Primary sources of the underground Naxalite movement (1965–71): An analytical compilation

By Harsh Thakor* 

Voices from the Underground: Select Naxalite Documents (1965–71) is a compilation of documents and writings related to the Naxalite movement, spanning the period between 1965 and 1992. The collection includes materials not widely available through mainstream publishers and often considered controversial by the state. It is divided into two sections and contains eighteen documents authored by individuals associated with the movement.

The first section includes eight writings by Charu Mazumdar, commonly known as the "Eight Documents," written between 1965 and 1967. These writings outline Mazumdar’s perspective on armed agrarian revolution in India. He argued for a protracted struggle rooted in rural areas, drawing inspiration from the Chinese revolutionary model and opposing the Soviet line, which he characterized as revisionist. The documents discuss the strategy of forming militant peasant units, the concept of liberated zones in the countryside, and the role of the working class as the leading force. They also differentiate between what Mazumdar saw as genuine communist revolutionaries and those aligned with reformist or parliamentary tendencies.

The second section addresses the phenomenon of book burning and iconoclasm during the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly in urban areas. It describes instances where students and youth attacked institutions and destroyed symbols associated with established political and cultural figures. These actions included the burning of books by Mahatma Gandhi and the defacement of his images in institutions like Presidency College and Jadavpur University.

Saroj Dutta’s writings in this section discuss the motivations behind such acts, interpreting them as expressions of opposition to dominant ideologies and institutions. Dutta argued that these acts reflected a broader struggle between classes and an effort to challenge the prevailing political and cultural narratives. He was critical of historical figures such as Gandhi, Vidyasagar, and Subhas Chandra Bose, viewing them as aligned with colonial or capitalist interests. He also critiqued certain trends within the Communist movement, including what he saw as uncritical acceptance of Gandhi by sections of the Indian left.

Dutta also addressed government restrictions on the circulation of Chinese and Maoist literature, referring to police actions against left-wing journals and organizations. He interpreted such censorship and book destruction as part of a wider ideological battle.

Partha Choudhuri's contributions examine the Indian National Congress during the period between 1885 and 1924, focusing on its engagements with the Indian bourgeoisie and its responses to popular uprisings. He argued that the Congress leadership, including Gandhi, tended to avoid or suppress spontaneous mass movements that threatened established political frameworks.

The book brings together a selection of historical documents that provide insight into the ideological foundations and internal debates of the Naxalite movement. It presents perspectives critical of mainstream nationalist leaders and institutions while offering a view of radical political thought from within the movement.

Some sections reflect a strong ideological stance, including the endorsement of actions like book burning and statue destruction, which may be interpreted by readers as controversial or provocative. The characterizations of figures such as Gandhi are highly critical, offering one-sided interpretations that do not consider broader historical contexts or alternative viewpoints.

While the collection offers access to important primary material, its framing of events and individuals may be seen as reflective of a specific ideological orientation. Readers interested in the history of the Naxalite movement, left-wing political thought, or Indian radicalism may find it a useful reference.

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*Freelance journalist