Lala Lajpat Rai
Nationalist leader known as the “Lion of Punjab”
- Lived
- 63 yrs
- 1865 – 1928
- Works listed
- 2
- Book
- Honours
- 0
- Awards & distinctions
- Profile views
- 2
- 0 followers
Lala Lajpat Rai was a leader of the Indian independence movement from Punjab, known as Punjab Kesari, the Lion of Punjab. A writer, lawyer and institution-builder, he died in 1928 after being beaten by police while leading a protest against the Simon Commission.
Biography
Lawyer and reformer
Lajpat Rai studied law in Lahore and practised in Hisar. He joined the Arya Samaj and worked to spread education, helping to establish the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic school movement, and was among the founders of the Punjab National Bank in 1894.
Radical nationalist
With Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal he led the radical wing of the Congress known as “Lal Bal Pal”, promoting boycott of British goods. In 1907 the British deported him to Mandalay, Burma, for leading agrarian protests in Punjab.
In America
During the First World War he lived in the United States, where he founded the Indian Home Rule League of America and wrote books including Young India and Unhappy India to build support for Indian independence. He returned in 1920 and presided over a special session of the Congress.
Simon Commission
On 30 October 1928 he led a peaceful march in Lahore against the all-British Simon Commission. Police led by James Scott beat him with lathis; he declared that the blows would be nails in the coffin of British rule and died on 17 November 1928. Bhagat Singh and his comrades sought to avenge his death.
Timeline
-
1865
Born in Dhudike, Ferozepur district, Punjab, British India
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1894
Helps found Punjab National Bank
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1907
Deported to Mandalay
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1914
Travels to the United States
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1917
Founds the Indian Home Rule League of America
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1920
President of special Congress session
-
1928
Beaten at Simon Commission protest; dies
-
1928
Died, aged 63
Notable works
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1916
Young India Book
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1928
Unhappy India Book
Did you know?
-
1
He helped found Punjab National Bank.
-
2
He lived in the United States during the First World War.
-
3
His death led to the revolutionary actions of Bhagat Singh.
Connections
Frequently asked
Who is Lala Lajpat Rai?
Lala Lajpat Rai was a leader of the Indian independence movement from Punjab, known as Punjab Kesari, the Lion of Punjab. A writer, lawyer and institution-builder, he died in 1928 after being beaten by police while leading a protest against the Simon Commission.
When did Lala Lajpat Rai die?
Lala Lajpat Rai died on 17 November 1928 at the age of 63.
Where is Lala Lajpat Rai from?
Lala Lajpat Rai was born in Dhudike, Ferozepur district, Punjab, British India.
What is Lala Lajpat Rai known for?
Lala Lajpat Rai is best known for Leading protests against the Simon Commission; Lal Bal Pal; Punjab National Bank.
References
- Lala Lajpat Rai — Wikipedia. Wikipedia. Retrieved 27 October 2026.
- Lala Lajpat Rai — Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 27 October 2026.
- Lala Lajpat Rai — Goodreads author page. Goodreads. Retrieved 27 October 2026.
- Lala Lajpat Rai — Hindi Wikipedia. Wikipedia (Hindi). Retrieved 27 October 2026.
- Lala Lajpat Rai (Q1395763) — structured data. Wikidata. Retrieved 27 October 2026.
Includes material from the Wikipedia article “Lala Lajpat Rai”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. That text is available under the same licence. Learn more
External links
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About this profile
- Researched by the TrackFame editorial team; reviewed by Sanjay Sokal under our editorial policy
- First published 27 October 2026
- Last updated
Cite this page
“Lala Lajpat Rai.” TrackFame, last updated 28 October 2026. https://trackfame.com/person/lala-lajpat-rai
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