This book delves into the history of Indians who fell victim to Stalin’s Great Purge (1936–1938). Through the political biographies of seven Indian revolutionaries – Virendra Chattopadhyaya, Abani Mukherjee, G. A. K. Luhani, Muhammad Ali, Abdullah Safdar, Abdul Qayuum, and Muhammad Nisar – all of whom travelled to Russia in the early 20th century and collaborated with the Communist International, it offers fresh perspectives on Soviet Russia. Drawing extensively from archival documents housed in Soviet archives, the National Archives in New Delhi, the West Bengal State Archives, and the Joshi Archive at Jawaharlal Nehru University, the book uncovers previously unexplored dimensions of the experiences of Indian communists in Soviet Russia. This volume challenges rigid historical narratives surrounding the Indian Communist movement and brings to light forgotten revolutionaries who embody a neglected chapter in India’s struggle for independence. It will be an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers of South Asian history, Russian history, and politics, particularly those interested in the global communist movement.
