused mindset for exam success through our mentorship program.
2 Lakh+ Students Mentored Get
Get Free Mentorship Now
UPSC Beginners Program

Get UPSC Beginners Program SuperCoaching @ just

₹50000

Claim for free
Want to know more about this pass ?
Explore SuperCoaching

Udham Singh’s Involvement in the Ghadar Party
  • The Jallianwala Bagh massacre had a deep impact on Udham Singh, thus making him involved in revolutionary activities and politics.
  • Bhagat Singh’s group also had a profound influence on him.
  • In 1924, Udham Singh united with the Ghadar Party, which was operating with the aim of organizing the overseas Indians in order to overthrow colonial rule.
  • In 1927, he was detained for illegal possession of firearms and was sentenced to five years in jail while returning to India with associates and armaments to carry out revolutionary activities against British rule.

Ghadar Party

  • It was an Indian revolutionary organization that worked with the aim of setting India free from British rule.
  • ‘Ghadar,’ also spelt as ‘Ghadr’ in English, is an Urdu term for rebellion.
  • The party was constituted in the United States in 1913 by migrant Indians, mainly Punjabis. However, the party also contained Indians from all parts of India.
  • Its motive was to wage a countrywide armed fight against British colonialism in India.
  • The party was constituted as the Hindi Association of Pacific Coast under the leadership of Lala Har Dayal, with Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna as its president.
  • The party is famous for laying down the basis for future Indian revolutionary movements and served as a stepping stone for independence.
  • Most members of the Ghadar Party were from the rural population, who first started migrating from Punjab to cities in Asia like Hong Kong, Manila, and Singapore at the onset of the 20th century.
  • Subsequently, with the upsurge in the lumber industry in Canada and the US, many shifted to North America, where they prospered but at the same time became victims of institutionalized racism.
  • The Ghadar movement ‘inspired to incorporate egalitarian values (Egalitarianism) of American culture in the social framework of colonial India.’
  • Egalitarianism is a principle premised on the concept of equality, namely that all people are equal and deserve equal treatment in all aspects.

Check out the linked article on the Swadeshi Movement for UPSC exams now!

Udham Singh and the Massacre at Jallianwala Bagh

 

  • Udham Singh assassinated Michael O'Dwyer, the former lieutenant governor of Punjab in India, on 13 March 1940. The assassination was done in revenge for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar in 1919. 
  • In the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the British troops opened fire on a peaceful protest, killing hundreds of people.
  • Singh joined the Ghadar Party, an Indian independence movement, in 1920. He was arrested in 1924 for trying to smuggle arms into India and was sentenced to five years in prison. 
  • After his release, Singh traveled to England, where he lived for several years. In England, Singh became involved in Indian revolutionary circles. He met and befriended Bhagat Singh, another prominent Indian revolutionary. 
  • In 1939, Singh decided to assassinate O'Dwyer in revenge for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. On 13 March 1940, Singh attended a meeting of the Royal Central Asian Society, where O'Dwyer was speaking. After the meeting, Singh approached O'Dwyer and shot him twice. 

Check out the linked article on the Freedom Fighters Names for UPSC exams now!

Why did Udham Singh Assassinate Michael O’Dwyer?
  • Udham Singh was deeply affected by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He was involved in revolutionary politics after the incident.
  • He was influenced by freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and joined the Ghadar party in 1924.
  • In 1927, he was arrested for possessing arms and banned literature.
  • After his release from jail in 1931, he escaped police surveillance and went to Germany.
  • He reached London in 1934 and devised plans to kill Michael O'Dwyer.
  • O'Dwyer was the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. He was responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. 
    • Udham Singh believed that killing O'Dwyer would avenge the deaths of the victims of the massacre.
  • He assassinated O'Dwyer in 1940 and was sentenced to death.

Udham Singh: Shooting at Caxton Hall

  • In 1931, Sardar Udham Singh was relieved from jail, but the Punjab police monitored his movements. However, he was able to dodge the Punjab police and reached Germany through Kashmir.
  • In 1935, he reached London and worked there as an engineer. He devised plans to kill O’Dwyer, who was responsible for killing hundreds of peaceful protestors at the Jallianwala Bagh.
  • On March 13th, 1940, Michael O’Dwyer was expected to speak at a joint meeting of the East India Association and the Central Asian Society (at present, Royal Society for Asian Affairs) at Caxton Hall, London.
  • Udham Singh hid a revolver in his Jacket’s pocket and entered the meeting area. After the meeting ended, Udham Singh started moving toward the stage and shot O’Dwyer twice, murdering him instantly.
  • Apart from O’Dwyer, others injured in the incident were Louis Dane, Lawrence Dundas, 2nd Marquess of Zetland, and Charles Cochrane-Baillie, 2nd Baron Lamington. The officials right away arrested Udham Singh for murdering O’Dwyer.

Check out the linked article on the Impact of British Rule in India for UPSC exams now!

