Ajmer, RAJASTHAN :
In a significant historical revelation, newly declassified British colonial intelligence reports have unveiled the previously unrecognized role of Ajmer Sharif Dargah in India’s independence movement. Once viewed merely as a site of spiritual worship and interfaith dialogue, Ajmer Dargah—dedicated to the esteemed Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti—was, in reality, a crucial hub for anti-colonial activities. British authorities, concerned about its involvement in nationalist resistance, designated the Dargah as a “danger center” during the early 1920s, subjecting it to heightened surveillance.
These intelligence reports—released for the first time after 77 years of India’s independence—illuminate how Ajmer Dargah not only promoted interfaith unity between Hindus and Muslims but also emerged as a center for political action against British imperialism. The Dargah’s influence extended beyond its religious significance, playing a critical role in galvanizing collective resistance against colonial oppression across diverse social and religious groups.
Nationalist Activities Under British Surveillance
The British intelligence files from 1921 and 1922 reveal the colonial authorities’ deep concerns regarding the activities at Ajmer Sharif. The Dargah was not merely a spiritual center; it actively participated in the nationalist movement. British intelligence agents were assigned to monitor meetings at the shrine, where nationalist leaders from various backgrounds convened to discuss and strategize resistance against British rule.
One intelligence report dated 1922 specifically labels Ajmer Sharif as a “danger-center,” indicating that the Dargah was seen as a breeding ground for sedition and anti-colonial sentiment. Although the British were often unable to pinpoint specific illegal activities, the reports confirm that the Dargah became a gathering point for those dissatisfied with colonial policies, with strong feelings of opposition to the British Empire.
The 1920 Urs festival, marking the death anniversary of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, attracted over 5,000 people, including some prominent nationalist figures such as Maulana Abdul Bari Firangimahli, Lala Chand Karan, and other regional leaders. These gatherings provided an opportunity for individuals to openly discuss their grievances with colonial rule and to strategize for a future free from British domination.
The Dargah as a Catalyst for Hindu-Muslim Unity
Ajmer Dargah’s most significant contribution to India’s freedom struggle was its role as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity. The Dargah was a place where members of both communities, despite their religious differences, came together under the common cause of ending colonialism. This unity was particularly important during the period of British efforts to divide Hindus and Muslims through policies that sought to sow discord among India’s major communities.
British intelligence reports from 1921 indicate that anti-British rhetoric was frequently delivered during Friday prayers at the Dargah. Leaders at the Dargah openly criticized the British government’s treatment of India, including its role in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, its policies on cow slaughter, and its attempts to divide the Indian population along religious lines. The Dargah became a center not only for religious worship but also for political discourse, where people from both Hindu and Muslim communities spoke out against the colonial administration.
The unity at the Dargah culminated in the formation of an armed resistance organization, the Jamiat ul-Thaba, in 1922. The group was charged with procuring weapons and preparing for a direct confrontation with the British. According to the intelligence reports, Jamiat ul-Thaba issued a resolution declaring the British “enemies of religion, nation, and country” and vowed to “take revenge” on the colonial rulers. The emergence of such a group from a religious space like the Dargah demonstrates the extent to which the shrine was a powerful force in organizing and galvanizing anti-colonial sentiment.
The Role of Leadership at Ajmer Dargah
The nationalist activities at Ajmer Dargah were not led by a single individual but rather by a collective of religious and spiritual leaders who presided over the shrine during the period. The leadership at the Dargah included the Pesh Imam and other clerics who played a key role in encouraging resistance against British rule, using both spiritual and political methods to rally their followers.
One particular intelligence report mentions that the leaders at the Dargah actively encouraged people to reject any titles or honors bestowed upon them by the British government, symbolizing a refusal to be subservient to colonial authority. This form of resistance was subtle yet powerful, as it targeted the loyalty of individuals within the colonial system. These spiritual leaders also played a pivotal role in mobilizing both Muslims and Hindus against British rule, using religious platforms to stir nationalist fervor.
Furthermore, the leadership at the Dargah offered prayers for the defeat of the British and encouraged their followers to renounce any ties to the colonial government. This spiritual resistance was complemented by more direct forms of political action, including the organization of meetings, the formation of resistance groups, and the collection of arms for self-defense against British forces.
The Urs Festival: A Hub for Nationalist Organizing
The annual Urs festival, held in honor of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, became one of the key events where nationalist leaders, intellectuals, and activists gathered to discuss the plight of the nation and strategize for independence. These gatherings were particularly important because they were held in a religious space, making it difficult for the British authorities to crack down without risking backlash from the local population.
During the Urs, the Dargah became a focal point for the exchange of ideas and information, as leaders and activists used the occasion to mobilize support for the broader anti-colonial struggle. The British were well aware of the importance of these meetings and took extensive measures to monitor the activities. However, their efforts to suppress the nationalist sentiment that pervaded the Dargah ultimately failed, as the movement continued to grow and gain momentum.
Legacy and Forgotten History
The role of Ajmer Dargah in India’s freedom struggle has been largely overlooked in mainstream historical narratives. For decades, the contributions of the Dargah have been overshadowed by the more prominent figures in the freedom movement, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose. However, the uncovering of these intelligence reports sheds new light on the vital role that Ajmer Dargah played in the movement.
Ajmer Dargah was not only a spiritual sanctuary but also a hub for nationalist activity, where people of different faiths came together to resist colonial oppression. The Dargah’s role in the freedom struggle serves as a reminder that India’s path to independence was shaped not only by political leaders but also by religious institutions that fostered unity and resistance. The Dargah’s interfaith nature made it an essential site for building solidarity between Hindus and Muslims, who often faced divisive tactics by the British.
The Historical Significance of Leadership at Ajmer Dargah
Peerzada Syed Firozul Hasan Chishty, a direct descendant of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, confirmed the historical role of the Dargah in the anti-colonial movement. He stated, “Dargah Gharib Nawaz had led the movement against the British. Deewan Syed Sharfuddin Ali Khan, the great-grandson and SajjadaNaheen of Khwaja Sahab Ajmer, presided over the meetings until 1922. After his tenure, his successor, Deewan Syed Ale Rasool Ali Khan, issued a fatwa of Jihad to fight against the British with a group of spiritual leaders from India. He presided over the meetings until 1947, before migrating to Pakistan.”
This testimony underscores the role of the Dargah’s leadership in fostering a sense of resistance and political mobilization, which eventually contributed to the broader independence movement. The involvement of religious leaders in the movement highlights the spiritual dimension of India’s struggle for freedom, which was deeply intertwined with the everyday lives of ordinary Indians.
Conclusion
The discovery of these British intelligence reports provides new insights into the significant role Ajmer Dargah played in India’s freedom struggle. Far from being merely a religious site, the Dargah emerged as a center of resistance and unity against British colonialism. The leadership of the Dargah, supported by both Hindus and Muslims, contributed to the broader national movement that ultimately led to India’s independence.
Today, Ajmer Sharif Dargah stands as a symbol of interfaith unity and resistance. Its role in the anti-colonial movement is a vital part of India’s history, and these recent revelations call for a reevaluation of its place in the nation’s struggle for freedom. The leadership of the Dargah and the activities that took place within its walls remind us that the fight for independence extended beyond political arenas; it was also deeply rooted in religious and cultural hubs that united people across social and religious divides.
(Syed Amjad Hussain is an Author and Independent Researcher on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on a book based on the History of Sufism in Bihar. He can be mailed at isyedamjad90@gmail.com )
source: http://www.beyondheadlines.in / Beyond Headlines / Home> History / by Syed Amjad Hussain / October 27th, 2024