M.N. Roy | PSIR Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

M.N. Roy: Early life and revolutionary activities:

• Born in 1887 in Bengal, which was then part of British India.
• During his upbringing, India was struggling against British colonial rule.
• In Bengal, there was a significant agitation against the partition in 1911, reflecting the growing discontent with colonial policies.
• Influenced by the rising tide of militant nationalism, Narendranath Roy became involved in activities such as bomb making and dacoity (robbery) to fund revolutionary efforts.
• He, along with other activists, was convicted in the Howrah Sibpur conspiracy case in 1910 and spent about nine months in solitary confinement in prison.

Organizational Efforts and International Connections:

• After his release from prison, Narendranath Roy demonstrated strong organizational skills, which led to his selection as a representative to negotiate an arms deal with Germany.
• His quest for arms took him to the United States, where he met various American radicals, socialists, anarchists, and syndicalists.
• In Mexico, after meeting M. Borodhin, a member of the Soviet Communist Party, he became deeply committed to the idea of a social revolution that would secure freedom for the people of India.

Involvement with the Comintern and Critique of Lenin:

• Narendranath Roy reevaluated his past as "narrow visioned" and traveled to Moscow to attend the second congress of the newly formed Comintern (Communist International).
• In Moscow, he offered critical feedback on Lenin’s Draft Thesis on the National and Colonial Question and led a Comintern delegation to China, although this mission was unsuccessful.
• Disagreements between Roy and the Comintern eventually led to his expulsion from the party.

Return to India and Later Life:

• After returning to India around 1930, M.N. Roy worked as a critical Marxist and joined the Indian National Congress after serving six years in jail.
• His goal was to influence the Congress's program, but when this proved unsuccessful, he founded the Radical Democratic Party on December 21, 1943.
• When the party did not gain significant impact, he dissolved it and established a new cultural-political movement called 'New Humanism.'

Comintern and the Colonial Question

The National and Colonial Question in the Soviet Communist Party and Comintern:

• The national and colonial question was a persistent issue for the Soviet Communist Party and the Comintern (Communist International).
• The Comintern struggled to address this question effectively, which revolved around the strategies and tactics that communists in different countries should adopt while being guided by the Comintern.
• Strategies and tactics varied from country to country based on the prevailing objective conditions and the balance of forces. However, communist parties and the Comintern often had different perceptions of these objective conditions.

Challenges Faced by Communist Parties:

• Communist parties in countries like India and China analyzed their societies using concepts from Marxist theory, but the factual realities and questions in their societies were different.
• In India, for example, communists faced issues outside the scope of classical Marxism due to the presence of a backward capitalist economy. The classes and class conflicts in India differed significantly from those in Western capitalist societies.
• Colonialism and external capital domination had led to a distorted economy in India. Lacking specific analyses of their societies, communists relied on the Comintern for broad policy guidelines.

Impact of the Comintern's Guidance:

• The Comintern often lacked adequate information about the specific conditions in colonial societies, leading to unfortunate outcomes.
• Over time, political movements in colonial societies began to challenge the Eurocentric philosophy of history upheld by the Comintern and sought independent paths of action.

Debate Among Indian Communists:

• In Marxism, there is a model of classic bourgeois revolutions where the bourgeoisie leads the revolution to success.
• There is also a model where the bourgeoisie lacks hegemony over the revolutionary coalition.
• The debate among Indian communists centered on whether the bourgeoisie lacked hegemony in the Indian context.

Lenin's Perspective:

• During the Second Congress in Moscow, Lenin proposed a different theoretical framework for colonial societies.
• He argued that the colonial bourgeoisie in India was historically capable of leading the revolution.
• Lenin believed that backward colonial capitalism did not make the bourgeoisie as reactionary as in backward European states like Germany.
• He suggested that the Comintern should temporarily ally with bourgeois democracy in colonial and backward countries but not merge with it.
• Lenin also emphasized the crucial role of the peasantry in the anti-colonial struggle.

M.N. Roy's Argument:

• M.N. Roy had a different viewpoint. He argued that the Comintern and communist parties should not support national liberation struggles but focus on building communist parties and developing workers' and peasants' organizations.
• Contrary to Lenin, Roy believed that backward capitalism in India produced a weak bourgeoisie and a stronger proletariat.
• He exaggerated the role of the working class in the anti-colonial struggle and downplayed the national bourgeoisie as a vital ally.
• Roy was skeptical of the revolutionary potential of the peasantry and implied that the working class would achieve freedom from alien rule on its own.
• After intense debate, Roy's supplementary thesis was adopted by the Congress.

Roy's Independence and the Comintern's Shift:

• Roy, being independent-minded, found it difficult to remain an enthusiastic member of the Comintern, especially as discipline increased under Stalin's leadership.
• As the prospects of a world revolution diminished, the Comintern began to function more as an organ of the CPSU (Communist Party of the Soviet Union).
• The rift between M.N. Roy and the Comintern widened during the Sixth Congress of the Comintern in 1928.
• The Comintern abandoned its united front policy between all classes and collaboration with the national bourgeoisie, shifting to a policy of class confrontation under proletarian leadership.

