Md Raiyan Ali 20 Apr 2023 आलेख समाजिक 23618 3 5 Hindi :: हिंदी

Abstract 
“The title of my article is “Maulana Mazharul Haque: A forgotten freedom fighter and Leader of 
Bihar” 
Many a time, even a great man passes away from this world without getting due recognition. Even 
poets and painters fail to provide them a little space in their creations. A humble attempt is made here 
To highlight (To bring to light) a shining star hidden under the clouds. In the person of Maulana 
Mazharul Haaque (1866-1930). He was a great pioneer of great freedom struggle in Bihar. It was he 
who had brought even Gandhi to this remote area of Champaran in Bihar. It was he who had build 
‘Ashiana’ in Faridpur village of Siwan. He was the leader of saran an fought the freedom movement 
with Dr. Rajendra Prasad and others. It was he who had denoted land for the construction of sadaqat 
Ashram of Patna for Non- Cooperative students. Maulana is known as the Messiah of Hindi-Muslim 
unity in Bihar. But it is regretted that the Historians could not do justice to his contributions to 
freedom movement. 
This Article discusses in detail thoughts, ideas and actions of Maulana Mazharul Haque in freedom Struggle.

Maulana Mazharul Haque: A forgotten freedom fighter and leader of 
Bihar. 
Introduction
“Full many a flower is born to blush unseen 
And waste its sweetness on the desert air” 
{Thomas Gray} 
The Indian Independence movement was a series of historic events with the ultimate aim of 
ending the British rule in India. The movement spanned from 1857 to 1947. Freedom movement 
passed through different stages in its long history. At every stage of struggle may a young man and 
woman has laid down his and her life on the altar of the country. Every village has contributed much 
with man and material to the freedom struggle but unfortunately such young men and women who 
had bright future went unrecognized. Many families were destroyed for want of wage-earner. But 
such families could not get space in people's memory. 
Students by and large left their schools and colleges at the call of Mahatma Gandhi. They did 
not care for their personal future and the future of their families. Some persons resigned from the 
coveted post and lived without money for the attainment of freedom. They faced even starvation. It is 
true that the villagers managed for their food and hearth. It may have been sufficient for them but not 
for their families. Notwithstanding members of their families tried to strengthen them, despite facing 
starvation. But nobody cared for the sacrifices the members of their families, gladly made for the 
sake of their country. Gratitude demands that the names of the members should be collected and 
bring to light those who suffered without heaving a sigh. Old parents sacrifice their sons who might 
have been their support during the old age. History appears vacant for want of record of such families 
with illustrious members. Maulana Mazharul Sahab is one of those thousands of men who have gone 
unwept and unlamented. But even poets have failed miserably in discharging their duty towards such 
unknown persons. 
Maulana Mazharul Haque, the man who firmly believe in complete Independence as "the 
birthright of every Nation.” Maulana Mazharul Haque was one of the main pillars in freedom struggle of Bihar.
Pattabhi sitaramayya' has called him "The Father of Patriotism". In true words, He has 
been called Messiah of Hindu-Muslim unity. His whole life was dedicated to establish National 
unity.
Who is Maulana Mazharul Haque and what he did?
Maulana Mazharul Haque was born on 22 December 1866 in village 'Bahupura', Thana 
'Maner' of Patna district in Bihar. He was the only son among the three children's of Sheikh 
Ahmedullah. The names of his sister were Gafrunisha and Kaneej Fatma. His father was a rich 
Landlord.
He got his Primary education at home by Maulvi Sajjad Hussain. He Passed his 
matriculation from patna collegiate in 1886. Then he went to Lucknow for higher studies and 
took admission in 'cunning college Lucknow'. But he could not adjust himself and the same year 
he left for England for studying Law in 1886.
When in London, Maulana established “Anjuman Islamia”. This Anjuman Islamia 
brought Indians of various religions, regions and sects under one umbrella. This was also a place 
to discuss about India’s problem. Mahatma Gandhi first met Maulana Mazharul Haque in 
Anjuman Islamia, London. Mahatma Gandhi was one of the classmates of Maulana Mazharul 
Haque in London; as it is said.
