Maulana Hasrat Mohani, a multifaceted personality, remains an illustrious figure in the annals of India’s struggle for freedom. He coined the notable slogan Inquilab Zindabad (translation of “Long live the revolution!”) in 1921. And together with Swami Kumaranand, he is regarded as the first person to demand complete independence for India (Azadi-e-Kaamil) from British rule in 1921 at the Ahmedabad Session of Congress. Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi supported the complete independence motion demanded by Hasrat Mohani. His unwavering commitment to the cause and his unique blend of revolutionary zeal and literary brilliance make his life an inspiring tale of courage and conviction.
Early Life and Education
Born Syed Fazl-ul-Hasan on October 1, 1875, in Mohan, a small town in Unnao district of present-day Uttar Pradesh, Maulana Hasrat Mohani belonged to a family of scholarly and religious leanings. Hasrat was his pen name (takhallus) that he used in his Urdu poetry whereas his last name ‘Mohani’ refers to Mohan, his birthplace.
He received his early education in Urdu, Persian, and Arabic before attending Aligarh Muslim University. It was at Aligarh that he embraced the pen name ‘Hasrat’ and began to carve a niche for himself in the world of Urdu poetry.
He completed his BA in 1903 at Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College which later became Aligarh Muslim University but before that he had been expelled from the college on three occasions for his criticism of the British government
Literary Contributions
Hasrat Mohani’s literary prowess was evident in his ghazals and other poetic works, which continue to be celebrated for their lyrical beauty and depth of emotion.
His contributions to Hindi literature are significant, with his poetry reflecting a unique blend of romanticism and patriotism. Not confined to just romantic themes, his verses also encapsulated the spirit of resistance against colonial oppression.
A few of his books are Kulliyat-e-Hasrat Mohani (Collection of Hasrat Mohani’s poetry), Sharh-e-Kalam-e-Ghalib (Explanation of Ghalib’s poetry), Nukaat-e-Sukhan ( Important aspects of poetry), Mushahidaat-e-Zindaan (Observations in Prison), etc.
A very popular ghazal Chupke Chupke Raat Din sung by Ghulam Ali and Jagjit Singh was penned by him. He was also featured in the film Nikaah (1982). The famous slogan of Indian freedom fighters Inquilab Zindabad was coined by Mohani in 1921.
Political Activism
The early 20th century was a period of intense political activity in India, and Hasrat Mohani was at the forefront of this movement. He was deeply influenced by the prevailing socio-political environment and the burgeoning nationalist sentiments. In 1903, he founded the Hindi-language journal Urdu-e-Moalla, through which he voiced his political views and criticisms of British policies.
Mohani was a member of the Indian National Congress for many years and also joined the All India Muslim League, serving as its president in 1919.
His political journey took a decisive turn when he joined the Indian National Congress (INC). He was the first person in Indian History who demanded ‘Complete Independence’ (Azadi-e-Kaamil) in 1921 as he presided over an annual session of All-India Muslim League.
This was a radical departure from the then-prevalent demand for dominion status within the British Empire. In December 1929, his campaign for ‘complete independence’ resulted in the shape of Indian National Congress session in Lahore.
He opposed the partition of India. After the declaration of the Partition Plan on 3 June 1947, Mohani resigned as a member of the All India Muslim League and when the division of the country occurred, he chose to live in independent India.
Mohani opposed the partition of India. After complete independence from the British rule, Maulana Hasrat Mohani wanted a confederal set-up on the pattern of Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR). He wanted to see a confederal constitution in India after freedom from the British. His proposal had six federations:
- East Pakistan;
- West Pakistan;
- Central India;
- South-eastern India;
- South-western India; and
- Hyderabad Deccan.
He was also among the founders of the Communist Party of India. He was deeply influenced by the Russian Revolution. His house in Kanpur was the center of preparations for the 1925 Kanpur Communist Conference, the first all-India Communist conference that was held in December 1925.
K.N. Joglekar wrote in his reminiscences that he and the Bombay group came to know through VH Joshi, going to meet S. A. Dange in Kanpur jail, that Satya Bhakta, Hasrat Mohani and others were taking initiative to convene a communist conference in December 1925. The Bombay group extended full support.
Simplicity of Maulana Hasrat Mohani
He never accepted Government allowances or stayed at official residences. Instead, he stayed in mosques and used to go to the Parliament in a shared tonga. He was a religious practicing Muslim and led a simple life.
Maulana had gone for Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia) several times. He used to travel in third-class railroad cars. When asked why he traveled third class, he quipped because there is no fourth class.
Imprisonment and Struggles
Maulana Hasrat Mohani’s radical views and outspoken nature often put him at odds with the British authorities. Mohani participated in the struggle for Indian Independence (end of British Raj); and was jailed in 1903 for many years by British authorities. At that time political prisoners were treated like common criminals and forced to do manual labor.
Despite the harsh conditions of his imprisonment, he remained resolute, using his time in jail to write poetry and reflect on his political beliefs.
A Unique Blend of Ideologies
One of the most remarkable aspects of Hasrat Mohani’s political philosophy was his ability to harmonize seemingly contradictory ideologies. He was a staunch believer in Hindu-Muslim unity and worked tirelessly to bridge communal divides.
Simultaneously, he was an ardent supporter of socialist principles, advocating for the rights of the working class and the redistribution of wealth. His vision of an independent India was one where social justice and communal harmony prevailed.
Legacy
Maulana Hasrat Mohani’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle and Hindi literature have left an indelible mark. His fearless advocacy for complete independence inspired future generations of freedom fighters, including leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru, who carried forward his vision of a free and sovereign India.
Even after India gained independence in 1947, Hasrat Mohani continued to be active in politics and social causes. He passed away on May 13, 1951, but his legacy endures through his literary works and the enduring spirit of resistance and unity he championed.
Conclusion
Maulana Hasrat Mohani’s life is a testament to the power of words and ideas in shaping the course of history. As the first person to raise the demand for complete independence, he played a crucial role in transforming the Indian freedom movement. His contributions as a poet, journalist, and politician remain an inspiration, reminding us of the enduring power of conviction and courage in the face of oppression.
