Mohammad Ali Jauhar (1878–1931) was a prominent Indian Muslim leader, journalist, poet, and an active participant in the Indian independence movement. Born in Rampur, British India, he received his education at Aligarh Muslim University and later at Lincoln College, Oxford. His command over both English and Urdu enabled him to articulate nationalist sentiments effectively across diverse platforms.
Journalistic Contributions to Nationalism
Jauhar utilized the power of the press to disseminate nationalist ideals and challenge colonial narratives.
- The Comrade: In 1911, he launched the English weekly The Comrade in Calcutta, which quickly gained influence for its fearless criticism of British imperial policies and its focus on pan-Islamic issues.
- Hamdard: To reach the Urdu-speaking masses, he started the Urdu daily Hamdard in 1913. These publications played a crucial role in creating political awareness among the Indian Muslim community.
- Political Mobilization: Through his editorials, he advocated for modern education for Muslims and stressed the importance of unity between Hindus and Muslims to overthrow British rule.
Role in Nationalist Movements
Jauhar was a firebrand speaker and a dedicated activist who played a pivotal role in the mass movements led by Mahatma Gandhi.
- Khilafat Movement (1919–1924): Jauhar was the primary architect of the Khilafat Movement in India, protesting the British dismantling of the Ottoman Empire following World War I. He led a delegation to England in 1920 to advocate for the preservation of the Caliphate.
- Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922): He aligned the Khilafat cause with the Non-Cooperation Movement, arguing that it was the religious duty of Muslims to join Hindus in the struggle for Swaraj.
- Imprisonment: His outspoken defiance against the colonial government led to multiple arrests. He spent significant time in jail for his role in the 1921 trial in Karachi, where he was charged with sedition for encouraging soldiers to desert the British army.
Association with Congress and Political Stance
Jauhar’s political philosophy centered on the integration of religious identity with secular national goals.
- Congress Presidency (1923): He presided over the Kakinada session of the Indian National Congress in 1923.
- Hindu-Muslim Unity: For much of his career, he was a vocal proponent of Hindu-Muslim unity, famously stating that “Where God commands, I am a Muslim first, a Muslim second, and a Muslim last, and nothing but a Muslim… but where India is concerned, I am an Indian first, an Indian second, an Indian third and nothing but an Indian.”
- Ideological Shift: In his later years, he grew disillusioned with the Congress leadership, particularly regarding the Nehru Report (1928), which he felt did not sufficiently guarantee the political rights of Muslims. He eventually moved closer to the All India Muslim League.
Participation in Round Table Conferences
Jauhar’s commitment to the cause of Indian independence remained steadfast even when his health began to fail.
- First Round Table Conference (1930): Despite his declining health and disagreements with the Congress leadership, he attended the First Round Table Conference in London.
- Final Stand: During the conference, he famously remarked that he wanted to return to a free country and would not go back to a slave India. He died shortly after the conference in London on January 4, 1931.
Key Historical Milestones
| Event / Role | Significance |
| The Comrade (1911) | Established as a leading nationalist English weekly. |
| Khilafat Movement | Leader of the Indian movement to preserve the Caliphate. |
| Congress President (1923) | Presided over the Kakinada session. |
| Round Table Conference (1930) | Participated despite illness to demand total independence. |
Trivia and Legacy
- He was one of the founders of the Jamia Millia Islamia in 1920, initially located in Aligarh before moving to New Delhi.
- Jauhar was the younger brother of Shaukat Ali, with whom he formed the famous “Ali Brothers” duo, synonymous with the Khilafat movement.
- His final resting place is in Jerusalem, near the Al-Aqsa Mosque, as per his last wish to be buried in the holy city.
- The Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, is named in his honor, commemorating his contributions to education and national politics.
- He is remembered as a tireless orator whose ability to synthesize Islamic principles with secular nationalism played a foundational role in the political awakening of Indian Muslims during the early 20th century.