Criticism of Roy at the Sixth Congress:

• Roy was criticized at the Sixth Congress for his decolonization theory, which argued that imperialism was no longer an obstacle to industrial development in India.
• This theory reflected a changing character of imperialism, where partial benefits were transferred to the Indian bourgeoisie.

Roy's Return to India and Imprisonment:

• After his expulsion from the party, M.N. Roy returned to India, where he was imprisoned from July 21, 1931, to November 20, 1936, in the Kanpur Conspiracy case.

M.N. Roy and Indian Politics

On ‘India in Transition’ 

Background of M.N. Roy's Study:

• In 1922, M.N. Roy conducted a sociological study of Indian society, presenting his findings in the book 'India in Transition.'
• Roy's approach differed from other interpretations of Indian society. While Indian liberals and moderates had faith in British statesmen and their reforms, and extremists and nationalists often混淆ed religion with politics, Roy offered a Marxist perspective.
• He was among the first to apply Marxist analysis to Indian politics, focusing on class structure and the state.

Roy's Marxist Interpretation:

• Roy argued that the Indian people faced exploitation not only by foreign capital but also by Indian capital.
• He highlighted the distorted and backward nature of Indian capitalism, which had led to the emergence of an urban proletariat.
• In the post-World War era, Roy noted a potential for cooperation between the national bourgeoisie and British imperialists due to the latter's weakening.
• Contrary to the civil disobedience advocated by the Congress, Roy called for militant mass action.

Program Proposed to the Indian National Congress:

• In 1922, on the eve of the Gaya Congress, Roy presented a program to the Indian National Congress that included the following ideas:
• Abolition of landlordism
• Reduction of land rent
• State aid for modernization of agriculture
• Abolition of indirect taxes
• Nationalization of public utilities
• Development of modern industries
• Eight-hour workday and legal minimum wage
• Free and compulsory education
• Separation of State and religion

On Organization 

Origins and Development of the Communist Party of India

Formation and Limitations (1925):

• The Communist Party of India (CPI) was established in 1925 but struggled with mass mobilization.
• Many socialists and communists were either in prison or isolated, limiting the party's effectiveness.

Need for a New Organization (1935):

• In 1935, M.N. Roy emphasized the need for a broad, unspecified organization to unify various groups.
• The CPI was seen as influential but not capable of mass mobilization on its own.

Concept of Dual Organization:

• Roy proposed a dual structure:a broad people’s party to attract oppressed classes and a communist party focused on the working class.
• The idea was to have an open, legal mass party for collective action, guided by an illegal communist nucleus.

Workers and Peasants Party (WPP):

• This concept led to the formation of Workers and Peasants Parties (WPP) across the country.
• CPI members, in their capacity as WPP members, were subject to WPP discipline.
• The WPP served as a legal mass platform, enabling access to cultural and political groups like trade unions.

Relationship Between CPI and WPP:

• The relationship between the CPI and WPP remained strong throughout the united front period.

Change in Comintern Strategy:

• At its sixth congress, the Comintern shifted its approach, advocating for the creation of an independent class party for the proletariat.

Roy on the Second World War

After Roy's Release in 1936:

• Roy, released on November 20, 1936, urged people to unite under the National Congress banner.
• Despite his efforts to radicalize the Congress, he faced resistance.

Independent India Journal:

• In 1937, Roy started a weekly journal called 'Independent India,' later renamed 'Radical Humanist' in 1949.
• The inaugural issue emphasized that political independence was a means to radically transform Indian society.

Impact of World War II on CPI:

• The Second World War brought significant ideological shifts within the Communist Party of India (CPI).
• After the fascist invasion of the Soviet Union, the anti-imperialist struggle evolved into a people's war.

Communist Party's Stance During the War:

• Throughout 1942, during the Congress-led Quit India movement, the CPI urged its members to unite and maintain production.
• Roy and other communists supported the Allies, including the British, viewing the war as an ideological battle against fascism, not merely a conflict between states.
• Roy criticized the Congress for its hostility towards the British during this period.

British Actions and CPI's Public Image:

• The British released imprisoned communists to implement their 'people's policy.'
• As a legal party, CPI's membership grew, but these actions distanced the party from the Indian public.

Problems in Methodology 

Background:

• During the anti-colonial struggle, M.N. Roy and other communist leaders aimed to outline a new model of revolution while preserving key aspects of Marxist theory. However, Roy faced challenges in adapting Marxist concepts to the unique historical and social context of India.

M.N. Roy's Approach:

• Roy analyzed Indian society using Marxist categories but struggled to fully grasp the structural transformation of the Indian working class under colonial rule.
• He applied concepts suited for advanced capitalist societies, overlooking crucial characteristics of the Indian working class.

Distinguishing Features of the Proletariat in India:

• In classical Marxism, the proletariat is characterized by disengagement from primordial loyalties and the development of class consciousness.
• However, the Indian working class was heterogeneous, retaining strong ties to community, class, and religion while being integrated into the factory system.
• The colonial labor market also featured a significant number of migrant and seasonal laborers, leading to the emergence of semi-proletarians and semi-peasants who maintained connections to their land in the villages.