He returned to India in 1891 after passing law and started practising at Patna. On the 
advice of his friend William Barket, he joined the judicial service as Munsif. But how could the 
patriotic Maulana could accept slavery? He soon resigned due to some differences with the 
‘District and Session Judge’ and started practising at Chapra. He made a significant contribution 
to relief efforts launched during the famine in Saran district of Bihar in 1897.
Maulana Mazharul Haque got land donated to him by his relatives and settled in village 
Faridpur of district Siwan in 1900. He constructed a home in village Faridpur and named it 
‘Ashiana’. In the 19th century, Ashiana was a center for freedom fighters and it was visited by 
many nationalists, including Dr.Rajendra Prasad and Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Motilal Neharu in 
1927, Smt.Sarojani Devi in 1928, Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya, K.F.Nariman, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad visited his house ‘Ashiana’ in Faridpur.
In 1906, he left Chapra and started practicing law in Patna. His advocacy was going well 
in Patna. In the same year he was elected Vice-President of Bihar
Congress Committee. When the annual Congress Session was held in Patna in 1912; 
Maulana Mazharul Haque was elected President for welcoming guest.
Between 1910-11 he was elected a member of the Imperial Legislative
Council of India (British Parliament). “Bihar state conference” was held under the Chairmanship 
of Maulana at the conference to demand a separate Bihar State.
Maulana Mazharul Haque believed in the need for the constitution of Bihar as a separate 
Province.
In 1916 ‘Indian Home Rule Movement’ was started by Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar 
Tilak to the educated English speaking Upper Class Indians for Campaigning democracy in 
India, and dominion status within the British Empire. Maulana actively participated in the Home 
Rule Movement in 1916. He played an important role in the treaty of ‘Indian National Congress’ 
and ‘Muslim League’ in 1916.
Maulana Mazharul Haque actively participated in the Champaran Satyagraha in 1917 for 
which he was sentenced to 3 months imprisonment. When Mahatma Gandhi’s started 
Champaran Satyagraha, Maulana Mazharul Haque became his main collaborator in Satyagraha. 
Mahatma Gandhi’s guest hospitality came to Patna for Champaran Satyagraha at Maulana house 
“sikandar Manzail” in Patna.
Subsequently, When the Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movements were launched, he 
played an active role in the Movement.
In 1920 Maulana Mazharul Haque gave up his lucrative legal practice and actively joined 
Non-cooperation Movement on Gandhiji’s call. In the same year in 1920, Maulana donated his 
16 bigha land on Patna-Danapur road for sadaqat Ashram. Surprisingly his name appears 
nowhere on the walls of the Ashram standing on the land of Maulana. Is it not an act of 
ingratitude on the part of the then and the present Congressmen in Bihar? Maulana Mazharul 
Haque established Sadaqat Ashram and in the same Ashram Mahatma Gandhi had opened  “Bihar- Vidyapeeth” which served as college for students who left government colleges in 
response to Non-Cooperation Movement. Maulana Mazharul Haque was made the Vice￾Chancellor of ‘Bihar Vidyapeeth’ by Gandhiji. This Sadaqat Ashram played an important role in 
Independence movement in Bihar.
From the same Ashram, Maulana started a weekly magazine called “Motherland”. 
Maulana was firm believer in Hindu-Muslim unity. His famous lines sum up his conviction, --- 
“Whether we are Hindu or Muslim, we are on the same boat, we must sail or sink together.” 
Maulana launched his weekly magazine the “Motherland” from Sadaqat Ashram. He also jailed 
for his articles published in this magazine.
Maulana Mazharul Haque actively participated in “Anti-Purdah Movement” launched in 
Bihar in response to the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920.
Mahatma Gandhi sought to bring women also into mainstream politics, to strengthen the 
resistance against British rule as well as empower them to play a more active role in society. The 
Purdah system espoused by Muslim and many Hindu families, especially in Bihar, meant that 
women remained behind men in all spheres of life .
In 1919, Maulana Mazharul Haque gave up and burnt his western attire to adopt 
traditional Muslim attire in support of boycotting foreign clothes Movement. Maulana was given 
title of “Desh Bhushan Faqir Mazharul Haque”.
Maulana announced his retirement from active politics in the year 1926. But leaders like 
Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru never left him. In the 
last days of his life, he lived in his home ‘Ashiana’ Faridpur village of district Siwan. But 
regrettably he could not see independent India and on 2nd January 1930, he said goodbye to this 
world. He was buried inside the house “Ashiana” Faridpur village of district Siwan.
Contribution of Maulana Mazharul Haque in Saran.
Saran has been a stronghold of freedom fighters. Many freedom fighters came out from 
Saran. Maulana Mazharul Haque is one of them. The contribution of Maulana Mahzarul Haque 
in Saran has been immense. Maulana Mazharul Haque had a great contribution to bring Mahatma Gandhi in Saran.
Maulana Mazharul Haque united the people of Saran on one platform and connected 
them with the freedom struggle. He has given precious moments of his life to Saran to unite 
people on one platform. Saran got a lot of progress in the field of education and politics under 
the great leadership of Maulana Mazharul Haque.
In 1886, District Board was established in Saran. From that time to 1924, it was governed 
and conducted by the district officers. For the first time in 1924, the first non-official President 
was elected for this Board. A great personality of Saran division Maulana Mazharul Haque was 
elected non-official President for this board.
Since 1906 Maulana Mazharul Haque and Dr Rajendra Prasad awakened social and 
political consciousness in saran and sleeping Saran awakened again. In the year 1916 Congress 
Convention was held in Luucknow. In this convention in Lucknow,Rajkumar Shukla, a farmer 
from Champaran and Siwan native Mr.Brajkishore Prasad met Gandhiji and invited him to 
Champaran. In fact, the saran division had brought the Father of Nation, Mahatma Ghandhi to 
Champran. After accepting the invitation, Gandhiji came to Champaran in1917. Maulana 
Mazharul Haque and Dr Rajendra Prasad became his main allies in Champaran Satyagraha. 
Maulana Mazharul Haque and Dr. Rajendra Prasad are the main characters in autobiography of 
Mahatma Gandhi. And they played an important role in Champaran Satyagraha.
In 1918, Gandhiji came to Saran from Champaran. Maulana Mazharul Haque had 
important role to bring Gandhiji to Saran. Mahatma Gandhi had given speeches in the public 
meetings of Chapra and Gopalganj, and Maulana Mazharul Haque was also with him. It has been 
discussed in detail in Dr.k.k Dutt’s book entitled “History of Freedom Movement in Bihar.” 
Maulana Mazharul Haque played an important role in Champaran Satyagraha for which he was 
sentenced to 3 months imprisonment.
Many people of Saran division were arrested and imprisoned in 1920’s non-cooperation 
movement and 1919’s boycott foreign cloth movement. Dr.Rajendra Prasad was arrested from 
Chapra. In 1919, Maulana Mazharul Haque gave up and burnt his Western attire to adopt 
traditional Muslim attire, in support of the boycott of foreign clothes movement. He was given title of 
“Desh Bhushan Faqir Mazharul Haque.” In 1920 Non-cooperation Movement was the first mass 
Movement lunched by Mahatma Gandhi in which Saran had played an important role. When 
Maulana Mazharul Haque established Sadaqat Ashram in Patna to empower the non-cooperation movement, then saran native Jayaprakash Narayan who was a student of Patna University 
participated in the non-cooperation movement. With the inspiration of Maulana Mazharul 
Haque, student Jayaprakash Narayan got admission in the Vidyapeeth of Sadaqat Ashram to 
continue his study. Maulana inspired many students to join the Vidyapeeth of Sadaqat Ashram to 
strengthen the Non-cooperation Movement.

Contribution of Saran District in the freedom struggle with Maulana 
Mazharul Haque:
In 1908, the Bihar Provincial Congress Committee was established in the world famous 
fair of Sonpur, Maulana Mazharul Haque sahab was present in it. After four years, the 27th
session of congress in Bihar. Maulana Mazharul Haque sahab was the President of the 
welcoming committee for it.
Saran also participated in the khilafat Movement. On 5 May 1920, Maulana Mazharul 
Haque had given speech in a public meeting in Chapra. In this speech Maulana had insisted on 
Hindu-Muslim unity and strongly condemned the British Government.
There are records in the National Archives which show that at a particular stage it was 
apprehended by British officer that Saran will completely slip out of the hands of the British. The 
commissioner, Patna Division, had suggested a request to Nepal Darbar to send 2,000 troops to 
hold Saran and Champaran.
Champaran was a part of Saran till 1866, but not considering it convenient from the 
administrative point of view, the British administration separated it from saran and Champaran 
became an independent district.
During the British rule, there was a severe famine in Saran division and thousands of 
people died because of food shortage. In 1897, there was a severe famine in Saran and the then 
administration had not given any relief to public.
Maulana Mazharul Haque made a significant contribution to relief efforts launched 
during the famine in Saran district of Bihar in 1897.
In 1924, Maulana Mazharul Haque and Dr. Rajendra Prasad were elected President and Minister respectively of the Provincial Congress Committee.
Between 1920 and 1930, several National Schools were opened in Chapra, Siwan and Gopalganj. 
Its Chief Directors were Maulana Mazharul Haque and Dr.
Rajendra Prasad.
Maulana Mazharul Haque and Academic and Literary Development in 
Saran:
Maulana Mazharul Haque sahab was much interested in literature. Maulana Naji 
Ferozpuri was a Poet at the time of Maulana Mazharul Haque. When Maulana Mazharul Haque 
heard the Poetry of Naji Ferozpuri, he was fascinated towards Poetry and Stage.
The tradition of Mushaira in Chapra is very old. Since 1901, there used to be a Mushaira on 
behalf of “Anjuman-e-khidmat Sokhn.” “Anjuman-e-Khidmat Sokhn” and “Hindi Sahitya 
Bhawan” are 112 years old organizations of Chapra.
But the Capacity of this organization used to be local till 1945. In the memory of Maulana 
Mazharul Haque both institutions “Anjuman-e-Khidmat Sokhn” and “Hindi Sahitya Bhawan” 
were merged into one in 1945. Since1963, a new tradition of Mushaira was established in 
Chapra. After the death of Maulana Mazharul Haque, it was decided by the Maulana Mazharul 
Haque Memorial Board to organize an “All Indian Mushaira on the occasion of Mazharul Haque 
Jayanti. A book “Nagm-e-Ashiyana” was Published by the Mazharul Haque Memorial Board on 
the occasion of Mushaira in 1963. In the memory of Maulana Mazharul Haque, ”Mazharul Haque 
Ekta Bhawan” is established in Chapra. It was build by Advocate Shivaji Rao Ayde, a resident of 
Maharastra. Every year on 22nd December, on the occasion of Mazharul Haque Jayanti, a grand 
Mushaira was held in the Ekta Bhawan of Chapra.
The Municipality of Chapra was established in 1864. At that time the district collector 
used to be the President of municipality. Because of this system municipalities used to be a part 
of the bureaucracy. In the year 1903, Maulana Mazharul Haque was elected as the Vice￾Chairman of Chapra municipality and he strongly opposed the bureaucracy. Maulana Mazharul 
Haque had made every effort to develop Saran division, whether it was to unite Saran division for 
freedom struggle. The services of Maulana Mazharul Haque will always be remembered in the 
history of Saran division. There is half size statue of Maulana Mazharul Haque is installed in the 
middle of the town in Chapra. It always reminds us of the forgotten hero.
