Home Rule League l Khilafat Movement l Non-Cooperation Movement in Bihar l Lec #5

Home Rule League and Its Historical Context

Introduction to Home Rule League

• The lecture focuses on the Modern History of Bihar, specifically discussing significant movements such as the Home Rule League, Khilafat Movement, Non-Cooperation Movement, and their contributions from Bihar.

• Key leaders of the Home Rule Movement include Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, both recognized national heroes in India.

Contributions of Maulana Mazharul Haq

• Maulana Mazharul Haq is highlighted as a prominent figure in Bihar's history; he has numerous institutions named after him, including a cricket stadium in Patna.

• He was a freedom fighter who studied law in London and was a contemporary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Background of the Home Rule League

• The movement emerged around 1916 during World War I when British authorities increased taxes to fund the war effort, leading to growing discontent among Indians.

• The Lucknow Pact (1916), which aimed at Hindu-Muslim unity, set the stage for demands for greater autonomy within the British Empire.

Demands for Dominion Status

• Leaders like Annie Besant and Tilak demanded that India be granted Dominion Status similar to Canada and New Zealand during this period.

• The Home Rule League was officially established in Patna on December 16, 1917, with Maulana Mazharul Haq as its president.

Visits by Annie Besant

• Annie Besant visited Bihar twice in July 1918 to promote the Home Rule agenda; her first visit was on July 18 and another on July 25.

• She became notable as one of the first women presidents of the Indian National Congress during her involvement with these movements.

Feminism and Social Change

• Annie Besant advocated for feminism alongside her political activities; she believed social change should precede political reforms.

Legacy of Maulana Mazharul Haq

• His contributions are remembered particularly during significant events like Champaran Satyagraha where he played an essential role in mobilizing support for Gandhi's initiatives.

Moulana Mazharul Haq and the Khilafat Movement

Moulana Mazharul Haq's Background

• Moulana Mazharul Haq was a close friend of Gandhi, having studied law together in London. He belonged to a prominent zamindar family in Patna, known for their estate called Sikandar Manzil.

• He is recognized as a significant freedom fighter whose contributions will be discussed further in relation to the Home Rule League.

The Khilafat Movement Overview

• The Khilafat Movement is crucial for Bihar, with notable figures like Shaukat Ali being highlighted. This movement aimed to address concerns regarding the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

• Shaukat Ali was active in Patna during this period, while Muhammad Ali Jauhar did not participate directly in Patna events related to the movement.

Historical Context of the Khilafat Movement

• The First World War (1914-1918) saw Britain fighting against various empires, including the Ottoman Empire. The British government’s actions led Muslims worldwide to feel that Islam was under threat.

• Muslims viewed the Sultan of Turkey as their Khalifa; thus, any perceived harm to him was seen as an attack on Islam itself.

Muslim Unity Against British Rule

• The British rule prompted widespread opposition from both Hindus and Muslims globally. In India, this resistance took shape through the Khilafat Movement.

• Key leaders like Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali mobilized support among Indian Muslims against British policies affecting Turkey.

Formation of Khilafat Committee in Bihar

• A significant meeting established the Khilafat Committee at Anjuman Islamia Hall in Patna, with Hasan Imam playing a pivotal role alongside Rajendra Prasad supporting his proposals.

• This committee represented a religious movement intertwined with political aspirations for independence from colonial rule.

Political Dynamics and Hindu-Muslim Unity

• Despite being primarily an Islamic movement, it gained support due to existing Hindu-Muslim unity fostered by agreements like the Lucknow Pact (1916).

• Leaders emphasized that even though it was rooted in religion, it had broader political implications for India's struggle for freedom.

Important Statements and Their Significance

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak's assertion "Swaraj is my birthright" reflects sentiments during this era; he believed that consistent efforts were necessary for achieving self-rule.

• Moulana Mazharul Haq expressed unity between Hindus and Muslims through his statement about sharing struggles together: “We are all sailing in one boat.”

Conclusion on Key Takeaways

• Understanding these historical movements provides insight into how communal harmony played a vital role in India's fight against colonialism.

• These statements can serve as valuable references when discussing Hindu-Muslim unity within academic contexts or examinations.

Movement in Bihar: Key Figures and Events

Historical Context of the Movement

• The movement in Bihar is linked to significant historical figures, notably Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who was the first President of India.

• The Punjab injustice refers to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which led to widespread outrage and the formation of commissions like the Hunter Commission.

• The Lucknow Pact of 1916 marked a crucial moment for Hindu-Muslim unity, with implications for future movements.

Key Issues and Themes

• The concept of "Swaraj" (self-rule) emerges as a central theme alongside non-cooperation against colonial systems.

• Prominent leaders in Bihar include Dr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha and Shri Krishna Singh, both influential figures in the movement.

Notable Contributions and Literature

• Bismil Azimabadi's poetry during this period reflects revolutionary sentiments; his famous line "Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamare dil mein hai" captures the spirit of resistance.

• Harchand Mehta played a pivotal role as an All India Muslim leader advocating for complete independence.

Educational Initiatives

• The establishment of Bihar Vidyapeeth aimed to provide education amidst the non-cooperation movement when students were discouraged from attending traditional institutions.

Impact on Future Leaders

• Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), influenced by leaders like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, left formal education to join Bihar Vidyapeeth, highlighting a shift towards active participation in political movements.

Bihar Vidyapeeth: Historical Significance and Key Figures

Founding and Notable Personalities

• Bihar Vidyapeeth is highlighted as a significant university with historical ties to prominent figures, including Maulana Mazharul Haque, who studied in London and was a contemporary of Gandhi.

• The first principal of the university was Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India's first President, indicating the institution's high-profile leadership during its inception.

• Anugrah Narayan Singh, a notable lawyer and educator from Aurangabad, taught at Bihar Vidyapeeth; his lineage includes influential political figures like Nikhil Kumar.

Current Status and Legacy

• Presently, parts of Bihar Vidyapeeth are still operational within the Sadakat Ashram area in Patna; however, it faces challenges regarding recognition and historical acknowledgment.

• The university was inaugurated by Gandhi on February 6, 1921; this event marked its importance during the Indian independence movement.

Establishment of Sadakat Ashram

• Sadakat Ashram symbolizes truth ("Sadaqat") and was established by Maulana Mazharul Haque; it played a crucial role in the freedom struggle.

• The land for Sadakat Ashram was donated by local landlords due to Haque's influence, showcasing his stature in society.

Role of Rajendra Prasad

• Dr. Rajendra Prasad spent his final days at Sadakat Ashram; this location holds significance as both a personal retreat for him and an important site for Indian history.

• The presence of libraries named after Rajendra Prasad at Sadakat Ashram emphasizes his lasting legacy within educational institutions.

Publications and Leadership

• "The Motherland" magazine originated from Sadakat Ashram under Maulana Mazharul Haque’s guidance; it served as an important publication during the independence movement.

• Swami Vidyanand emerged as a key leader among farmers during this period; he is recognized for his contributions to agricultural movements in regions like Bhagalpur.