Rediscovered Hero: Waris Ali of Tirhut and His Legacy in India’s Freedom Struggle

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 13 August 2024 Meer Waris Ali, A Jamadar from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, Was A Key Figure in The 1857 Revolt Against British Rule. Executed for His Nationalist Activities, He Remained Largely Unrecognised Until 2017, When He Was Officially Declared a Martyr in India’s Dictionary of Martyrs, Acknowledging His Significant Sacrifice. Main Points: 1. Key figure in the 1857 revolt, arrested for supporting nationalist plans. 2. Tortured and hanged in 1857, his steadfastness highlighted his commitment to the nationalist cause. 3. For decades, Waris Ali’s contributions were overlooked, remaining confined to obscure records. 4. In 2017, officially declared a martyr, correcting historical neglect and honouring his sacrifices. ----- Two Sepoys of the 31st Native Infantry, Who Were Hanged at Lucknow, 1857 (can be used Imaginary picture) ----- A Forgotten Martyr In the summer of 1857, amidst the echoes of rebellion sweeping across the Indian subcontinent, a significant yet overlooked figure emerged from the region of Tirhut in Bihar. Meer Waris Ali, a Jamadar stationed in Muzaffarpur, played a pivotal role in the First War of Independence, only to be overshadowed by other figures in the historical narrative. However, recent developments have cast new light on his contributions, officially recognising him as a martyr and ensuring his place in the annals of India’s freedom struggle. The Revolt and Waris Ali’s Role The year 1857 marked a watershed moment in Indian history, with widespread unrest against the British East India Company. In Bihar, this unrest manifested in various forms, from peasant uprisings to coordinated rebellion plans involving local leaders and nationalists. Waris Ali, stationed at the Baruraj police station, found himself at the heart of this tumultuous period. On June 23, 1857, Waris Ali was arrested by Assistant Magistrate Robertson in Muzaffarpur, as he was preparing to travel to Gaya. The arrest stemmed from suspicions surrounding his correspondence with Ali Karim, a nationalist landlord. The letters between Waris and Karim detailed plans and preparations for a larger uprising, which alarmed the British authorities. Waris Ali's readiness to abandon his job and family for the nationalist cause marked him as a significant threat to British rule. Torture and Execution The arrest led to Waris Ali's transfer to Major Holmes and then to the magistrate in Dinapore, where he was subjected to severe torture. Despite the brutal interrogations, Waris remained steadfast, refusing to divulge any information. This unyielding stance only further fueled the British perception of him as a dangerous figure. On July 6, 1857, Waris Ali was executed in Patna, his final words challenging the people to fight for Swaraj (self-rule). Posthumous Recognition For over a century, Waris Ali’s sacrifices were largely ignored, with his name confined to obscure government records. The momentum for recognition began to build in 2017, when efforts were initiated to acknowledge Waris Ali and 27 other freedom fighters from Tirhut as martyrs. These efforts culminated in the publication of the Dictionary of Martyrs, 1857-1947, by the Indian Council for Historical Research (ICHR) and the Ministry of Culture. This official recognition places Waris Ali among the revered figures of India’s independence movement. The Historical Context The events leading up to Waris Ali’s arrest are rooted in a broader context of resistance in Bihar. The rebellion, sparked on May 10, 1857 in Meerut, spread to Bihar by June, with various factions, including Wahhabi leaders and nationalist groups, organizing resistance. The Delhi Group, which included Waris Ali and Ali Karim, was accused of attempting to incite the Danapur sepoys to revolt. The unrest in Bihar also saw a notable incident in April 1854 when prisoners in Muzaffarpur’s jails protested the replacement of brass vessels with earthen ones—a decision perceived as an affront to their religious sensibilities. This protest escalated into a broader uprising, resembling the French Revolution’s storming of the Bastille. Legacy and Recognition Recent efforts to elevate Waris Ali’s status have led to a renewed focus on his contributions. The road from Motijheel to Rail Godown in Muzaffarpur was once named Waris Ali Road, though its historical significance had faded over time. Now, with the publication of the Dictionary of Martyrs and other scholarly work, Waris Ali's legacy is being restored. The recognition of Waris Ali and other freedom fighters from Tirhut highlights a broader movement to correct historical oversights and honour unsung heroes of India's struggle for independence. The inclusion of these figures in national records is not just a matter of historical accuracy but also a tribute to their enduring impact on India’s journey to freedom. Conclusion Waris Ali’s story is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the fight against colonial oppression. His execution, along with those of his compatriots, reflects the harsh realities of the 1857 rebellion and the resilience of those who opposed British rule. The recent recognition of Waris Ali as a martyr is a significant step in acknowledging the diverse contributions to India’s freedom struggle, ensuring that his bravery and commitment are remembered by future generations. ------ 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/islam-politics/hero-waris-tirhut-legacy-india-freedom-struggle/d/132928 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