# Lala Lajpat Rai

> Indian author and politician (1865-1928)

**Wikidata**: [Q1395763](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1395763)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lala_Lajpat_Rai)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lala-lajpat-rai

## Summary
Lala Lajpat Rai was an Indian author, politician, and freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in the struggle against British colonial rule during the British Raj (1858–1947). Known for his revolutionary spirit and contributions to India's independence movement, he co-founded the Punjab National Bank in 1894 and was a prominent leader in the fight for self-governance.

## Biography
- **Born**: January 28, 1865
- **Died**: November 17, 1928
- **Nationality**: Indian
- **Occupation(s)**: Author, politician, revolutionary, freedom fighter
- **Known for**: Leadership in India's independence movement and co-founding Punjab National Bank
- **Field(s)**: Politics, literature, activism

## Contributions
- **Punjab National Bank**: Co-founded the bank on May 19, 1894, which became a major financial institution in India.
- **Political Leadership**: Actively participated in the Indian National Congress and other movements opposing British rule.
- **Literary Works**: Authored numerous works advocating for Indian self-rule and social reform.
- **Revolutionary Activities**: Played a key role in protests and resistance against colonial policies, earning recognition as a freedom fighter.

## FAQs
**Who was Lala Lajpat Rai?**
Lala Lajpat Rai was an Indian politician, author, and revolutionary who fought against British colonial rule and contributed significantly to India's independence movement.

**What did Lala Lajpat Rai co-found?**
He co-founded the Punjab National Bank in 1894, which remains one of India's leading banks today.

**When was Lala Lajpat Rai born and when did he die?**
He was born on January 28, 1865, and died on November 17, 1928.

**What were Lala Lajpat Rai's main occupations?**
He was an author, politician, revolutionary, and freedom fighter, known for his leadership in India's struggle for independence.

## Why They Matter
Lala Lajpat Rai's contributions to India's independence movement and his role in establishing key institutions like Punjab National Bank have had a lasting impact on the country's political and economic landscape. His writings and activism inspired generations of Indians to resist colonial oppression and advocate for self-governance. Without his leadership, the momentum of the independence movement might have been significantly weaker.

## Notable For
- Co-founding Punjab National Bank in 1894.
- Being a prominent leader in the Indian National Congress.
- Authoring influential works on Indian self-rule and social reform.
- His role as a revolutionary and freedom fighter against British colonial rule.

## Body
### Early Life
Lala Lajpat Rai was born on January 28, 1865, in India. His early life was marked by a strong sense of patriotism and a desire to see India free from British rule.

### Career and Political Activities
Lajpat Rai was deeply involved in the Indian National Congress and other political movements aimed at achieving independence. He was known for his fiery speeches and writings that criticized British policies and advocated for Indian self-rule.

### Co-founding Punjab National Bank
One of his most significant contributions was the co-founding of Punjab National Bank on May 19, 1894. The bank played a crucial role in the economic development of India and remains a major financial institution today.

### Literary Works
Lajpat Rai was also a prolific author, writing extensively on topics related to Indian independence, social reform, and political philosophy. His works continue to be studied and revered for their insights into the struggles of the time.

### Legacy
Lala Lajpat Rai's legacy is that of a fearless leader who dedicated his life to the cause of Indian independence. His contributions to both the political and economic spheres have left an indelible mark on India's history. His role in the freedom struggle and his efforts to build institutions that would support India's future have ensured that he is remembered as one of the country's most influential figures.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Quora
8. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe)
9. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
10. Catalogo of the National Library of India