TODAY'S KALAM INDEPENDENCE DAY August, 2017

“After 70 years of independence, if we ask three Muslim freedom fighters of India, then most of

the people won’t be able to answer this question…”

The role of Muslims in India’s struggle for independence is glorious episode in the history of India. It represents

the Valor, Sacrifice and patriotism of Indians. The movement lasted for about a century. In this historic struggle

Muslims play a definite role, shared the responsibility of liberating India from the yokes of British Imperialism

with Hindu brethren, underwent untold sufferings made great sacrifices and thus served the country commendably.

The forgotten history of the sacrifice of Muslims,

The divide and rule policy adapted by the British to

consolidate and perpetuate their power in India, the circumstances

that led to the partition of British India and the gruesome

communal riots that erupted eventually broke the unity of British.

The wars with the Pakistan and communal disturbances did bring

in mental barriers between Hindus and Muslims. The communal

fanatics from both sides and particularly the Hinduthva forces

readily used this perturbing situation successfully to further widen

the gulf.

Ironically in our present day India, even freedom fighters are

judged on the basis of their religion. Many people believe

Muslims didn’t contribute to India’s independence from the

British role. It is because, there are not many sources available

that disclose Muslims contribution to India’s independence.

To initiate a war and getting succeeded on the British

Empire is not a possible thing to the rulers of other dynasties. But

the ruler of Mysore in first Anglo – Mysore war(1767 – 69) Hyder

Ali gain some measure of success against the British, almost

capturing madras, Later in second Anglo Mysore war (1780- 84)

Tippu Sultan s/o Hyder Ali defeated Baille at the battle of  Pollilur in September 1780, and Braith waite at Kumbakonam in  Feb 1782.

He continued war even after his father death. Finally the war  ended with the last British Indian treaty with an Indian ruler on equal footing.

Later, Another two wars occurred witnessing the downfall of Tippu. He could survive with Mysorean
rockets used by him in the battles were very much advanced then British east India company. After his  downfall the British captured a number of Mysorean iron rockets they were influential in British rocket development. Inspiring the coverage rocket, which was put in use in the Napoleonic wars.

Roles of Muslims in revolts

Battle of plassey ( June 23, 1757 ) : It was Nawab Siraj UD. Daulah who first
awakend Indian rulers and gave a call to oppose the British. He however , lost the battle and was
executed at young age 24 followed by Tippu sultan who was killed by Hard Wellesley in 1799.

1857 Revolt :

It was 27000 Muslims executed only in Delhi during 1857 – 58. During this revolt Asghari
begum fought against the British and was burnt alive when defeated. It was estimated that
about 225 Muslim women has their lives in this revolt.

Firaizi and Wah Habi movement :

The contribution of Muslim revolutionaries can be witnessed from the first half of 19th century. The
Farazi and the Wahlabi movements has distributed the pace of British plan in the initial stages of
expansion. It was organized by Syed Ahmed Barlevi he appealed to all Hindus and Muslims to over
the British and he was killed in 1831 in Balakot.

Ghadar Party :

Likewise, the present generation doesn’t know about khan Abdul gaffer khan. A great nationalist
who passed 45 years of his 95 years of life in jail for the freedom of India and this awarded ‘Bharat
Ratna’ in 1987.
                   Barkatullah and Syed Rehmat shah of Hadar party sacrificed their lives. Umar Subhani an Industrialist and millionaire presented blank cheque to Gandhi for congress expenses. Maulana Hasrat Mahani, with his poetry, infused zeal of freedom in young hearts.

Indian National Congress :

Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, at the age of 35, became youngest person to serve s the president of
Indian National Congress. He was the Icon of Hindu – Muslim unity as well as espousing secularism
and socialism.
He went straight to congress office just after the funeral procession of his wife, Zulaikha begum
and led Quit India movement.
Along with Hindus, Muslims played a major role until 1947 in the freedom struggle. It is such a pity that their roles in the struggle for freedom have not been adequately presented in the Indian History.
Let’s not take our independence for granted, Let’s do out bit to make India a better place, Legacy to live and legacy to die for.
It such a pity that their roles in the struggle for freedom as not been adequately presented in the indian history. Lets not take our independence for granted, lets do out bit make india a better place, legacy to live and legacy to  die for.