The Role of Khaksars in Freedom Movement (1931-1940)

Abstract

Inayat Ullah Khan, best known as the ‘Allama Mashriqi’ was a religious reformer, political activist and above all a revolutionary leader, who stood up against the colonial powers by initiated the Khaksars Movement in Indo-Pak Sub-Continent in 1931 with the distinctive notion of revolutionary politics that captivated the hearts of millions of South Asian Muslims. Mashriqi’s influence was dramtic enough at the heights of his strength to over shadow far more well-remembered events in the great drama of Muslims identity creation in South Asia. It was Al-Mashriqi and his Khaksars who made the headlines for observers at that time, who had no idea where history would lead in the coming years. Scores of the Allama’s followers were shot dead by the police after intentionally defying curfew orders in Lahore’s Old City, in a defying movement of Colonial brutality, which was less than a mile away where the Muslim League delegates were gathered for the landmark annual session at Minto Park. Hence, the role of Khaksars is undeniable in the freedom movement