By: Mohd Ishaq Shah
The nation is going to celebrate 77th Independence Day on 15 August 2024. The day means a lot to all of us as it is on this day that we got free from the British after almost 90 years. Before I go ahead with this article let me pay my sincere tribute to all the countrymen whose unbroken support, struggle and sacrifice would fetch this nation the most valuable and dignified status of freedom.
I feel honored to pen down my broken words on this auspicious occasion and in the honor of those great warriors of our country who laid their precious lives for this great common cause. The significance of this day can best be emphasized only when we remember the atrocities thrust by the colonial masters. So it becomes inevitable to refer to the first war of independence that is commonly known as 1857 revolt and the aftermath. And how the British handled the situation with an iron hand. More especially how much it would cost to our nation.
Repercussions of 1857 Revolt: The scale of the 1857 uprising was unexpected by the East India Company. Taken aback, the company decided to give its all to end the revolt. Reinforcements were brought in from Britain as new laws were passed so that people who indulged in the rebellion could be convicted quickly.
Delhi was reclaimed by the British by September 1857 and the last Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah Zafar was sentenced to life imprisonment with his wife, Begum Zinat Mahal. Bahadur Shah Zafar took his last breath in prison in November 1862. Other rulers in different parts of India faced similar fates. Rani Lakshmibai was killed in June 1858 and Lucknow was captured by the British. Rani Avantibai, although victorious at Kheri first on being surrounded by the British, embraced death.Tantia Tope initially managed to escape to the jungles in central India and continued to oppose the British through a guerrilla war with the support of tribal and peasant leaders.
However, he was captured and killed by the British in April 1859. Hundreds of rebels, Nawabs, Rajas, and sepoys were tried and hanged.Even after the British reclaimed Delhi, the rebellion did not die. Instead, one was inspired by the victories against the British which started waning in light of the defeats. On the other hand, the British started offering rewards for loyal landholders and promised that they could continue to have the same rights over their properties as they had earlier.
Furthermore, it was announced that the landholders that had rebelled but had not killed any whites, their claims to their lands and rights would not be denied, provided they submitted to the British. These were tactics that the British were using to earn the people’s loyalties. By the end of 1859, the British had regained control over India. However, post the revolt, one thing was clear, the existing policies used to rule India needed to be changed.( source; Unacademy) .
Being true and sincere patriots we must not forget the contribution of all the ethnic groups towards the great common cause which after all was a point of prestige and common dignity for one and all. No doubt, the Hindu community has sacrificed tremendously towards this freedom for all, but at the same time we should also consider the little bit part played by other communities. We must remember the graet leaders like M.k Gandhi( Baapu), Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru , sunash Cahnader bose, Lal Bahdiur Shastri, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadar Tilak, Bipin chander Pal, Tantia Tope, Jansi ki Raani Laxmi Bhai, and above all the three nation al heroes ; Bhgat singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru. And we also must not forget the innocents masses killede in Jallian Wallan Bagh _Amritsar.
At the same time we have to count the thousand muslims scholars who were either hanged or fired in the field of Shamli( U.P) along with giving due considerations to the freedom fighter like Tipu Sultan, Ali brothers, Fakru Din Ali Ahamad, Khan Abdul Gafar Khan, begum Hazrat Mehal and the last Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah zaffer.
“Contribution Muslims is Indian freedom struggle:Muslims were at the forefront of India’s early struggle for independence. Leaders like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Dr. Zakir Husain, and Maulana Mohammad Ali were key figures in the fight for freedom. These leaders were not only articulate advocates for India’s right to self-determination but also instrumental in mobilizing communities and inspiring individuals to join the movement against British colonial rule. Their dedication to the cause of independence was unwavering, and their powerful speeches and writings galvanized people from all communities to rise against oppression.
The Khilafat Movement, initiated by prominent Muslim leaders, aimed to protect the Ottoman Caliphate and was closely linked to the broader Indian independence movement. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Allama Iqbal joined hands with Muslims to launch a non-cooperation movement against British rule. This movement exemplified the unity between Hindus and Muslims in their common pursuit of freedom. The shared struggle against colonialism bridged communal divides and created a sense of solidarity that was a driving force in the overall independence movement.
