Hakim Ajmal Khan (1868–1927) was a distinguished physician, educationist, and nationalist leader from Delhi. Born into a family of royal physicians (hakims) who served the Mughal emperors, he received traditional training in Unani medicine and Islamic studies. He later integrated this knowledge with modern scientific approaches, becoming a prominent figure in the rejuvenation of indigenous medical systems in India.
Role in Nationalist Politics
Ajmal Khan’s political career was characterized by his efforts to forge Hindu-Muslim unity and his active involvement in the Indian National Congress.
- Entry into Politics: He entered the nationalist movement in the early 20th century, deeply influenced by the burgeoning sentiment against the partition of Bengal and the Rowlatt Act.
- Amritsar Session (1919): He played a pivotal role in the Congress session at Amritsar, which was held following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He was instrumental in bridge-building between various political factions.
- Congress Presidency (1921): He served as the President of the Indian National Congress at the Ahmedabad session. His tenure was marked by strong advocacy for the Non-Cooperation and Khilafat movements.
- Khilafat Movement: Ajmal Khan was a staunch supporter of the Khilafat cause. He worked closely with the Ali Brothers and Mahatma Gandhi to integrate the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation movements into a singular anti-colonial struggle.
Contributions to Indigenous Medicine and Education
Ajmal Khan is widely regarded as one of the pioneers who prevented the extinction of the Unani medical system in India by institutionalizing it.
- A&U Tibbia College: He established the Ayurvedic and Unani (A&U) Tibbia College in Delhi in 1921. The foundation stone was laid by Lord Hardinge, but the college was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, reflecting Ajmal Khan’s vision of integrating traditional Indian medical knowledge with modern standards.
- Central College: He founded the Central College in Delhi, which became a focal point for medical research and the training of practitioners in Unani and Ayurvedic systems.
- Research and Standardization: He traveled extensively across India and to Europe to study medical advancements, subsequently applying those techniques to standardize Unani medicines and clinical procedures.
Vision for Educational Reform
Ajmal Khan believed that national regeneration was impossible without a robust educational foundation that respected India’s cultural heritage.
- Jamia Millia Islamia: He was a founding member of Jamia Millia Islamia, established in 1920 in Aligarh (later moved to Delhi). He served as its first Chancellor. The institution was created to provide a nationalist alternative to the government-controlled Aligarh Muslim University.
- Promotion of Urdu and Persian: He was a patron of literature and played a significant role in promoting Urdu and Persian as languages of cultural and intellectual expression in nationalist circles.
Ideology and Leadership Style
His political philosophy was rooted in a syncretic vision of India, where different communities contributed to a shared nationalist objective.
- Advocate of Unity: He was a consistent voice for communal harmony. He often mediated disputes between the Congress and the Muslim League, striving to keep the nationalist front unified against British rule.
- Bridge between Tradition and Modernity: His work demonstrated that traditional indigenous systems—whether in medicine or education—could be modernized without losing their cultural essence.
- Gandhian Alignment: He shared a deep personal and political friendship with Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi often consulted him on matters of communal reconciliation and educational strategy.
Key Milestones and Positions
| Role / Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|
| Congress President (1921) | Presided over the Ahmedabad session during the Non-Cooperation Movement. |
| A&U Tibbia College (1921) | Established as a premier center for indigenous medicine. |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | Served as the first Chancellor; helped shape its nationalist curriculum. |
| Khilafat Movement | Played a lead role in the pan-Islamic movement in India. |
Trivia and Legacy
- He was affectionately known as ‘Masih-ul-Mulk’ (Healer of the Nation) for his contributions to both medicine and the cause of Indian independence.
- His house in Delhi, Sharif Manzil, was a significant center for political meetings during the 1920s, often visited by Gandhi, Nehru, and other top leaders.
- He was a staunch critic of British medical policies, which marginalized traditional Indian practitioners, and he successfully lobbied for the recognition of Unani and Ayurvedic degrees.
- Despite his royal ancestry and elite medical background, he maintained deep connections with the rural and urban poor through his free medical services.
- He passed away on December 29, 1927, leaving behind an institutional legacy that continues to influence medical education and nationalist educational philosophy in modern India.