The Most Underrated Freedom Fighters of India – Muslim Heroes of Independence
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1. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (1888–1958)
Though known as India’s first Education Minister, his role as a freedom fighter is often overshadowed. A prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, Azad was one of the youngest presidents of the party. He strongly opposed the partition of India, advocating Hindu-Muslim unity. Through his newspaper Al-Hilal, he inspired thousands to rise against British imperialism. His intellectual leadership and sacrifices earned him a place among the stalwarts, but he is less celebrated compared to others.
2. Ashfaqulla Khan (1900–1927)
A revolutionary associated with the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), Ashfaqulla Khan fought alongside Ram Prasad Bismil in the famous Kakori Train Robbery (1925), planned to fund revolutionary activities. Arrested and sentenced to death, he faced the gallows with courage at just 27 years old. His Hindu–Muslim brotherhood with Bismil became a symbol of unity against British oppression, yet his name is rarely highlighted in schoolbooks.
3. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (1890–1988)
Popularly known as the Frontier Gandhi, Ghaffar Khan was a close ally of Mahatma Gandhi. He founded the Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of God) movement in the North-West Frontier Province, mobilizing thousands of Pashtuns into a non-violent army that challenged British rule. Despite his immense contribution, his name has often been overshadowed by mainstream Congress leaders.
4. Begum Hazrat Mahal (1820–1879)
The queen of Awadh, Begum Hazrat Mahal, played a crucial role in the First War of Independence (1857). When her husband, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, was exiled, she led the revolt in Lucknow. She resisted British forces fiercely, rallied troops, and allied with leaders like Nana Saheb. Despite her bravery, she remains one of the least celebrated heroines of 1857.
5. Syed Ahmad Shaheed Barelvi (1786–1831)
Though he lived before 1857, Syed Ahmad Barelvi inspired many to resist colonial rule. He was a religious reformer and warrior who opposed both foreign domination and social evils. His struggle against the British and local oppressive rulers laid the groundwork for future freedom movements, but his role is rarely acknowledged in mainstream narratives.
6. Moulvi Ahmadullah Shah (1787–1858)
A key leader in the Revolt of 1857, Ahmadullah Shah of Faizabad was known as the Maulvi of Faizabad. He was a skilled military commander who organized forces against the British in Awadh and Lucknow. Even British officials described him as “the most dangerous enemy of the British.” Sadly, his name remains almost forgotten in the retelling of India’s first war of independence.
7. Vakkom Moulavi (1873–1932)
A social reformer and freedom fighter from Kerala, Vakkom Moulavi used his pen and voice to awaken political consciousness. He founded newspapers like Swadeshabhimani, which criticized British misrule and exposed corruption. His role in shaping public opinion in South India is vital, yet he is rarely remembered outside Kerala.
8. Rafi Ahmed Kidwai (1894–1954)
A trusted lieutenant of Nehru and a dedicated freedom fighter, Kidwai spent years in jail during the Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement. He played an important role in mobilizing farmers and common people against British exploitation. Post-independence, he became India’s first Minister for Communications but is seldom remembered today. and many more!
