Maulvi Liaquat Ali Qadri (1817–1892): A Stalwart of India’s Freedom Struggle

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 07 August 2025 Maulvi Liaquat Ali Qadri, a religious scholar, led the 1857 Allahabad rebellion, uniting communities against British oppression. Declaring jihad, he fought for India’s freedom, faced exile, and died in Kala Pani in 1892, leaving a lasting legacy. Main Points: 1. Maulvi Liaquat Ali Qadri (1817–1892), born in Allahabad, was a revered religious scholar and freedom fighter. 2. He led the 1857 rebellion in Allahabad, uniting Hindus and Muslims against British rule. 3. Declared jihad, organized public gatherings, and hoisted Bahadur Shah Zafar’s flag. 4. Fought British oppression, faced exile, and continued guerrilla warfare. 5. Sentenced to life in Kala Pani; died in 1892. ---- Maulvi Liaquat Ali Qadri was born on October 15, 1817, in the village of Mehndauri, Chail Pargana, Allahabad district, to Syed Meer Ali and Aamna Bibi. He was a revered religious figure of his time, embodying the spirit of both spiritual and national liberation. During that era, Islamic scholars viewed the country’s independence and religious freedom as inseparable causes. This conviction led a significant number of religious scholars to participate in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, many of whom attained martyrdom in their fight for freedom. Maulvi Liaquat Ali was a simple man deeply connected to the struggles of the common people in his region. He was acutely aware of the hardships faced by the masses under British colonial rule. Alongside his profound religious knowledge, he harbored an intense passion for liberating his country from the shackles of foreign oppression. Leading a life of piety and integrity, he consistently advised others to uphold honesty, empathy, and mutual support in times of distress. He considered it the duty of every Indian to strive for the nation’s independence. The Rebellion in Allahabad Following widespread looting and arson, Allahabad fell under the control of the rebel Indian forces. Maulvi Liaquat Ali, accompanied by a large number of his followers, threw himself into the struggle against British rule. Seizing the opportunity, he declared jihad against the British, galvanizing thousands to join the fight. Under his leadership, the people of Allahabad (now Prayagraj) united to drive the British out of the city. Maulvi Liaquat Ali delivered a powerful message of unity to both Hindus and Muslims from a public platform in Allahabad. In his sermon, he emphasized, “We are all one. Together, we must confront the foreigners.” With this spirit of unity, he proclaimed the establishment of an independent government in the region and hoisted the flag of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor. The British were not only plundering India’s wealth but also subjecting its people to relentless oppression. Beyond economic exploitation, Christian missionaries, backed by colonial authorities, were attacking India’s religious traditions and sacred texts. They propagated Christianity while attempting to demean Hindu and Muslim scriptures. Unable to tolerate these affronts, Maulvi Liaquat Ali organized a massive public gathering on June 7, 1857, at Khusro Bagh in Allahabad. The event drew a large number of patriotic Hindus and Muslims. In a fiery speech, he condemned the British for their atrocities, including looting, arson, and desecration of holy texts. Declaring that such oppressors could not be tolerated, he called for jihad against the “sinners.” His impassioned address stirred the hearts of the audience, who were already exasperated by the British’s sacrilegious actions. Under his leadership, a week-long uprising against the British began on June 9, 1857. Rebels set fire to British bungalows, inflicted casualties, and damaged government property. The widespread unrest created panic among the colonial authorities. However, the British retaliated with heavy shelling and arson, driven by a desire for vengeance. Entire settlements were razed, forcing residents to flee their homes. Maulvi Liaquat Ali, too, was compelled to leave Allahabad and sought refuge in Kanpur. A Champion of Communal Harmony Maulvi Liaquat Ali was a firm advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity and cooperation, despite his opposition to Christian missionaries, whose actions, fuelled by colonial arrogance, insulted Indian religions and scriptures. He was among the few leaders who demonstrated through their revolutionary actions that they were fully aware of the socio-political realities of their time. The British, he believed, were not only exploiting India’s resources but also undermining its social fabric. He tirelessly worked to counter their divisive tactics, raising his voice for the dignity of women, religious communities, and the upper classes, earning widespread admiration for his efforts. Despite his religious persona, Maulvi Liaquat Ali was always ready to take risks for the sake of his country and faith. He never feared for his life or shied away from potential losses. His revolutionary activities were driven by a singular goal: to free India from British rule and rid the sacred land of their oppressive presence. When a Muslim shrine, Bakhtiar Bakhtiyar, and the Telegraph Band were seized by the British, Muslim youths fought to protect them, resulting in losses on both sides. Clashes between Indian rebels and British forces continued across various regions, making it increasingly difficult for the British to maintain their grip on India. A Lifelong Struggle for Freedom Maulvi Liaquat Ali swore to dedicate his life to the cause of India’s independence. After leaving Allahabad, he moved to Muzaffarnagar, a stronghold of the freedom struggle, where he joined other revolutionaries. His authority was such that no orders were issued without his approval. Whenever British forces attempted to suppress the rebellion, Maulvi Liaquat Ali, alongside another freedom fighter, Azimullah, embarked on a perilous journey on foot toward Gujarat. Despite facing numerous hardships along the way, they reached their destination and launched guerrilla warfare against the British. For years, their tactics kept the colonial administration on edge. According to Rakesh Verma, technical assistant at the Regional Archives, “Administrative records written in Urdu titled Naksha Bagiyan Kotwali Allahabad, listing police constables who forcibly took their salaries for May and June 1857 and participated in the revolt, including Hanuman Prasad, Imdad Ali, Ashraf Ali, etc. were hung by Major Henry Court on July 14, 1857,” (From the HT) The British resorted to various conspiracies to capture him, but Maulvi Liaquat Ali’s stature among freedom fighters only grew. He continued to plan large- and small-scale operations against the British, opening new fronts in the fight for independence. Imprisonment and Legacy Ultimately, the Allahabad court sentenced Maulvi Liaquat Ali to life imprisonment in the Andaman Islands, infamously known as “Kala Pani.” Enduring the harsh conditions of imprisonment, this brave son of India passed away on May 17, 1892, bidding farewell to his beloved homeland and the world. Maulvi Liaquat Ali Qadri’s sacrifices for India’s freedom struggle remain an enduring legacy. His contributions must be remembered and celebrated as an inspiration for future generations, reflecting the indomitable spirit of a man who fought tirelessly for his country’s liberation. References: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/maulvi-liaquat-ali-to-mass-killings-hanging-of-cops-1857-revolt-in-allahabad-101749063190844.html Bhatnagar, A. P. (2009). Maulvi Liaqat Ali: Icon of 1857 uprising at Allahabad. Shubhi Publications. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/unsung-heroes-of-the-freedom-struggle-maulvi-liaqat-ali/articleshow/93492245.cms Khan, K. M. (2019). Jang-e Azadi aur Musalman. Pharos Media. https://www.qaumiawaz.com/social/maulvi-liaquat-ali-the-pioneer-of-the-war-of-independence-special-offer-on-the-occasion-of-the-anniversary-shahid-siddiqui-alig URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/maulvi-liaquat-stalwart-india-freedom/d/136425 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