Ashfaqullah Khan: The Fearless Freedom Fighter
Ashfaqullah Khan (22 October 1900 – 19 December 1927) was one of India’s most courageous and selfless freedom fighters. Born in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, to Shafiqullah Khan and Mazharunissa Begum, he grew up in a patriotic environment. From an early age, Ashfaqullah showed deep love for his country and a poetic temperament. He wrote Urdu poetry under the pen name Hasrat, reflecting his emotions and revolutionary spirit.
The political environment of early 20th-century India, especially the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919 and the suspension of Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922, deeply impacted him. Disappointed by the sudden halt of non-violent resistance, Ashfaqullah decided to join the revolutionary path along with other nationalists like Ram Prasad Bismil, Rajendra Lahiri, and Chandrasekhar Azad. Together, they formed the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) in 1924 with the goal of freeing India from British rule through armed struggle.
To fund their revolutionary activities, the group planned a daring train robbery. On 9 August 1925, Ashfaqullah and his companions executed the famous Kakori Train Robbery, looting government treasury money from a train near Kakori, Uttar Pradesh. The act was not for personal gain but to collect resources for India’s freedom movement. The British government, however, reacted harshly. Within months, most revolutionaries were captured.
Ashfaqullah managed to remain underground for nearly a year. He went to Delhi intending to go abroad to seek support for India’s struggle, but fate took a different turn. He was betrayed by a friend and arrested on 7 December 1926. After a long trial, he, along with Ram Prasad Bismil, Rajendra Lahiri, and Roshan Singh, was sentenced to death.
On 19 December 1927, Ashfaqullah Khan was hanged in Faizabad Jail at the young age of 27. His calmness and courage during his final moments inspired countless Indians. Before his execution, he expressed no regret, saying that dying for the motherland was the greatest honor.
Ashfaqullah Khan’s friendship with Ram Prasad Bismil remains a timeless symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity during India’s independence movement. Their mutual respect and shared dream of a free nation proved that the love for India transcended religious boundaries.
Ashfaqullah’s bravery, idealism, and devotion continue to inspire generations. He showed that patriotism is not just about words but about action and sacrifice. His famous line still echoes in every patriotic heart:
“Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein hai,
Dekhna hai zor kitna baazu-e-qatil mein hai.”
Ashfaqullah Khan’s name stands tall in India’s history as a symbol of courage, unity, and supreme sacrifice. His legacy reminds us that freedom is earned through dedication, love, and the willingness to give everything for the nation.
Birth: 22 October 1900
Place: Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Parents: Shafiqullah Khan (father) and Mazharunissa Begum (mother)
Martyrdom: 19 December 1927, Faizabad Jail, Uttar Pradesh
Early Life
Ashfaqullah Khan was born in a respected Pathan family of Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. From childhood, he was known for his patriotism, courage, and poetic nature. He loved Urdu poetry and wrote under the pen name “Hasrat.” His upbringing was deeply influenced by the freedom movements spreading across India in the early 20th century.
Influence of the Freedom Movement
As a young student, Ashfaqullah was deeply moved by the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) and Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22).
When Gandhi abruptly withdrew the movement after the Chauri Chaura incident, many youths felt betrayed. Among them were Ram Prasad Bismil, Chandrasekhar Azad, Rajendra Lahiri, and Ashfaqullah Khan, who decided to take a more revolutionary path to achieve India’s freedom.
Formation of Hindustan Republican Association (HRA)
Ashfaqullah Khan joined hands with Ram Prasad Bismil and other revolutionaries to form the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) in 1924. The organization aimed to liberate India from British rule through armed revolution, promoting equality and justice.
The Kakori Conspiracy (1925)
To raise funds for revolutionary activities, Ashfaqullah Khan and his comrades planned to loot a government train carrying British treasury money.
On 9 August 1925, they successfully executed the plan near Kakori Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh. The incident became famous as the Kakori Train Robbery (Kakori Kand).
Although the revolutionaries initially escaped, British authorities soon launched an extensive manhunt. Many members of the HRA were arrested.
Arrest and Martyrdom
Ashfaqullah Khan managed to evade capture for several months. He went to Delhi and tried to go abroad to seek help for India’s freedom struggle. However, he was betrayed by an acquaintance and arrested on 7 December 1926 in Delhi.
After a long trial, Ashfaqullah Khan, along with Ram Prasad Bismil, Rajendra Lahiri, and Roshan Singh, was sentenced to death.
On 19 December 1927, he was hanged in Faizabad Jail at the young age of 27 years. Even at the gallows, he remained fearless and smiling, reciting verses of courage and faith.
Legacy
Ashfaqullah Khan is remembered as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity, as his friendship with Ram Prasad Bismil stood as a shining example of communal harmony during the freedom struggle.
He is also admired for his bravery, idealism, and sacrifice for the nation. Schools, colleges, and roads across India have been named in his honor.
Famous Lines by Ashfaqullah Khan (in Urdu):
"सरफ़रोशी की तमन्ना अब हमारे दिल में है,
देखना है ज़ोर कितना बाज़ू-ए-क़ातिल में है।"
(“The desire for martyrdom still beats in our hearts,
Let’s see how much strength the executioner’s arm truly has.”)
Conclusion
Ashfaqullah Khan’s life was short but immensely inspiring. His unwavering spirit, courage, and commitment to India’s independence continue to ignite patriotic feelings even today. He lived and died for the dream of a free and united India.
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