Sadaqat Ashram, Patna:Mazharul Haque’s gift to the Nation: Attitude of the British 
Government towards India after the First World War, where the Indians backed the British war 
efforts in hope of better treatment, exacerbated the already suppressed Indian feelings.The 
Rowlatt Bill, Satyagraha in its opposition, Jallianwala massacre and Brutal Suppression of the 
Satyagaraha led Mahatma Gandhi to Call for non-cooperation movement coupled with Khilafat 
Movement.
Gandhi urged his followers, through young India, on 11th of August 1920, to ‘formulate of 
Government control’. Only then, in his view, non-cooperation holds any real meaning.
Mazharul Haque was the first in Bihar to respond to Gandhi’s call of developing indigenous 
education system. On 22nd November 1920, Haque opened a National school in Patna with 
Dr.Harnandan Lal Nandkeoliyar as its principal. But, the moment of glory was yet to arrive.
On 11th December 1920, one hundred and ten(110) students of Bihar Engineering School( B.E.S) 
boycotted classes and with all their belongings, with raised flags of “Free B.E.S” marched to 
Sikandar Manzil, residence of Mazharul Haque, at Fraser Road in Patna. Students urged 
Mazharul Haque to lead them into the non-cooperation movement. Mazharul Haque left his 
house with 103 students, since seven were taken by their parents to home, for an orchard in a 
rather scantily populated area on Patna Danapur Road.
The orchard was a property of Khairu Mian, who donated it to the students without any 
hesitation. Mazharul Haque, with the help of the students, made huts with straws, woods and 
leaves. The orchard, where now 103 students and Mazharul Haque were living was named 
“Sadaqat Ashram”.
‘Sadaqat’ is a Persian/Urdu word for Truth while ‘Ashram’ is a Sanskrit/Hindi word for Abode. 
So, the place was “Abode of Truth”
Now all the residents of Ashram were studying and spinning Charkha (cotton spinning wheel) 
and the Ashram became a focal point of nationalist activities in Bihar.
Mahatma Gandhi, in December, emphasized upon having a ‘Bihar vidyapeeth’ to oversee all the 
nationalist education and coordinate National schools running in Patna. Dr.Rajendra Prasad and other Congress leaders were unable to raise enough funds to secure land for vidyapeeth in Patna.
When the difficulty was put in front of Mazharul Haque, he immediately started construction of a 
building, with his personal funds, at the Ashram site.
On 6th February 1921, Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi and Mohammad Ali arrived in Patna, 
by Panjab Mail, to formally inaugurate the Bihar Vidyapeeth. At the inauguration Gandhi said 
that without the efforts of Mazharul Haque it would have been impossible to open a National 
College at Patna. It was only because of Mazharul Haque that Gandhi was inaugurating the 
Vidyapeeth.
Mazharul Haque was chosen as the Chancellor, Brajkishore Prasad as the Vice-Chancellor and 
Dr.Rajendra Prasad as the registrar of the newly formed Bihar Vidyapeeth.
Sadaqat Ashram did not stop at this. In September 1921, Mazharul Haque started printing 
newspapers, journals and books from the Ashram. An English weekly “The Motherland” and 
Urdu daily “Sheristan” were to prominent newspapers published fron the Ashram. A part these 
books “Tufan-e-Nuh”, “Khilafat and England” etc,were also published from the Ashram press.
Mazharul Haque set an example by renouncing his lavish lifestyle to live in Sadaqat Ashram 
with the students. Mahatma Gandhi wrote about Mazharul Haque “The sadaqat Ashram near 
Patna is a fruit of his (Mazharul Haque’s) constructive labour. Though he did not live in it for as 
long as he had intended, his conception of the Ashram made it possible for the Bihar Vidyapeeth 
to find a permanent habitation. It may yet prove a cement to bind the two communities together.”
Later, Rajendra Prasad lived at Sadaqat Ashram after retirement, Jayaprakash Narayan launched 
his movement from here and presently it serves as the Bihar Congress Headquarters.
With the Sadaqat Ashram, the legacy of Maulana Mazharul Haque remains alive.
