Role of Urdu Language and Literature in India’s Independence Movement
By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam
1 October 2025
Languages are the fundamental asset of human civilization and culture. It is absolutely true that languages have no religion; rather, religion needs languages. Languages always bring hearts together, cultivate understanding and awareness in minds, and foster closeness in human relationships. The true characteristic of language is dialogue, not conflict.
Urdu Language: A Symbol of Cultural Heritage and National Unity
Urdu has proven throughout various periods of its history that it is not merely a linguistic tool but a symbol of cultural heritage and national unity. It was this very language that played a significant role in uniting the country and actively participated in the Indian independence movement.
Urdu Literature and the Feminist Movement
Urdu literature, while awakening public consciousness during the freedom struggle, also highlighted aspects of social and moral reform. In the context of the feminist movement, two names are particularly significant: Deputy Nazir Ahmad and Altaf Hussain Hali. Deputy Nazir Ahmad’s novels drew women’s attention towards education and social awareness, while Hali’s writings emphasized the respect, status, and social role of women. Both writers were literary pioneers of reform in their time.
Global Intellectual Influences
It is also worth mentioning that the Indian Panchatantra had a deep impact on the French Revolution. This reflects the universal significance of Indian thought and storytelling.
Banned Books and Premchand’s “Soz-e-Watan”
The British government attempted to suppress all literary efforts that strengthened the freedom movement. A prominent example of this is Premchand’s short story "Soz-e-Watan" ("The Lament of the Nation"), which was confiscated by the British. However, the truth is that Urdu literature, through both poetry and prose, not only mobilized the masses for independence but also instilled moral strength and courage in them.
From the Battle of Plassey to Independence: Literary and Public Consciousness
Urdu literature has encompassed all the stages of public struggle from the Battle of Plassey to the achievement of independence. Poets and writers evoked feelings of patriotism, sacrifice, and selflessness in their writings. This is why literature became an inseparable part of the freedom movement.
"The Five Forms of Bharat Mata" and Women's Participation
Women's contribution during the freedom movement is also noteworthy. At that time, five women co-authored an important book titled “The Five Forms of Bharat Mata,” in which the image of Bharat Mata (Mother India) was portrayed from different perspectives. This book became very popular among the people and further strengthened the spirit of freedom.
Political Freedom and Future Generations
In a letter written to the children of a free India, it was advised that achieving political freedom alone is not enough. It is the responsibility of future generations to take this freedom further towards justice, equality, and fraternity.
1857: The First Revolution
The War of 1857 can be considered the first revolution in the subcontinent’s struggle for freedom. This war laid the foundation for public resistance against British colonialism and gave new energy to the independence movement in its subsequent phases.
The Fusion of Literature and Journalism
Today, literature and journalism are considered two separate fields, but during the freedom movement, this distinction had disappeared. Journalists of that era were also writers, and every piece they wrote was filled with patriotism. Articles published in newspapers and journals played a vital role in preparing the public for the struggle for independence.
The Role of Urdu Literature and Writers
The history of the freedom movement is incomplete without mentioning those writers who turned their words into weapons. Poets, authors, and journalists of Urdu literature highlighted various aspects of the freedom struggle in their writings, awakened the nation, and instilled courage in the people.
It can rightly be said that Urdu language and literature rendered unparalleled services during the independence movement. It not only united the masses but also provided intellectual and moral foundations for the freedom struggle.
Today, it is our responsibility to educate the new generation about these writers and literary figures so that they may understand the value of freedom and play a positive role in the development and progress of the nation.
------
Kaniz Fatma is an Islamic scholar (‘Alima Fazila’), and a regular columnist for New Age Islam.
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism