The Maulvi of Faizabad and the Battle for Lucknow: Jihad in 1857 and Shaping New Islam in South Asia
By Grace Mubashir, New
Age Islam
9 July 2024
The Siege of Lucknow Was Not Only a Military
Conflict but Also a Symbol of the Broader Struggle Against British Colonialism.
It Highlighted the Manipulation and Oppression Faced by Indian Rulers and
Common People Alike, While Also Showcasing the Potential for Unity Across
Religious and Cultural Lines in The Fight for Independence, Shaping New
Religious Imaginations in South Asia and Beyond.
Main Points:
1.
Ahmadullah Shah is a significant yet
often overlooked figure in the history of India's freedom movement,
particularly in the Revolt of 1857
2.
British historians have often
labelled these groups broadly as jihadis, brigands, or Wahhabis, overlooking
the nuanced differences among them
3.
Ahmadullah Shah's ideology, while
rooted in his Sufi beliefs, was inclusive, advocating for Hindu-Muslim unity
against the British
4.
the conflict was not merely a
religious clash between Christianity and the indigenous religions but a
struggle to defend territory from an alien ruler employing religious
conversions to consolidate control
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Ahmadullah
Shah is a significant yet often overlooked figure in the history of India's
freedom movement, particularly in the Revolt of 1857. British historians,
though grudgingly, have acknowledged his valour and leadership. Shah was a
multifaceted personality—cleric, Sufi saint, army general, and a visionary
leader. His rise as a key figure in the 1857 Revolt is crucial, driven by
religious fervour among both Hindus and Muslims against aggressive Christian
proselytising.
Despite his
importance, confusion persists about the Muslim religious groups involved in
the revolt. British historians have often labelled these groups broadly as Jihadis, brigands, or Wahhabis,
overlooking the nuanced differences among them. However, modern historians like
William Dalrymple have begun to explore these distinctions more deeply.
Ahmadullah Shah and his followers viewed their struggle as jihad, but their
motivations included resistance against coercive rulers rather than purely
religious hatred for Christians.
Post-independence
Indian historians have largely neglected Ahmadullah Shah's contributions, which
could have clarified the distinctions among various insurgent groups. Although
British chroniclers like P.J.O. Taylor have recognized Shah as a capable and
humane leader, he remains an enigmatic figure in Indian history,
underrepresented in historical narratives and textbooks. His significant role
in the uprisings around Lucknow, the capital of Awadh and the epicentre of the
1857 Revolt, underscores his impact during this critical period.
The Rift Between the Ulema and The British: The
Genesis
Before
delving into Ahmadullah Shah's role in the 1857 Revolt, it's crucial to
understand the deep-seated hostility between the British rulers and the Muslim
clergy in India, which peaked in the mid-19th century. The late 18th century
was a period of significant turmoil for Hindu and Muslim middle-class society.
Among Muslims, the call for jihad against British rule was initially raised by
Shah Abdul Aziz, son of the religious reformer Shah Waliullah.
Shah
Waliullah (1703–1762) was a mystic, scholar, and social reformer who advocated
for reform in Indian Islam. His Walliullahi Movement aimed to discard social
practices influenced by indigenous and Persian traditions, which he believed
conflicted with Islamic fundamentals. He promoted a rational approach to
interpreting Islam, synthesizing Sufism with ijtihad (independent judgment) and
emphasizing monotheism.
Shah
Waliullah’s son, Shah Abdul Aziz (1746–1824), continued his father's legacy. In
1803, he issued a landmark fatwa declaring British-ruled India as Dar al-Harb
(land ruled by an enemy of Islam), providing religious sanction for jihad. This
was a reaction to the aggressive proselytizing by Christian missionaries,
supported by the British East India Company, which threatened both Hindu and
Muslim religious beliefs. Shah Aziz's fatwa described the pervasive control of
Christian officers over Delhi and the systematic erosion of Islamic authority,
marking British rule as a land of conflict for Muslims.
Although
the fatwa did not incite immediate action, it sowed seeds of discontent among
Muslims. This simmering discontent eventually culminated in the widespread
participation of Muslims in the 1857 Revolt against the British. Shah Abdul
Aziz's fatwa became a foundational document for those advocating jihad,
highlighting the deep-rooted religious and social tensions that fuelled the
insurgency against British colonial rule in 19th-century India.
The 1857
Siege of Lucknow was a significant episode during the Indian Rebellion of 1857
against British rule. It unfolded in a city with a rich historical and cultural
backdrop shaped by the events and personalities leading up to it.
