The current year, 2014, marked 225th anniversary of the French revolution. Undoubtedly, it was one of most crucial period in the world history and its much touted principles of FREEDOM, EQUALITY, FRATERNITY were inspirational to many struggles for Independence in Asia and Africa in the first half of 20th century. But I think its time to look at the history once again and to critically analyse the events. First French Republic was created in 1791 with the first written constitution. Soon after the formation of republic, a revolutionary leader, Robespeirre, literally started the REIGN OF TERROR. It was nothing but the large scale massacre of independently thinking people who didnt listen to Robespeirres dictats. Thousands of people, including French King amd Queen, were killed under the infamous Guillotine just on the suspicion of being counter revolutionary. This ended only when Robespeirre was himself assassinated under the Guillotine. After the reign of terror, came the anarchic rule by the Directory. They were unable to fulfill peoples expectations and so large spread resentment was prevailing in the French people. This was perfect situation for the rise of a dictator. A young, brave captain, who was very successful in suppressing the popular revolt in Paris in 1796 and who lead French army in Egypt with glorious victory was being seen as the saviour. With his leadership qualities and tactics he assumed power in 1799 and ultimately became the French emperor in 1804. He was none but, of course, Napoleon Bonaparte. Next 10 years, Europe was literally under the shadow of Nepoleonic wars. Though during his regime, France achieved new heights of development and prosperity, his rule saw the wide spread corruption at the higher places. He installed his own brothers as Kings of Spain, Austria, Italy. In fact, the word NEPOTISM was originated from this act only. After his defeat by the allied forces of Prussia, Russia, Great Briton and Austria in the Battle of Waterloo, again the Monarchy was established in France, thus completing one cycle of time. The obvious fact is that, though the revolution started for equality, it ended in the rise of dictatorship and of course the democratic rights of human beings were curtailed. The world saw the horrors of the revolution during reign of terror. The most important lesson of this revolution is that Right to Dissent and Right to Criticise the Government are fundamental rights and no revolution will be successful without these rights. In the Indian context, after the horrors of partition, the prevailing anarchy could have lead to the rise of dictatorship, many thinkers were predicting it. Owing to immense popularity coupled with the personality cult, Nehru could have became a dictator. But being the firm believer of democratic principles and its institutions, he never attemped it. Moreover, he invited his critics like Dr.B.R.Ambedkar to join his government keeping national interests in mind. Ambedkar described DEMOCRACY as the BLOOD LESS REVOLUTION. He also explained in the constituent assembly that we didnt borrow principles of EQUALITY, FREEDOM, FRATERNITY from French revolution, but from the Buddhist philosophy. Now it is time to learn that in revolution there is no space for violence. The French revolution is indeed a tragedy. It is duty of every citizen to uphold basic principles of democracy enshrined in the Indian Constitution!!!
Posted on: Mon, 21 Jul 2014 15:21:19 +0000
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