For smooth Ad free experience
Without freedom, our lives would have no meaning, we'd cease to exist as people. Imagine how colonised people had to live. Imagine how people live in countries where freedom is brutally curtailed. The plight of Indians was described no better than the one man who said, "I would prefer to die in a foreign country so long as it is a free country, and if you do not give us freedom in India, you will have to give me a grave here."
Born on 10th December 1878
Amongst the greats of the world, India has produced many admirable personalities. During the freedom struggle, India was manipulated by the British through the divide and rule policy. Animosity brewed between Hindus and Muslims deeply. But even amidst those trying circumstances, many leaders proposed Hindu Muslim unity.
Mohammad Ali Jauhar was an active participant during India's freedom struggle. Jauhar's ancestors came to Delhi from Najibabad to protect the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar during the revolt of 1857.
Sadly, many of his ancestors lost their lives in battle. His grandfather moved the remaining family to Rampur.
At a young age, Mohammad Ali Jauhar lost his father and was raised by his mother Abadi Begum, affectionately known as Bi Amma. Abadi Begum was adamant to see her sons receive the best education. She made it necessary for her sons to learn English so they could learn about the English culture and ultimately defeat the British.
Jauhar earned a degree in Law and History from Oxford and became one of the most charismatic leaders during the struggle for overthrowing British rule.
Since he was exposed to char bayt throughout his childhood, he developed a sound flair for writing. His commendable grasp of the English language was appreciated by all well-read individuals.
Jauhar was unsuccessful in clearing the ICS exam. Upon returning to India, he worked as the education director for the state of Rampur and then joined the Baroda civil services.
His return to India also made him aware of the brutality of the British and the suppression of artistic freedom. Deliberate attempts were made to undermine the Indian culture and ideals. In such precarious times, Jauhar's poetry and speeches served as a means to prove the British wrong and unite the Muslims and Hindus.
In 1911, he started a newspaper- ' The Comrade'. The paper showcased his artistic process and well-articulated essays. Though the mediums became popular, the British were quite reluctant to appreciate them. Naturally, there was a price to pay for expressing his opinions this freely- he was jailed. He continued writing after his release.
It was during his time in British custody when two of his daughters fell extremely ill. His mother, too, had reached the end of her life and was on her deathbed. The British said that they'd allow him to visit his mother only if he apologized. When his mother became aware of this condition, she wrote that she wielded enough strength in her old hands to choke him to death if she got to know that he apologized to the British. Therefore, he never apologized.
Unfortunately, he never got to attend his daughter's funerals.
In Delhi, he started a newspaper called 'Hamdard' and he wrote the Khilafat movement, the caliphate, and the Muslim culture.
Mohammad Ali Jauhar was one of the founding members of the All India Muslim League. He supported the INC and Gandhi's cause for freedom. However, Jauhar was shaken by the failure of the Khilafat movement. He also felt angry with Nehru and Gandhi when they rejected his request for separate electorates for the Muslim minority.
It was after this discord and resentments that he suggested the idea for a state just for Muslims. Nevertheless, he was still dedicated to his cause of overthrowing the British from India.
Despite his failing health, he attended the round table conference in England, and in his last speech, he spoke about how vital it was for India to be free.
Although he advocated for the creation of Pakistan, he never compromised on India's freedom. While he understood the importance of religious identity, he was equally aware that religion had to take a backseat.
Mohammad Ali Jauhar was a man who understood the relationship between religion and state but never let the former get in the way of progress or harmony. A worthy opponent to the British, Mohammad Ali Jauhar's legacy is noteworthy.
You might be interested in reading more from