Conclusion
The freedom should not fade away from the memory of the new generation. It is pious duty to 
apprise young generation of today of the names of Forgotten Heroes who could not find space in 
short stories, poems and dry pages of history. The future generation may take lesson by going 
through the records of such forgotten heroes. The young generation of today may feel inspired to 
live and die for their country. Mere attainment of freedom is not enough. Professor Harold Laski 
has rightly observed that “Eternal vigilance is a price of liberty.” Such records of forgotten 
heroes may awaken the lamp of vigilance in the hearts of young generation of today. So, to 
prepare such records of forgotten heroes is also an act of doing National service. To keep alive 
the memory of such heroes, it is desirable to name_Roads, Schools and Colleges in their names. 
Statues of such heroes should be installed at the turn of roads to awaken conscience of the people 
towards their motherland.
The Indian Independence Movement has been a long struggle from 1857 to 1947 with the 
ultimate aim of ending the British rule in India. People from every religion and sect of India were 
supporting the father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi with full enthusiasm in freedom struggle. There 
are some of them who 
helped the Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi a lot in the freedom struggle and stayed together 
till the last days of their lives. But only very few are remembered for their part in freedom 
struggle and rests are still struggling to get freedom from obscurity. 
Maulana Mazharul Haque is one of them who has not got due recognition, as much fame and 
recognition as he deserves. Maulana Mazharul Haque was one of the main pillars in freedom 
struggle in Bihar along with Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Jayaprakash Narayan. 
While leading Bihar and Saran, Maulana Mazharul Haque had supported and helped Mahatma 
Gandhi at the forefront in many freedom movement such as_ Non-Cooperation movement,  Khilafat movement, Anti-Purdah movement, Champaran Satyagraha, Boycott foreign Clothes 
movement and Home rule movement. 
After doing all national services, regrettably Maulana Mazharul Haque could not see 
Independent India and on 2nd January 1930, he said goodbye to this world. He was buried inside 
the house “Ashiana” at Faridpur village of district Siwan.
But Historians could not give him that much recognition. The fame and recognition he deserved. 
Maulana Mazharul Haque 18 years senior to Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Maulana was at the forefront 
in freedom movement with Gandhiji. He had opened Sadaqat Ashram for non-cooperative 
students. Maulana had given full support to Gandhiji in Champaran Satyagraha. After doing all 
national services, he could not see Independent India and before 1947, he said goodbye to this 
world and he could not get much recognition and fame, as much he did for the National 
movement with Mahatma Gandhi. 
The sacrifices and services he did for the National movement, was so precious that it should be 
written in golden words. 
Now we are going to celebrate 75th year of our Independence. It is our pious duty to bring out 
such unknown faces from the veil and accept their sacrifices in the true sense. It will be a great 
tribute to those Unknown Heroes. 
Despite my best efforts I could not collect information about the nature of his death, his marriage 
ceremony and children he has. The material regarding his personal life has gone without being 
recorded by the then people. It speaks of carelessness on the part of the Historians not only in 
Bihar but also in India. The biographers pay attentions only to those heroes who could occupied 
prestigious post and places after the attainment of freedom. This is the go of the world that 
people celebrate only such persons who have been able to attain success, even if they had made 
little sacrifice for the pious movement. But Poet Gray is right when he says in his elegies that 
thousands of men deserve space in the long history of the country. Even a great Poet Milton says 
that real fame is granted by God after one’s death on this mortal soil. 
I firmly believe that Maulana will get real fame for his services and sacrifices in the kingdom of 
God. I believe that he may have been enjoying God’s love and recognition in Heaven. 

Work cited 
1. Extracted from Saquib Salim’s article entitled “Sadaqat Ashram Patna: Mahzarul 
Haque’s gift to the nation” Article published on 08 July 2020. 
2. Extracted from book “Proceedings of the Indian History” 
Journal article “Mazharul Haque: An Icon of communal Harmony” by Syed Raza, vol. 74(2013), 
PP.555-563, Published by: Indian History Congress.