THE TERRORIST

            -Mulk Raj Anand

Mulk Raj Anand was a prolific writer. He wrote many novels and short stories. Through his writings he protested against social injustice, superstitions and communal prejudice. The Terrorist describes the politial atmosphere of India during 1930s'.

Sardar Bir Singh and Vasu Dev were the terrorists who wanted to bomb the Legislative Assembly. Singh gave the slip to the English Inspector of police at the entrance of the Legislative Assembly buildings in New Delhi. Captain Beatty checked and allowed him inside the public gallery of the Legislative Assembly. He thought that his friend Vasu Dev also entered without any difficulty.

 Singh's mind was filled with tension and anxiety. He tried his best to look unsuspicious and ordinary. He got a seat at the top edge of the gallery. He sat carefully so that the bomb could not explode. He wondered at the tempera paintings. He saw the picture of Buddha preaching to his disciples. Then the thought of death, struck in his mind. He felt that he was going to die for his mother land. It was a noble cause, 'a glorious death'

He had a great contempt for the Englishmen. He hated even the symbol of British crown. He looked at the distinguished visitors gallery. Not even a single Indians could be seen there. They were the representatives of Press of India, an English organisation.

 Singh had a great hatred for the Britishers. He also had contempt for the members of the Swaraj party (who shook hands with Sir. James Ferguson, the Home Secretary). He blamed them as 'time servers', 'opportunists' and 'traitors'.

 He had printed, "I die for my motherland. I become a sacrifice for it. I have tried to avenge Bharat Mata against the devilry of the British", on the leaflet. He kept that safely in his pocket. If he died, he hoped that his words would come in the next day newspapers.

The speaker entered the Assembly. There was silence. He took out his handkerchief to wave, as a signal to Vasu Dev, for throwing the bombs. The speaker struck the bell on the desk. At once, Singh threw the bomb. It fell at the feet of Sir Arthur Rank, the Finance Minister.

Suddenly Singh heard the cry of Vasu Dev. The boy was arrested with the live bomb. Singh's bomb did not explode. He was caught. All the visitors at once gathered round the terrorists. Captain Beatty struck him on his face. Singh smiled at the onlookers with a willed patriotism.

Thus, through the story, Mulk Raj Anand analyses the patriotic feelings and emotions found in the mind of the young terrorist who wants to avenge the Britishers.