Chandrashekhar Azad Biography – Discover the inspirational life of Indian revolutionary Chandrashekhar Azad—born July 23, 1906; died February 27, 1931; a fearless freedom fighter whose legacy continues to inspire. Learn about his early life, revolutionary activities, death anniversary, and enduring impact.
Chandrashekhar Azad was not just a rebel—he was a legend. Born as Chandrashekhar Tiwari in 1906 in rural Madhya Pradesh, he redefined the meaning of resistance against British colonial rule in India. Taking the name Azad—“free”—as a defiant declaration during arrest at age 15, he emerged as a leading figure in the violent revolutionary movement of the 1920s.
Azad co-led the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association following the execution of founders and became famous for his daring escapes, marksmanship, and unwavering vow never to be captured alive. On his own terms, he died at age 24 in Alfred Park, Allahabad, making his death a symbolic beacon for generations of freedom fighters.
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Chandrashekhar Tiwari |
| Revolutionary Name | Chandrashekhar Azad |
| Date of Birth | July 23, 1906 |
| Age at Death | 24 (died February 27, 1931) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Role | Freedom fighter, commander of HSRA |
| Net Worth | None—lived a life of sacrifice |
| Known For | Kakori Train Robbery, Saunders assassination, martyrdom |
Early Life & Background
Born in Bhabhra village, Alirajpur (now Madhya Pradesh), Chandrashekhar was raised in a traditional Brahmin family by his father Sitaram Tiwari and mother Jagrani Devi. Educated in Sanskrit at Kashi Vidyapeeth in Banaras, he was deeply influenced by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919) and joined Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement at age 15. When arrested in 1921, he defiantly introduced himself as “Azad”, judicially replacing his name, father’s name, and residence—his act of resistance earned him his revolutionary identity. He also vowed never to be captured alive, a promise he kept throughout his life.
Education Journey
Azad’s formal schooling was brief and punctuated by political awakening. At Kashi Vidyapeeth, the arrest during the Non-Cooperation Movement marked a turning point. Instead of pursuing a traditional academic path, he chose revolutionary activism, learning firearms and tactics while operating covertly in areas like Jhansi and Orchha forests. He disguised himself as Pandit Harishankar to avoid detection and trained other revolutionaries in marksmanship.
Career Highlights & Achievements
🔸 Revolutionary Path
Kakori Train Robbery (1925): Participated in the daring heist near Lucknow to fund HRA activities. After leaders like Ram Prasad Bismil were arrested, Azad escaped and reorganized the group.
Formation of HSRA (1928): Transformed the Hindustan Republican Association into the more radical Hindustan Socialist Republican Association alongside Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and others.
Assassination of Saunders (1928): Helped orchestrate the killing of British officer J. P. Saunders in Lahore to avenge Lala Lajpat Rai’s death.
Repeated British Escapes: Known for eluding arrest repeatedly; stories of escapes elevated his myth.
🔸Martyrdom
On February 27, 1931, at Alfred Park in Allahabad, police surrounded Azad. Wounded, he used his last bullet on himself, fulfilling his vow to die as a “free man”. His final stand cemented his legacy as a martyr. The site is now named Chandrashekhar Azad Park.
Net Worth & Legacy
Azad did not accumulate wealth—his legacy is measured in sacrifice and inspiration. His life had zero monetary gain but infinite symbolic value. He embodied selflessness, limited possessions, underground existence, and total commitment to India’s freedom.
Today, his influence endures through institutions, educational centers, and public spaces named in his honor—including Chandrashekhar Azad Park in Prayagraj and numerous schools and roads across India. Cultural tributes remain vibrant decades later.
Personal Life
Azad lived his final years as a revolutionary—unmarried, with no children. He lived in safe houses with comrades, avoided public life, and devoted himself entirely to collective activism. Family records indicate he lived simply and secretly, following austere ideals.
His parents were traditional and religious, and though their son’s path diverged dramatically, they rarely spoke publicly about his revolutionary deeds. His promise was always freedom—even in death.
Family & Parents
Father: Sitaram Tiwari
Mother: Jagrani Devi
Born into a Kanyakubja Brahmin family, Azad’s upbringing emphasized spiritual learning. His mother advocated Sanskrit education. While scholars often describe his roots as Uttar Pradesh-origin, his family hailed from Alirajpur, Madhya Pradesh.
Top Works / Popular Projects
Though not an author or filmmaker, Azad’s life has inspired many creative retellings:
Films: Chandrashekhar Azad (1963), Shaheed (1965), 23rd March 1931: Shaheed (2002), The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002), Rang De Basanti (2006).
TV: Series Chandrashekhar (2018) portrayed his childhood to martyrdom, featuring multiple actors across age roles.
Personality, Beliefs & Public Image
Azad was a man of grit, simplicity, and unwavering conviction. Known for:
Supreme bravery and defiance—taking lashes with “Mahatma Gandhi Ki Jai” as he received judicial punisher.
Socialist ideals—believing in egalitarian independence for all castes and classes.
Fierce loyalty to comrades like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev.
Uncompromising commitment to never surrender. His refusal at death defined his creed.
He remains an anti-establishment icon who embraced struggle and choice until his final breath.
Notable Quotes
“I may die, but I will never be a slave.”
(Reflecting his vow never to be captured alive)
“I want India to be free—even if I die in the attempt.”
(Commonly cited as inspiration behind his alias Azad)
Further slogans attributed to his ideological creed:
“If your blood does not boil for your country, it’s worthless.”
“A plane is always safe on the ground—but it is not made for that.”
Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Chandrashekhar Tiwari |
| Revolutionary Name | Chandrashekhar Azad |
| Date of Birth | July 23, 1906 |
| Age at Death | 24 (died February 1931) |
| Role | Freedom fighter, HSRA commander |
| Known For | Kakori, Saunders assassination, vow “never to be caught alive” |
| Marital Status | Never married |
| Net Worth | None (martyr whose value is symbolic) |
| Death Anniversary | February 27, annually remembered |
Conclusion
Chandrashekhar Azad remains an immortal symbol of courage, liberty, and ultimate sacrifice. His life—though brief—was marked by fearless resolve and radical devotion to India’s independence. Renowned not only for his acts of defiance but also for his ethical integrity, Azad continues to inspire generations. Each year, India honors his martyrdom on February 27 and his birth on July 23 with ceremonies that affirm his place in history. His story is a testament that real freedom often comes at the highest price—and Azad paid it with honor, on his own terms.
FAQs About Chandrashekhar Azad Biography
1. How old was Chandrashekhar Azad when he died?
He was 24 years old—born July 23, 1906, and died February 27, 1931.
2. What is Chandrashekhar Azad’s net worth?
He had no monetary assets—his legacy is rooted in martyrdom, not material wealth.
3. Why is he named Azad?
At age 15, during arrest, he adopted the name “Azad” (“Free”) to assert his commitment to freedom; the name stuck.
4. What were his key revolutionary acts?
He participated in the Kakori Train Robbery (1925), the assassination of British officer Saunders (1928), reformed HRA into HSRA, and vowed never to surrender alive.
5. How is his legacy commemorated today?
India observes his birth (July 23) and death anniversaries with tributes. Important sites and institutions—like Chandrashekhar Azad Park in Prayagraj—bear his name, and his life inspires films, series, and public honors.