Trial and Execution of Sardar Udham Singh
  • Udham Singh was arrested and charged with murder after he assassinated Michael O'Dwyer. The assassination was done in revenge for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar in 1919. 
  • Singh's trial began on 21 June 1940 at the Central Criminal Court in London. He was represented by barrister D.N. Pritt, who was a member of the Communist Party of Great Britain.
  • Singh pleaded guilty to murder, but he refused to apologize for his actions. 
  • He used his trial as a platform to denounce British rule in India and to call for Indian independence.
  • The judge was not impressed by Singh's speech. He sentenced Singh to death by hanging.
  • Singh was hanged at Pentonville Prison on 31 July 1940.

Also, learn about the Contributions of Indian Freedom Fighters here!

Udham Singh’s Speech

Udham Singh's speech at his trial on 21 June 1940 is one of the most famous speeches in Indian history. 

  • In his speech, Singh defended his actions. He condemned the British Empire for its crimes in India.
  • Singh began his speech by stating that he had assassinated Michael O'Dwyer in revenge for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He said that O'Dwyer was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of innocent people and that he deserved to be punished.
  • Singh went on to criticize the British Empire for its rule of India. He said that the British had exploited and oppressed the Indian people for centuries and that they had no right to be in India. 
  • Singh called for the Indian people to rise up and overthrow the British Empire.
  • Singh's speech is a powerful indictment of British rule in India. It is a reminder of the sacrifices that were made by freedom fighters like Singh in order to achieve Indian independence.
  • Here is a quote from Singh's speech:

"I do not care about the consequences. I am dying for my country. I have seen my people starving in India under British rule. I have protested against this. It was my duty."

Check out the Peasant Movements in the 19th Century for UPSC exams now!

Legacy of Udham Singh

Udham Singh is also known as Shaheed-i-Azam Sardar Udham Singh, which denotes ‘Great Martyr.’

  • A charity is dedicated to Udham Singh, and it is situated in Soho Road, Birmingham.
  • A museum has also been devoted to him, which is located near Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar.
  • Singh’s armaments, his knife, diary, and a bullet from the shooting are maintained in his honour in the Black Museum of Scotland Yard.
  • Plenty of films have been picturized on him, namely, ‘JallianWala Bagh (1977)’, ‘Shaheed Uddham Singh (1977)’, and ‘Shaheed Uddham Singh (2000)’.
  • Udham Singh Nagar district in Uttarakhand is named after Udham Singh, on the instructions of the then Chief Minister of undivided Uttar Pradesh.
  • Singh is the theme of the 1998 track “Assassin” by the Asian Dub Foundation.
  • A chowk has been named after him in Anupgarh, Rajasthan – Shaheed Udham Singh Chowk.
  • The day of his execution has been declared a public holiday in Punjab and Haryana.
  • Singh is the theme of the 2015 music video and track “Frank Brazil” by The Ska Vengers.
  • On March 13th, 2018, a 10-foot tall statue of Udham Singh was mounted by International Sarv Kamboj Samaj at the main entrance of Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar. The statue was unveiled by the then Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Check out the linked article on the Butler Committee for UPSC exams now!

Conclusion

Udham Singh is a well-known figure in the Indian independence movement. To this day, Singh is considered to be one of the most important revolutionaries of the Indian freedom struggle. He is also referred to as Shaheed-i-Azam Sardar Udham Singh (“Shaheed-i-Azam” denotes “a great martyr”). A district (Udham Singh Nagar) of Uttarakhand was named after him to pay tribute in October 1995 by the Mayawati government.

Check out the linked article on the Hunter Commission for UPSC exams now!

UPSC Practice Questions on Sardar Udham Singh

Q1. Give a note on the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre that took place in Amritsar and the subsequent assassination of General O’Dyer by the revolutionary Sardar Udham Singh.

We hope that all your doubts regarding the topic of Sardar Udham Singh have been addressed after going through this article. Testbook provides good quality study notes for different competitive examinations. Succeed in your UPSC preparations by downloading the Testbook App here!

Check out the linked article on Wood Despatch for UPSC exams!

More Articles for IAS Preparation

Sardar Udham Singh - FAQs

One of the major allies of Sardar Udham Singh was Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Udham Singh met Bhagat Singh in prison. Sardar Udham treated Bhagat Singh as his 'Guru'. The impact and influence of Bhagat Singh on Sardar Udham were both powerful and never-ending.

Sardar Udham Singh was charged with murder and was punished to death. On 31st July 1940, Singh was hanged at Pentonville prison by Albert Pierrepoint. His remains are preserved at the Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab.

Udham Singh was originally called 'Sher Singh' after his birth in 1899 at Sunam in Sangrur district of Punjab.

Udham Singh was an Indian revolutionary hailing from Sunam, Sangrur district of Punjab, India. He was born on 26th December 1899 in a Kamboj Sikh family as Sher Singh.

Udham Singh was detained and imprisoned for four years for ownership of illegal arms and operating the Ghadr party's publication, Ghadr di Gunj. Udham Singh was released in 1931 and fled to Germany by escaping police surveillance.
Report An Error
Exams Tests Super Practice