The Silent Revolution: How Khudai Khidmatgar Challenged British Imperialism Without Weapons

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 20 February 2025 Subhead- The Khudai Khidmatgar movement, led by Bacha Khan, was a powerful yet peaceful resistance against British rule. Rooted in non-violence, it empowered Pashtuns through education and reform. Despite brutal suppression, its legacy continues to inspire social justice movements today. Mainpoints 1. Bacha Khan founded the Khudai Khidmatgar to uplift Pashtun society through education, social reform, and non-violent resistance against British rule. 2. Inspired by Islamic teachings and Gandhi’s philosophy, the movement promoted peaceful resistance, challenging the idea that bravery required violence. 3. The Khudai Khidmatgar aligned with the Indian National Congress, actively participating in the independence movement, despite brutal repression like the Qissa Khwani Bazaar massacre. 4. The British and later Pakistan’s government targeted the movement, imprisoning leaders and dismantling its organisation. 5. The movement’s ideals of service and non-violence continue to inspire activists working for justice and communal harmony today. -------- Introduction The Khudai Khidmatgar movement, under the leadership of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, is a testament to the revolutionary potential of non-violence in the context of colonial domination. Rising in the early 20th century in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) of British India, this movement opposed not just British imperialism but also aimed at reforming and improving Pashtun society non-violently. This article examines the origins, development, obstacles, and long-lasting legacy of the Khudai Khidmatgar movement. Socio-Political Context During the early 1900s, Pashtun areas of the NWFP were plagued by tribal warfare, illiteracy, and poverty. The British colonial government's policies tended to worsen these conditions, which resulted in deep disillusionment among the Pashtun masses. Against this background, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, fondly called "Bacha Khan," conceived of a movement that would confront these social ills through education, social change, and non-violent resistance. Formation of Khudai Khidmatgar The journey of Bacha Khan started with the founding of the Anjuman-e Islah-ul-Afghan (Society for the Reformation of Afghans) in 1921, aimed at social reforms and education. Realising the necessity for a more formal organisation, he formed the Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of God) in 1929. The movement was based on values of selfless service, humility, and non-violence. Members, who wore uniquely red uniforms to earn them the nickname "Surkh Posh" or "Red Shirts," vowed to abandon violence, serve humanity, and strive to improve their society. Non-Violence and Spiritual Foundation Impacted by Islamic principles and the non-violent ideas of Mahatma Gandhi, the Khudai Khidmatgar movement underlined that real bravery was in the form of peaceful resistance. Bacha Khan believed that Islam promoted peace and that non-violence was an effective weapon against injustice. This religious basis played a critical role in convincing the traditionally martial Pashtun people to adopt non-violence. Organisational Framework The movement was carefully structured, more like a well-disciplined non-violent army. The members were rigorously trained in self-discipline, social work, and taught the teachings of non-violence. The structure had local units, regional councils, and a central body to ensure harmonious functioning throughout the NWFP. Meetings, workshops, and study sessions were regularly organised to promote unity and commitment. Alliance with the Indian National Congress The aims of the Khudai Khidmatgar were in harmony with the larger Indian freedom struggle. In 1931, in search of a wider platform to express their grievances and enhance their influence, the movement joined the Indian National Congress (INC). This alignment allowed for closer coordination in campaigns of civil disobedience and heightened the demand for self-rule. Civil Disobedience and Repression The movement also actively engaged in the Civil Disobedience Movement, leading protests, boycotts, and demonstrations against British policy. The Qissa Khwani Bazaar massacre of 23 April 1930, in which British troops fired on unarmed demonstrators in Peshawar and caused scores of casualties, was one of the most appalling atrocities. Notwithstanding such merciless suppression, the Khudai Khidmatgar continued to be committed to non-violence, demonstrating unwavering determination. British Countermeasures Concerned by the increasing popularity of the Khudai Khidmatgar, the British regime used all manner of tactics to quell the movement. Some of these measures involved mass detention, torture, seizure of properties, and a campaign to divide through propaganda. The British misrepresented the movement as being seditious, intent on discrediting it with the masses. Post-Partition Scenario The 1947 partition of India also presented great challenges for the Khudai Khidmatgar. The newly created Pakistan eyed the movement suspiciously, partly because of its past support for the INC and its resistance to partition. The state outlawed the movement, imprisoned its leadership, and used harsh repression to break its organisation. Bacha Khan spent many years in jail, and the activities of the movement were shut down by force. Enduring Principles The principles of the Khudai Khidmatgar—non-violence, service, and social reform—remain an inspiration to activists around the globe. The movement proved that non-violence was a powerful weapon against oppression, even in societies with strong martial traditions. Contemporary Relevance Over the past few years, there have been attempts to reinvigorate the Khudai Khidmatgar ethos. Groups and activists in India and Pakistan are inspired by Bacha Khan's philosophy to tackle modern issues like sectarian violence, human rights violations, and social injustice. These efforts highlight the universal appeal of the movement's founding principles. Conclusion The Khudai Khidmatgar movement is a towering testament to the power of non-violence and uncompromising adherence to social reform in challenging and ultimately toppling oppressive systems. Bacha Khan's visionary leadership of the socio-political landscape of the Pashtun region has left an enduring imprint upon the wider Indian independence movement. In these modern societies that struggle with conflicts and injustices, the legacy of the Khudai Khidmatgar serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that lasting change can be brought about through peaceful means. References · Lester Kurtz (2009) "The Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of God) Movement: Badshah Khan and the Northwest Frontier in British India (1933-1937)" published on International Center on Nonviolent Conflict · Eknath Easwaran (1999) "Nonviolent Soldier of Islam: Badshah Khan, A Man to Match His Mountains" published by Nilgiri Press · Rajmohan Gandhi (2017) "Ghaffar Khan: Nonviolent Badshah of the Pakhtuns" published by Penguin UK · Mukulika Banerjee (2000) "The Pathan Unarmed: Opposition & Memory in the North West Frontier" published by James Currey ------- Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on his book 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', based on the history of Sufism in Bihar. 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