Peer Ali Khan: The Quiet Revolutionary of the Great Revolt of 1857

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 5 August 2024 In The Annals of Indian History, The Great Revolt Of 1857 Stands Out As A Significant Chapter Of Resistance Against British Colonial Rule. Among The Numerous Unsung Heroes Of This Pivotal Uprising, Peer Ali Khan Emerges As A Particularly Intriguing Figure. ----- Main Points: 1. Peer Ali Khan, born around 1812, was a secretive revolutionary who used his bookselling profession to support the Great Revolt of 1857. 2. His shop served as a covert hub for distributing revolutionary materials in Patna. 3. Khan was arrested and publicly executed by the British on July 7, 1857. 4. His legacy is honoured by a road and park named after him in Patna, Bihar. ----- In the annals of Indian history, the Great Revolt of 1857 stands out as a significant chapter of resistance against British colonial rule. Among the numerous unsung heroes of this pivotal uprising, Peer Ali Khan emerges as a particularly intriguing figure. His story, though often overshadowed by more prominent leaders, reveals much about the clandestine nature of revolutionary activities during this tumultuous period. Early Life and Background Peer Ali Khan, born around 1812, is a figure enveloped in mystery. The exact details of his birthplace remain unclear, a reflection of the secretive life he led. According to William Taylor, an official of the East India Company and Commissioner of Patna Division from 1855 to 1857, Khan was believed to have originated from Lucknow. Taylor's observations suggest that Khan had settled in Patna, where he established himself as a bookseller. Taylor speculated that Khan's choice of profession was likely a deliberate strategy to mask his revolutionary activities. Role in the Great Revolt of 1857 As a bookseller, Peer Ali Khan leveraged his position to orchestrate and support revolutionary activities. His shop was not just a place of business but a covert hub for distributing important leaflets, pamphlets, and coded messages vital to the freedom struggle. Through this seemingly innocuous facade, Khan played a critical role in the organization of the Great Revolt of 1857 in Patna. The revolt, which began as a mutiny among British soldiers, quickly evolved into a broader rebellion against colonial rule. Khan's involvement in the Patna district was instrumental in mobilizing support and coordinating resistance efforts. His work was part of a larger, intricate network of resistance that spanned the length and breadth of India. Capture and Execution The British response to the rebellion was swift and brutal. On July 4, 1857, Peer Ali Khan was arrested along with 33 of his followers. The crackdown was severe, and Khan, alongside his comrades, was subjected to a public trial. On July 7, 1857, Peer Ali Khan was hanged in full public view by William Taylor, who was determined to make an example of the rebels. This act of execution was part of a broader campaign by the British to suppress the uprising and intimidate potential supporters. The public execution of Peer Ali Khan and 14 other rebels, including notable figures such as Ghasita Khalifa and Ghulam Abbas, was a grim demonstration of British resolve to quell dissent. The execution of these individuals not only marked the end of their participation in the revolt but also served as a stark warning to others who might consider challenging British authority. Legacy and Commemoration Despite his relatively obscure background and the brutal end to his life, Peer Ali Khan's legacy has been preserved and honoured in modern times. In 2008, the Bihar government under Nitish Kumar named a road adjacent to the Patna Airport after him, recognizing his contributions to the struggle for independence. Additionally, Shaheed Peer Ali Khan Park, located in front of the District Magistrate's residence near Gandhi Maidan in Patna, was established as a tribute to his sacrifice. These commemorations serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals like Peer Ali Khan, whose stories might not always be prominent in historical records but who nonetheless played crucial roles in the fight for India's freedom. Conclusion Peer Ali Khan's life and sacrifice offer a glimpse into the covert yet critical operations of the 1857 rebellion. As a bookseller who used his trade to further the cause of independence, Khan's story is a testament to the varied and multifaceted nature of the freedom struggle. His legacy, honoured by contemporary memorials, continues to inspire and remind us of the diverse contributions to India's fight for freedom. ------ Syed Amjad Hussain is a Bihar-based Author and research scholar of Sufism. He is affiliated with the Shyama Prasad Institute of Technology and Management, Kolkata. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/peer-ali-khan-revolutionary-revolt-1857/d/132860 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