Bacha Khan: The Frontier Gandhi's Life and Battles

Overview

Bacha Khan, also known as Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, was a well-known Pashtun politician, social reformer, and freedom warrior. Respected for his unwavering support of nonviolence, he was a key figure in India's fight for independence from British control and created the Khudai Khidmatgar Movement. His nearly 100-year life (1890–1988) was devoted to promoting justice, peace, and humanity.

Bacha Khan was born on February 6, 1890, in Utmanzai, Charsadda, in present-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. He came from a wealthy Pashtun family but chose a path of service and education over a life of privilege. He was inspired by Islamic reformists, Mahatma Gandhi, and other progressive leaders to uplift the Pashtun community through education and social reform.

Early Activism and Education Reforms

In 1910, he founded the first school for Pashtun children in his village, campaigning for modern education in the face of orthodox opposition.

In 1921, he created the Anjuman-e-Islah-e-Afghan (Afghan Reform Society), which promoted education, social awareness, and Pashtun unity.

In 1927, he established the Pakhtun Journal, a journal dedicated to raising awareness and opposing British colonial propaganda.

Formation of the Khudai Khidmatgar Movement (Servants of God).

One of Bacha Khan's most notable accomplishments was the establishment of the Khudai Khidmatgar (Red Shirts Movement) in 1929. This was a peaceful movement focused on:

Promoting Pashto unity and independence.

Educating the masses while eradicating aristocratic and tribal strife.

Resisting British colonial power through nonviolent demonstrations and non-cooperation.

This campaign spread quickly, with hundreds of Pashtuns wearing red shirts as a mark of their dedication to peaceful resistance.

Role in the Indian Independence Movement

• Bacha Khan aligned with Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress (INC), advocating for a united and independent India.

• He played a pivotal role in boycotting British institutions, non-cooperation movements, and mass civil disobedience campaigns.

• He was arrested multiple times, spending over 30 years in prison, both under British rule and later in independent Pakistan.

• His most famous involvement was during the Qissa Khwani Bazaar Massacre (1930), where British forces killed hundreds of peaceful Pashtun protestors in Peshawar.

• Partition of India and Opposition to Pakistan's formation
  
  Bacha Khan fiercely opposed India's division in 1947, thinking that Pashtuns would be marginalised in the new state of Pakistan. His complaints included:
  
  The absence of interaction with Pashtun leaders on the future of their motherland.
  
  He called for an independent Pashtunistan, a separate nation for Pashtuns, or more provincial autonomy within Pakistan.
  
  He famously remarked, "We were thrown to the wolves." upon the establishment of Pakistan.
  
  Despite his objections, he promised devotion to Pakistan while continuing to struggle for Pashtun rights and democracy.

• Post-Independence Struggles and Imprisonment
  
  Following 1947, Bacha Khan continued to criticise military administration, power centralisation, and the repression of regional identities. He faced:
  
  Pakistani authorities imprisoned him many times (1948, 1956, 1962, and 1970) for his political involvement.
  
  The Khudai Khidmatgar Movement has been banned because it is considered anti-state.
  
  House arrests and exile, including some years in Afghanistan.

• Later Years and Legacy
  
  Bacha Khan maintained his peacemaking efforts, even negotiating between warring Afghan factions in the 1980s.
  
  In 1987, he received the Bharat Ratna (India's highest civilian award), making him one of just a few non-Indians to do so.
  
  He died on January 20, 1988, and was buried in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, in accordance with his will, symbolising his vision of Pashtun unification beyond boundaries.
  
  Conclusion
  
  Bacha Khan's legacy as a liberation fighter, social reformer, and nonviolent campaigner continues to inspire peace and justice organisations today. His campaign for Pashtun rights, democracy, and education is still important in today's sociopolitical context.
  
  His message of peaceful resistance, solidarity, and resilience serves as an inspiration for future generations seeking justice and equality.

• Key takeaways:

  
  
  
  
  Bacha Khan was a pioneer of nonviolent resistance among Pashtuns and an important figure in India's freedom fight.
  
  He formed the Khudai Khidmatgar Movement, which promotes Pashtun self-determination, education, and social reform.
  
  Despite being imprisoned for more than 30 years, he maintained his devotion to peace and justice.
  
  Opposed India's partition, but advocated within Pakistan for Pashtun rights.
  
  Buried in Afghanistan, reflecting his concept of a one Pashtun identity.
  
  His life is still a symbol of resistance to injustice, colonialism, and totalitarianism. His vision of a peaceful, educated society continues to inspire millions today.