Numerical Insignificance of the Industrial Proletariat:

• In the early 20th century, the industrial proletariat in India was numerically small and concentrated in cities like Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Kanpur, and Jamshedpur.
• Unlike the classical Marxist proletariat, Indian industrial workers lacked certain defining features, such as a unified class identity and strong class consciousness.

Consequences of Misinterpretation:

• Roy's misinterpretation of the Indian working class led to difficulties in formulating a robust model of revolution.
• He struggled to integrate the demands for nationalism and socialism effectively, a challenge later addressed by Mao Tse-Tung in China.

Radical Humanism

Critique of Marxism 

Re-examination of Ideas by M.N. Roy:

• After dissolving the Radical Democratic Party, M.N. Roy re-evaluated his concepts and launched an attack on Marxism.
• He believed that communism in the Soviet Union had degenerated into nationalism under Stalin, where the communist party became authoritarian and suppressed dissent.
• Roy criticized Marx's economic interpretation of history, arguing that it rejected individual autonomy by viewing individuals only as part of the collectivity.
• He contended that freedom, not socialism or communism, should be the ideal of a civilized society.
• Roy viewed the Marxist model of revolution as outdated and proposed a revolution by consent, guided by a universally appealing philosophy.
• In the last years of his life (1947-54), Roy advocated for Radical Humanism, emphasizing the importance of the individual and moral values in societal progress.
• He believed that existing philosophies were inadequate for addressing Indian society's problems and that politics had become opportunistic, necessitating the introduction of the human element in public affairs.
• Roy argued for a re-examination of political participation beyond mere voting in elections to establish complete democracy.

Humanist Model of Politics 

M.N. Roy's New Model of Politics:

• M.N. Roy proposed a new model of politics that rejects spiritualism, nationalism, and communism and advocates for materialism. He believed that materialism is the only philosophy that represents knowledge of nature as it truly exists.
• New Humanism, according to Roy, is built on three basic elements:rationality,morality, and freedom.
• Roy argued that while humans are influenced by their environment, their rational nature drives them to seek better explanations for natural events.
• The struggle for material existence takes two forms:savage plane(satisfying basic wants) and higher plane(striving for freedom).
• Roy viewed freedom as a process, not a finished concept, where individuals aim to control nature and eliminate restrictions on their potential.
• Individual freedom is a central theme in Roy's scientific politics. He challenges ideologies that deny individual sovereignty and advocates for a new social order based on individual sovereignty.

Partyless Democracy 

Roy's Critique of Party Politics and Vision for Democracy:

• Criticism of Party Politics: Roy criticized the idea that the pursuit of power is the only motivation for political action. He believed that politics is an intrinsic part of organized social life and that political activity can exist independently of political parties.
• Limitations of the Party System: According to Roy, the party system fails to adequately represent the people. He argued that it restricts individuals' opportunities for meaningful political participation, as the right to vote does not guarantee active engagement. Party rule often reflects the interests of a minority rather than the majority, leading to dishonesty and corruption.
• Organized Democracy and Participatory Citizenship: To address the shortcomings of parliamentary democracy, Roy proposed the concepts of organized democracy and participatory citizenship. This framework emphasizes the need for a new economic order where state functions are carried out by voluntary associations of informed individuals. The state would serve as an advisory and administrative body, coordinating policies created by the people.
• Characteristics of the New Economic Order: Roy envisioned an economy based on cooperation, centralized planning, and the application of science and technology. He criticized both capitalism and state socialism, advocating for a decentralized economy driven by cooperation. Economic activities would be managed by multipurpose cooperative societies at various levels, with planning initiated at the grassroots level.
• Philosophical Foundation of Revolution: Initially a Marxist, Roy became disillusioned with Marxism but maintained the belief that revolutions are driven by innovative ideas from exceptional individuals. He emphasized the importance of a philosophical revolution preceding any societal change. Roy's principles suggest that societal reorganization should promote collective progress and prosperity without infringing on individual freedom.

Criticism

M.N. Roy and Political Thought:

• M.N. Roy is remembered for challenging intellectual traditions to understand colonial rule.
• He attempted a Marxist analysis of Indian society and aligned his life with these principles.
• Despite his efforts, Roy is seen as a tragic figure in Indian history due to his political failures and short-lived achievements in the national movement.
• When evaluating Roy’s contributions to political thought through his writings, significant gaps are evident.
• Roy’s early work with Marxism had methodological flaws, which he later rejected during his humanist phase.
• In this phase, he criticized liberal political institutions like Parliament, the party system, and elections.
• Roy proposed a philosophy centered on scientific outlook, education, and cooperative living to foster harmony among individuals.
• While he analyzed social and political issues in society, Roy lacked a comprehensive philosophical solution.
• His depiction of society was not entirely coherent or consistent, despite a superficial sincerity.
• Compared to great political thinkers like Gandhi and Nehru, Roy does not hold the same position in political thought.