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Udham Singh

Udham Singh was an Indian revolutionary and political activist from Punjab, best known for assassinating Michael O’Dwyer in London in 1940.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Udham Singh was an Indian revolutionary and political activist from Punjab, best known for assassinating Michael O’Dwyer in London in 1940. He carried out the killing as revenge for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre and was later tried, convicted, and executed in Britain.

Early life

Udham Singh was born as Sher Singh in Sunam, Punjab, in 1899. Sources describe him as having become involved in revolutionary politics during the Indian independence movement.

Political activity

He was associated with the Ghadar Party and the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. These groups were linked to anti-colonial activism and revolutionary efforts against British rule in India.

Assassination of Michael O’Dwyer

On 13 March 1940, Singh shot and killed Michael O’Dwyer in London. O’Dwyer had been lieutenant-governor of Punjab during the period of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which Singh sought to avenge.

Trial and death

After his arrest, Singh was tried in Britain, convicted of murder, and sentenced to death. He was executed at Pentonville Prison in London on 31 July 1940.

Legacy

Udham Singh is widely remembered in India as a revolutionary figure and martyr in the struggle against British colonial rule. His actions are strongly associated with the memory of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Key facts

  • Born in Sunam, Punjab, in 1899 and later became known as Udham Singh.
  • He is best known for assassinating Michael O’Dwyer in London on 13 March 1940.
  • Singh said the act was in revenge for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919.
  • He was arrested, tried in Britain, convicted of murder, and executed by hanging on 31 July 1940.
  • He is remembered in India as a revolutionary and martyr of the anti-colonial struggle.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Udham Singh?
Udham Singh was an Indian revolutionary and political activist from Punjab, best known for assassinating Michael O’Dwyer in 1940.
Why did Udham Singh assassinate Michael O’Dwyer?
He carried out the killing in revenge for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
What was Udham Singh’s birth name?
His birth name was Sher Singh.
When did Udham Singh die?
He was executed on 31 July 1940 in London.
Which organizations was Udham Singh associated with?
He was associated with the Ghadar Party and the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Udham-Singh
    Supports: Birth, death, role as Indian political activist, and assassination of Michael O’Dwyer in revenge for Jallianwala Bagh.
  2. UCLA South Asia — https://www.southasia.ucla.edu/history-politics/british-india/udham-singh-avenger-amritsar-massacre/
    Supports: Birth name Sher Singh, birthplace Sunam, and historical context of the assassination.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udham_Singh
    Supports: Dates, associations with Ghadar Party and HSRA, arrest, conviction, and execution.