Pir Muhammad Munis: The Pen That Fought for India’s Freedom

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 15 March 2025 Pir Muhammad Munis, a journalist and activist, exposed British atrocities in Champaran, brought Gandhiji to the struggle, and championed Hindi journalism, farmers' rights, and social justice, leaving a lasting impact on India's freedom movement. Main points: 1. Munis, a journalist and teacher, wrote in Hindi to expose British oppression in Champaran. His writings in Pratap highlighted farmers' struggles, leading to his dismissal from teaching. 2. British planters forced farmers into the tinkathia system, growing indigo under harsh conditions. Munis documented their suffering and mobilised support against this exploitation. 3. Munis and Raj Kumar Shukla convinced Gandhiji to visit Champaran in 1917, initiating the Satyagraha that led to the abolition of the tinkathia system. 4. Munis promoted farmers’ rights, communal harmony, and Hindi as a national language. He was a founding member of the Bihar Hindi Sahitya Sammelan. 5. Despite his crucial role in India’s independence movement, Munis remains underappreciated. His contributions to journalism, social justice, and Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran Satyagraha deserve greater recognition. — Introduction Mahatma Gandhi's first hands-on involvement in mass civil disobedience against the British in the 1917 Champaran Satyagraha was a turning point in India's fight for freedom. Gandhiji's role as the leader of this movement has been well recorded, but little is known about the key figure of Pir Muhammad Munis, a Bihar journalist, teacher, and activist. His tireless crusade in exposing the suffering of Champaran's indigo cultivators, along with his promotion of Hindi journalism and social justice, was instrumental in determining the trajectory of history. Early Life and Literary Contributions Pir Muhammad Munis was born in 1882 in Bettiah, a town in the Champaran district of Bihar. Munis grew up during the peak of colonial exploitation and witnessed, from close quarters, the oppression of farmers at the hands of the British. While most of his contemporaries leaned towards Persian, Urdu, or English, Munis chose to write in Hindi, believing in its ability to communicate with the general populace. His early life was characterised by a strong commitment to literature and education. He worked as a teacher at the Bettiah Raj High English School, where he gained a reputation for being progressive. However, his zeal for reporting British atrocities through his writings quickly put him in conflict with the colonial government. In 1915, he was removed from the teaching profession due to his outspoken journalism against the repressive British policies in Champaran. Munis wrote prolifically in Hindi newspapers such as Pratap, edited by the great nationalist journalist Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi. His writings vividly outlined the oppression of indigo cultivators, awakening public awareness of the oppressive nature of colonial rule. His uncompromising journalism attracted the ire of British rulers, who viewed him as a threat to their authority. Champaran: The Epicentre of Exploitation At the turn of the 20th century, Champaran’s indigo farmers were trapped in a vicious economic regime imposed by European planters. Farmers were compelled to grow indigo on three out of every twenty parts of land, leaving little room for food crops under the tinkathia system. This exploitative system was maintained through intimidation, physical violence, and economic extortion. Munis took it upon himself to document the atrocities committed against these farmers. In his writings, he exposed how British planters levied arbitrary taxes, confiscated lands, and used violence to suppress opposition. His detailed reports were instrumental in mobilising public opinion against the tinkathia system. During this period, Munis formed a close association with Raj Kumar Shukla, a local farmer who was actively seeking help to end the plight of Champaran’s peasants. Recognising the need for national intervention, Munis and Shukla resolved to bring Mahatma Gandhi to Champaran. The Call to Gandhi: A Turning Point in History Munis, along with Shukla, approached Gandhiji at the Lucknow session of the Indian National Congress in December 1916. Shukla persistently urged Gandhi to travel to Champaran and witness the farmers' suffering firsthand. Munis provided written documentation and personal testimonies that convinced Gandhi of the seriousness of the issue. Mahatma Gandhi arrived in Champaran in April 1917 and launched the historic Satyagraha. He was immediately struck by the systematic exploitation of farmers and resolved to challenge British rule. Munis played a crucial role in organising meetings, recording grievances, and acting as a bridge between Gandhi and the people. During the movement, Gandhiji was served with a notice to leave Champaran, but he refused, leading to his arrest. Munis and other local activists mobilised public support, ensuring that Gandhiji’s cause gained momentum. The resistance led to a formal investigation by the British government, ultimately resulting in the abolition of the tinkathia system. The Champaran Satyagraha was a defining moment in India's fight for independence, demonstrating that non-violent resistance was a viable means to counter colonial rule. Although Mahatma Gandhi became the leader of the movement, individuals like Munis laid the foundation upon which the struggle was built. A Life Dedicated to Social Reform Following the success of the Champaran Satyagraha, Munis continued his work as a journalist and social reformer. He remained a staunch advocate for farmers' rights, communal harmony, and linguistic empowerment. Munis was instrumental in advancing Hindi as a language of national unity. He was a founding member of the Bihar Hindi Sahitya Sammelan in 1919 and presided over its 15th session in 1937. At a time when Hindi was struggling to gain recognition as a national language, Munis's contributions helped establish its position in Indian literature and politics. His activism, however, came at a cost. The British colonial government labelled him a "dangerous" individual, and his movements were closely monitored. Despite these challenges, Munis remained steadfast in his mission, using his pen as a weapon against injustice. Legacy and Recognition Despite his invaluable contributions, Pir Muhammad Munis remains one of the lesser-known figures in India's independence movement. His role in the Champaran Satyagraha, his contributions to Hindi journalism, and his lifelong commitment to social justice deserve greater recognition. In 2015, a Hindi biography detailing his life and work was released in Bettiah, Bihar, shedding light on his legacy. Historians and scholars have increasingly emphasised his contributions, particularly his role in bringing Gandhi to Champaran. Munis’s story serves as a reminder of the countless unsung heroes who paved the way for India's freedom. His unwavering commitment to truth and justice, his fearless journalism, and his advocacy for the oppressed make him a figure of immense historical significance. Conclusion Pir Muhammad Munis was more than just a journalist; he was a force for change. His writings exposed colonial atrocities, his activism mobilised Mahatma Gandhi, and his leadership helped shape one of the most significant movements in India's struggle for freedom. While history often highlights prominent figures, it is individuals like Munis—who worked tirelessly behind the scenes—who truly shaped the course of India's independence. As the nation remembers its freedom fighters, Munis’s contributions must be acknowledged and celebrated, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations. — 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. URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/pir-muhammad-munis-fought-india-freedom/d/134913 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