The Rise of Lucknow
Lucknow's
transformation into a major cultural centre began in 1775 when Prince
Asaf-ud-Daula ascended the throne of Awadh, succeeding his father
Shuja-ud-Daula. Asaf-ud-Daula moved the capital from Faizabad to Lucknow,
laying the foundation for its development into a hub of art, culture, and
architecture. Under his reign, Lucknow became known for its luxury, fine arts,
and syncretic culture where Hindus and Muslims coexisted harmoniously.
Despite his
contributions to the cultural enrichment of Lucknow, Asaf-ud-Daula's rule was
marred by political weakness and indulgence, which the British East India
Company exploited. The British forced him to sign a treaty that ceded half of
his kingdom, diminishing his power and revenues significantly. This set a
precedent for British manipulation in Awadh, leading to further treaties and
power grabs.
After
Asaf-ud-Daula's death in 1797, the British continued to interfere in Awadh's
succession, installing puppet rulers like Sadat Ali Khan. This undermined the
autonomy of Awadh's native rulers and increased local resentment. By 1856, the
British decided to abolish the Nawabship entirely, exiling the last Nawab,
Wajid Ali Shah, and declaring Awadh under direct British rule. This act of
annexation deeply humiliated the people of Awadh, setting the stage for
widespread discontent.
Ahmadullah Shah and the Call to Revolt
Amidst this
atmosphere of distress, Ahmadullah Shah emerged as a significant revolutionary
figure. A Sufi mystic known as the "Maulvi of Faizabad," Shah began
advocating for jihad against British rule. His spiritual gatherings in Lucknow
attracted a large following, where he combined religious teachings with calls
for political action. Tensions in Awadh escalated when Ahmadullah Shah,
imprisoned in Faizabad for his anti-British activities, was freed by a mob in
June 1857. This act galvanized the local population, and Shah quickly became a
key leader of the rebel forces.
The Battle of Chinhat
On June 30,
1857, British forces led by Sir Henry Lawrence attempted a pre-emptive strike
against the rebels near Chinhat, just outside Lucknow. Ahmadullah Shah's
forces, strategically positioned, launched a surprise attack, resulting in
heavy British casualties and forcing them to retreat to the Residency in
Lucknow. This victory for the rebels marked the beginning of the Siege of
Lucknow.
The siege
itself was marked by intense fighting and a protracted defence by the British
garrison in the Residency. The initial victory at Chinhat imbued the rebels,
under Ahmadullah Shah's command, with a sense of invincibility. The siege
continued for months, becoming one of the most notable episodes of the Indian
Rebellion of 1857.
Ahmadullah
Shah's ideology, while rooted in his Sufi beliefs, was inclusive, advocating
for Hindu-Muslim unity against the British. His approach contrasted with the
British strategy of divide and rule, which aimed to exploit religious
differences to maintain control. The unity displayed by Hindus and Muslims in
Awadh during the rebellion was a precursor to the secular foundations of modern
India.
Conclusion
Ahmadullah
Shah, facing mounting pressures, withdrew from Lucknow and moved to Bari near
Sitapur with his loyal supporters. There, he allied with Begum Hazrat Mahal,
who led the forces loyal to the deposed Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. Initially
reluctant, Ahmadullah Shah was eventually persuaded by Birjis Qadr, the Nawab's
successor, who became his spiritual disciple. At this point, Ahmadullah Shah
became the de facto ruler of Awadh. However, the British enlisted the Gorkha
army of Nepal to counter the rebels. Despite demonstrating bravery in
skirmishes, Ahmadullah Shah was betrayed by some officers loyal to Birjis Qadr
who preferred plundering over consolidating control. This betrayal led to a
critical defeat at Bari, forcing Ahmadullah Shah to retreat to Mohammadi near
Shahjahanpur.
In
Mohammadi, Ahmadullah Shah solidified his support, culminating in his formal
coronation on 15 March 1858, where he was declared the ruler of Awadh and
issued coins in his name. He forged alliances with the Rohillas of Bareilly,
led by Nawab Bahadur Khan, and rebel leader Azimullah Khan. Despite initial
success, his efforts to change the course of history were thwarted by further
betrayal. The Raja of Pawayan, at the behest of the British, invited Ahmadullah
Shah into a trap, leading to his death. The British rewarded the Raja with a
sum of ₹50,000 for his treachery.
Ahmadullah
Shah's story highlights the complex dynamics of the anti-colonial uprising in
India. As a religious scholar, Sufi, and jihadi, his struggle was infused with
religious fervour, invoking jihad to inspire Muslims. However, the conflict was
not merely a religious clash between Christianity and the indigenous religions
but a struggle to defend territory from an alien ruler employing religious
conversions to consolidate control.
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A regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com, Mubashir V.P is a PhD scholar
in Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and freelance journalist.
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