Participation in the Indian National Congress:Muslim leaders like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Dr. Zakir Husain, and Rafi Ahmed Kidwai played essential roles within the Indian National Congress, the principal political party driving the freedom movement. They actively contributed to the shaping of policies, strategies, and mobilization efforts that ultimately led to India’s independence. Their presence within the Congress helped ensure that the Muslim perspective was not marginalized and that the concerns of the Muslim community were addressed in the broader context of India’s future.
Muslim Women in the Freedom Struggle: The role of Muslim women in the freedom struggle is often underappreciated. Figures like Bi Amma, Begum Hazrat Mahal, and Aruna Asaf Ali demonstrated immense courage and dedication, participating in protests, marches, and political activities to further the cause of independence. They stood shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts, demanding justice, equality, and the right to self-determination.
Partition and Sacrifice: The partition of India in 1947 was a painful chapter in the nation’s history. Many Muslims faced the difficult decision of choosing between India and Pakistan, leading to significant sacrifices and hardships. The experience of partition is a testament to the complex and diverse nature of India’s freedom struggle, reflecting the challenges and sacrifices made by various communities, including Muslims. Many Muslims chose to remain in India, contributing to the nation’s growth and development, despite the challenges posed by partition.
Muslims in India played an integral role in the fight for independence, alongside individuals from all backgrounds. Their contributions were multifaceted, from leadership roles to mass mobilization efforts, uniting diverse communities in the common pursuit of freedom. Recognizing and celebrating these contributions is essential in understanding the true spirit of India’s independence movement and fostering unity and harmony among its citizens.
The legacy of the Muslim freedom fighters should serve as a reminder of the power of collective action and unity in achieving common goals. It underscores the idea that, regardless of one’s faith or background, the quest for freedom and justice unites people in their pursuit of a better future.”(Muslim Contributions to India’s Freedom Struggle: A Historical Perspective by Sahil sajad; Final Year CSE student at IIIT-Bh) The part played by the Sikhs in the overthrow of British rule was significant. Recently it has been established that the first and second Sikh Wars were fought to prevent the British aggression in the Panjab. After the fall of the Panjab, the Sikhs felt a nostalgia for the glories and achievements of the Sikh rule of Ranjit Singh’s time. As early as 1860, Baba Ram Singh, leader of the Kuka or Namdhari movement, raised the banner of revolt against the British regime.
Ram Singh was deported to Rangoon where he died in 1885. More than 66 of his followers were blown away from the guns in 1872 without any trial, by Mr. Cowan – a British civil servant.
In January, 1909, Indian leaders held a public meeting in Caxton Hall, London, to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh. There it was proclaimed that Sikhs all over the world should start an agitation for the liberation of India. In response to this clarion call, the Sikhs who had settled in foreign countries decided to continue the freedom struggle. In 1913, more than 200 Indians, mostly Sikhs, founded the well-known Ghadar Party in California to liberate India from the British yoke, by force of arms. Baba Gurdit Singh chartered a Japanese ship called Komagata Maru in 1913 and sailed with about 300 Indian nationals to Vancouver. The passengers were not allowed to disembark on the west coast of Canada and were subjected to many hardships.
After two months of suffering, the passengers were made to land at Calcutta. Their procession was fired upon and more than 21 Sikhs lost their lives. The remaining Sikhs were arrested and sent to the Panjab.The Sikhs again bore the brunt of General O’Dyer’s persecution. In the Jallianwallah Bagh massacre (1919), more than 400 Sikhs lost their lives. The Sikhs took a leading role in the Indian National Army raised by Subhash Chandra Bose in 1942 for the liberation of India. General Mohan Singh organized the Sikh population of Malaysia and took part in the expulsion of British forces in South-East Asia. The Sikhs also took an active part in ‘Quit India’ movement in 1942. It is therefore, correct to say that the contribution of the Sikhs to freedom struggle has been substantial and significant. ( source: the sikh answers)
The legacy left behind by those brave hearts without any pride and prejudice is a great asset for us to preserve for the generations to come. Let’s make a commitment on this great day of success, dignity , honor ,justice and equality that we shall play our part to continue the spirit of one nation and a common interest leaving aside the differences in respect our belief, culture, language and geography. Otherwise the day will not be far when our nation will go again into the deep trench of Zionism, racism and communalism and we shall regret on our mistakes but all in vain.
