- The Khudai Khidmatgar ("Servants of God") was a nonviolent resistance movement led by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, aimed at opposing British rule in India's Northwest Frontier Province. It mobilized thousands of Pashtuns to adopt nonviolent methods in their struggle for independence.
2. Who founded the Khudai Khidmatgar Movement?
- The movement was founded by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, also known as Badshah Khan or the "Frontier Gandhi," due to his close association with Mahatma Gandhi and his adoption of nonviolent principles.
3. Why were members of the Khudai Khidmatgar Movement called "Red Shirts"?
- Members of the movement were known as "Red Shirts" because of the distinctive red uniforms they wore as a symbol of their unity and commitment to the cause of nonviolent struggle.
4. What were the main activities of the Khudai Khidmatgar Movement?
- The movement was initially involved in organizing village improvement projects and opening schools. However, it quickly became part of the broader Indian Independence movement, facing severe British repression but persisting in its commitment to nonviolence.
5. How did the Khudai Khidmatgar Movement align with the Indian National Congress?
- Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan formed a formal alliance with the Indian National Congress (INC) and became a key figure during the civil disobedience campaign led by the INC in 1930-1931. The movement supported the successful election of the INC in provincial elections in 1937.
6. What were the consequences of the British response to the Khudai Khidmatgar Movement?
- The British response included severe repression, such as mass firings on unarmed crowds, torture, and destruction of homes and villages. Despite this, the movement continued its nonviolent resistance and played a significant role in the Indian struggle for independence.
7. What happened to the Khudai Khidmatgar Movement after India's independence?
- After the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan in 1947, the movement's influence waned. Ghaffar Khan's dissatisfaction with Pakistan led him to advocate for the creation of an autonomous Pakhtunistan. He faced multiple imprisonments by the Pakistani government, and the movement's legacy was largely suppressed until recent efforts to revive its memory.
These FAQs provide a concise overview of the Khudai Khidmatgar Movement, its foundation, activities, and its impact on the struggle for independence in British India, particularly among the Pashtun community.
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