Congress Vice-President and prospective PM candidate Rahul Gandhi, known for his trips to remote parts of India recently took a first trip to a hitherto-never-traversed destination – the past. The Nehru-Gandhi scion hopped into a time machine, which took him back to 1857, following which he was able to live through India’s freedom movement. How did the crown prince react to each incident? The UnReal Times correspondent Atul Baskarbe brings you the story in pictures:

1857:

This year saw India’s first major fight for independence – the sepoy mutiny, spearheaded by Mangal Pandey, who was eventually hanged. The news of his hanging was just the catalyst India needed in its quest for total independence. Soon after the hanging, Rahul addressed a huge gathering, where he had this to say:

1858:

This year saw the martyrdom of yet another revolutionary – Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, who was killed, when she was all of 30, yet fighting valiantly against the British troops. She was regarded as one of the most dangerous Indian leaders even by British official Hugh Rose.

Rahul too, appreciated and recognized the contribution of Rani Lakshmibai in his own inimitable manner:

1906:

The All India Muslim League was founded in 1906, an organization which seemed to encourage British Rule in India and highlighted its benefits. Ace leader Muhammad Ali Jinnah was half-way through his speech extolling the British Raj, when Rahul walked in and ended up winning hearts of lakhs all over the country.

The act left Jinnah dumbfounded, furious, speechless and humiliated. People were wary of approaching him. However Rahul baba was quick to realize the gravity of the situation and made amends.

1919:

At a hearing with the Southborough Committee, which was preparing the Government of India Act 1919, a young lawyer argued for creating separate electorate and reservations for untouchables. Rahul Gandhi added his expert inputs:

1931:

On 23rd March, 1931, India lost 3 of its greatest revolutionaries – Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were hanged.

They were 3 of the fiercest freedom fighters, the mere mention of their names unnerved the British. The hanging only upped the ante and honed the resolve of lakhs of Indians to fight for freedom all the more.

Rahul Gandhi too, displayed exemplary nerves of steel, addressing a surging crowd after the hanging.

1935:

A historic move, The Government of India Act was finally constituted to devolve power to local representative bodies, finally giving some power to the people to govern themselves within the framework of the British Raj. Rahul Gandhi recounted the toiling conditions under which he had to help work to bring this act together.

1942:

India’s freedom movement reached its peak in 1942, with Mahatma calling for a nationwide, non-violent “Quit India movement” and this time, demanding nothing less than “Poorna Swaraj” or “complete independence” from the British. Stirring patriotism and passion in the movement was Rahul Gandhi, who inspired crowds like never before:

Rahul then shifted gears and got the crowds surging with hope and patriotism:

1947:

The end of the British rule was nigh. Having decided upon the partition, Lord Mountbatten came to Rahul Gandhi to seek his opinion:

…and Lord Mountbatten went on to make a gigantic mess of it.

15th Aug 1947

The day that India had looked forward to for over a century, the day that many Indians fought and sacrificed their lives for, had finally arrived. India attained independence on 15th August 1947, with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru hoisting the flag and addressing the nation:

P.S: For any historical inaccuracies, please feel free to blame Narendra Modi.