Author: Prasanta Kumar Paul
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/020900010
Abstract: This paper examines the ideological evolution of student movements in Bengal, tracing their transformation from early nationalist resistance to Marxist influences. Bengal has historically been a significant site of political struggle, with student activism playing a central role in shaping the region’s political landscape. The early student movements in Bengal were rooted in the resistance against colonial rule, drawing from nationalist ideals that aimed for independence from British imperialism. These movements were characterized by fervent participation in anti-colonial protests, demonstrations, and a quest for social justice. However, with the rise of global political ideologies and the spread of Marxist thought in the mid-20th century, the focus of student movements gradually shifted. The paper explores how the influence of Marxism redefined the goals and strategies of student activism in Bengal, emphasizing class struggle, anti-imperialism, and revolutionary politics. By analyzing key historical moments, such as the Naxalite movement and the student uprisings of the 1960s and 1970s, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of how Bengal’s student movements transitioned from a nationalist framework to a Marxist-oriented political activism. This ideological shift significantly impacted not only the student body but also the broader political and social dynamics of Bengal.
Keywords: Bengal, student movements, nationalism, Marxism, ideological shift, Naxalite movement, political activism, colonial resistance, class struggle, anti-imperialism.
Page No: 101-106