Bhagat Singh Family Tree: The Story Behind India's Revolutionary Martyr

Sardar Bhagat Singh, born 28 September 1907 in Banga, Lyallpur district, Punjab Province, British India (now in Pakistan), was an Indian revolutionary executed 23 March 1931 (age 23) by the British. One of India's most-iconic freedom fighters, hanged alongside Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru for the killing of British policeman John Saunders in 1928 — the "Lahore Conspiracy Case."

The Family's Roots: A Sikh Revolutionary-Activist Family

The Sandhu Jat Sikh family from Banga was one of the most-active revolutionary families in Punjab during the British Raj. Multiple uncles and the father were jailed for anti-British activism.

His Parents

Father: Sardar Kishan Singh Sandhu (1888–1951) — Indian National Congress activist; was in jail when Bhagat was born; long-time freedom fighter and political prisoner.

Mother: Vidyavati Kaur (died 1975) — survived Bhagat by 44 years; was the most-photographed living family member after his execution.

His Uncle

Sardar Ajit Singh (1881–1947) — Bhagat's paternal uncle; Indian revolutionary in the Ghadar Movement abroad (Iran, Brazil, Italy); exiled for decades; returned to India shortly before his death.

His Siblings

Bhagat was the second of six children. His siblings included Kultar Singh (younger brother), Kulbir Singh (younger brother), and three sisters.

His Personal Life

Bhagat Singh never married. Aged 16, he ran away from home to avoid an arranged marriage and join the revolutionary movement full-time, writing to his father that "my life is dedicated to the noble cause of India's freedom."

The Singh Family Tree at a Glance

Family Origins: Sandhu Jat Sikh family; Banga, Lyallpur, Punjab.

Father: Sardar Kishan Singh Sandhu (1888–1951) — Congress activist; political prisoner.

Mother: Vidyavati Kaur (died 1975) — survived Bhagat by 44 years.

Uncle: Sardar Ajit Singh (1881–1947) — Ghadar Movement revolutionary.

Siblings: 5 (including Kultar Singh and Kulbir Singh).

Bhagat Singh:

  • Born 28 September 1907, Banga (Lyallpur, Punjab)
  • Dayanand Anglo-Vedic High School; National College, Lahore
  • Naujawan Bharat Sabha (Indian Youth Society): co-founder, 1926
  • Joined the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) (1925); reorganised as Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in 1928
  • John Saunders killing (Lahore, 17 December 1928): revenge for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai during a lathi-charge
  • Central Legislative Assembly bombing (Delhi, 8 April 1929): with Batukeshwar Dutt; deliberately allowed himself to be arrested
  • Lahore Conspiracy Case trial: 1929–30
  • 116-day hunger strike in prison (May–October 1929)
  • Executed by hanging: 23 March 1931, Lahore Central Jail (age 23) — alongside Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru
  • Writings during imprisonment: Why I Am an Atheist (1930), To Young Political Workers
  • 23 March is observed as Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs' Day) in India

What the Singh Family Story Teaches Us

A father who was a Congress political prisoner. A mother who outlived her son by 44 years. A revolutionary uncle whose Ghadar Movement work spanned multiple continents. Five siblings. A 23-year-old never-married revolutionary who became one of India's most-cited freedom fighters.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Bhagat Singh story carries the same lesson. Some families produce multiple political prisoners across generations. The Sandhu family record holds two revolutionaries in two generations — and the mother who survived to keep their memory alive. Write down every family member jailed for what they believed. Their record is the family's record.

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