Prayagraj and the freedom struggle

Prayagraj (then Allahabad) holds an important place in the Indian freedom struggle. This city has been important not only geographically but also as a center of revolutionary ideas, political movements and the spirit of nationalism.

Prominent freedom fighters and Prayagraj

Chandrashekhar Azad – Chandrashekhar Azad was one of the most courageous revolutionaries of the Indian freedom struggle. He was determined that he would never be arrested by the British government. Keeping this resolve, he fought his last battle on 27 February 1931 in Alfred Park (now Chandrashekhar Azad Park, Prayagraj).

• The British police received information that Chandrashekhar Azad was in Alfred Park.

• The police surrounded the park from all sides and asked him to surrender.

• Azad bravely confronted the British police with his pistol, injuring several policemen.

• When he had the last bullet left, he shot himself and attained martyrdom rather than being caught by the British.

Mahatma Gandhi – Mahatma Gandhi came to Prayagraj in June 1920 and attended an all-party conference here. In this conference, it was decided to boycott schools, colleges and British law courts. In this meeting, Mahatma Gandhi was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the non-cooperation movement.

Motilal Nehru (1861-1931)

An eminent lawyer, freedom fighter and leader of the Indian National Congress

• Motilal Nehru was a successful lawyer, but he gave up his wealthy lifestyle and participated in the national movement.

• He became the President of the Indian National Congress in 1919.

• He founded the Swaraj Party (1923), which aimed to fight for the rights of Indians while staying within the British government.

• He prepared the Nehru Report (1928), which was the draft of the constitution for independent India.

• His residence Anand Bhawan was the center of the freedom struggle, where many revolutionary meetings took place.

Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964)

First Prime Minister of India and prominent leader of the Independence Movement

• Jawaharlal Nehru participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920 and was imprisoned several times.

• He became the President of the Indian National Congress at the Lahore session of 1929, where he demanded "Purna Swaraj" (Complete Independence).

• Called for 26 January 1930 to be celebrated as the first Independence Day

• He also played an important role in the Quit India Movement (1942) and continued the struggle against the British government.

• After independence, he became the first Prime Minister of India and laid the foundation of modern India.

Contribution of Prayagraj in the freedom struggle

In 1888, Prayagraj hosted the fourth session of the Indian National Congress, making it a hub of political activities. In the early 20th century, Prayagraj became a stronghold of revolutionaries. Sundarlal's Karmayogi office (located in Chowk) instilled the spirit of patriotism in many youths. During this time, Nityananda Chatterjee created history by throwing the first bomb at the British Club.

In 1931, the great revolutionary Chandrashekhar Azad sacrificed his life in Alfred Park (now Chandrashekhar Azad Park) when he was surrounded by the British police, but did not fall into the hands of the British.

Beginning of the idea of Pakistan

On 29 December 1930, Allama Muhammad Iqbal presented the idea of a separate Muslim nation (Pakistan) for the first time in the convention of the All India Muslim League. This historic moment took place on the soil of Prayagraj.

• Revolution of 1857 – In the first freedom struggle, the revolutionaries of Prayagraj also revolted fiercely against the British.

• Indian National Congress Sessions – In 1888 and 1892, the Congress session was held in Prayagraj, which was an important part of the political movement of that time.

• Swadeshi and Non-Cooperation Movement – Prayagraj also witnessed movements for burning indigenous clothes and boycotting foreign clothes

• Simon Commission Protest (1928) – There were massive protests against the Simon Commission in Prayagraj.

Major sites and freedom struggle

• Anand Bhawan and Swaraj Bhawan – Both these sites were the main centers of activities of the freedom struggle.

• Chandrashekhar Azad Park – Where Chandrashekhar Azad fought his last battle with the British.

• Allahabad University – This University was also the stronghold of many prominent leaders and revolutionaries in the freedom struggle.

(1942) Quit India Movement started in Prayagraj

• On Gandhiji's call, protests started in Prayagraj on 9 August 1942.

• Allahabad University and Katra area became the main centers of the movement.

• People raised slogans and demonstrated against the British government.

Major events

• Attacks on railways, post offices and government buildings:

Agitators started targeting the symbols of the British.

• Large participation of students:

Students of Allahabad University led the revolt.

Many students were arrested and sent to jail.

From the flames of revolution to political leadership, Prayagraj has played an important role in shaping the history of India. The city not only witnessed the freedom struggle, but even today maintains its strong identity in Indian politics and culture.

Prayagraj played a central role in the Indian freedom struggle. The city took the freedom struggle forward not only from the political and revolutionary point of view, but also from the intellectual and cultural point of view. This city will always be remembered for the freedom struggle.

Prayagraj and the freedom struggle.

Prayagraj played a central role in the Indian freedom struggle.