Ashfaqulla Khan: Freedom Fighter and Symbol of Unity for India
Priyanka Agarwal25 Nov, 2025
Share
Ashfaqulla Khan was born on 22 October 1900 in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He belonged to a family that gave importance to education and hard work. Since his childhood, he had an interest in history and the concept of justice. As India was ruled by the British, Ashfaqulla Khan felt an urge to strive for freedom. He joined the Hindustan Republican Association, working closely with Ram Prasad Bismil. Ashfaqulla Khan helped plan the Kakori train action in1925, which became a famous event in India’s freedom movement.
Following the Kakori incident, Ashfaqulla Khan went underground but was arrested in Delhi. He then underwent an extended trial and was sentenced to death. Ashfaqulla Khan was executed in Faizabad jail on 19 December 1927. He was admired not only as a brave freedom fighter but also as a poet who wrote about unity and justice. Ashfaqulla Khan's life was an example of courage that ignited the souls of many for the independence of India.
Early Life and Background of Ashfaqulla Khan
Ashfaqulla Khan was one of the great freedom fighters of India. He was born on 22 October 1900 in the small town of Shahjahanpur, which falls in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Many people ask who Ashfaqulla Khan was, and to understand the greatness associated with Ashfaqulla Khan, one needs to know about his background. His family followed the Islamic faith and gave importance to education and hard work. Since his childhood, Ashfaqulla Khan was interested in learning and spent hours reading about history. This helped instill some ideas in his head about freedom and justice.
Entry into Revolutionary Activities
When Ashfaqulla Khan was born and brought up, India was under the rule of the British. There were lots of people that wanted freedom. Here is where the story about Ashfaqulla Khan takes another turn. Ashfaqulla Khan Early Life was filled with stories about the fight for independence. He was inspired by news of protests and listened to stories about brave freedom fighters. He wants to do something to help his country.
Association with Ram Prasad Bismil and HRA (Hindustan Republican Association)
Ashfaqulla Khan did not act in isolation. He allied with another renowned freedom fighter, Ram Prasad Bismil. And together, they became members of the HRA, or the Hindustan Republican Association. This association was dedicated to the ousting of British rule through daring action. Ashfaqulla Khan was selected for his bravery and clear-headedness. Ashfaqulla Khan and Bismil thus shared a common dream of a free India.
Planning and Participation in Kakori Train Action (1925)
The Kakori train action is still remembered by people. Ashfaqulla Khan participated in this action, which was planned and duly executed in the year 1925. The HRA intended to raise funds to pursue their freedom work. So, they decided to halt a train in the area of Uttar Pradesh near Kakori and take away government money. Ashfaqulla Khan ensured that the plan was well prepared. The action was dangerous but caught the attention of the whole country. The bravery displayed by Ashfaqulla Khan and his friends had become the turning point in India's fight for independence. Following details giving in brief all the main details about Kakori Train Action:
This will help you remember important facts easily.
|
Important Facts to Remember |
|||
|
Event |
Date |
Location |
Key Participants |
|
Kakori Train Action |
9 August 1925 |
Near Kakori, UP |
Ashfaqulla Khan, Bismil, HRA members |
Escape, Arrest, and Trial of Ashfaqulla Khan
After the Kakori incident, Ashfaqulla Khan constantly went into hiding to avoid arrest. He wanted to continue the fight. For one year, he moved from place to place but always kept in contact with friends. Finally, Ashfaqulla Khan was captured in Delhi as a result of betrayal by someone close to him. His case was long and tortuous. In any case, Ashfaqulla Khan did not yield. He answered questions showing much bravery and shared his dream about India.
The following summarizes some key dates and facts about the arrest and trial.
|
Key Dates and Facts of Arrest and Trials |
|||
|
Incident |
Year |
Place |
Details |
|
Arrest |
1926 |
Delhi |
Betrayed by acquaintance |
|
Trial |
1926-1927 |
Lucknow |
Faced charges for Kakori event |
Ideology and Writings as a Revolutionary Poet
Apart from being a brave freedom fighter, Ashfaqulla Khan was also a poet. He used poems to inspire the youths. His poetry spoke of justice, unity, and the hope for a free country. Ashfaqulla Khan wrote plain yet powerful lines. In many poems, he reminded everybody that India belonged to all, irrespective of religion. His writings gave hope to many and made them feel strong.
Execution and Martyrdom (1927)
The British condemned Ashfaqulla Khan for the crime of the Kakori incident. He had been sentenced to death with Ram Prasad Bismil. Ashfaqulla Khan died on 19 December 1927 in the jail at Faizabad. He spent his last days in prayer and writing. Ashfaqulla Khan’s story on the day he met his demise is tragic yet inspiring. He died as a martyr, holding firm to his beliefs and ideas.
The following details with information regarding Ashfaqulla Khan Death.
|
Ashfaqulla Khan Death |
|||
|
Name |
Date of Death |
Place of Death |
Reason |
|
Ashfaqulla Khan |
19 Dec 1927 |
Faizabad Jail |
Execution for Kakori case |
Ashfaqulla Khan’s Legacy in Indian Freedom Struggle
Ashfaqulla Khan Contribution In India’s Freedom Struggle is important. He sacrificed everything for the independence of his country. People still remember his bravery and integrity. Ashfaqulla Khan biography and selfless acts have been taught to school students. There are memorials dedicated to him in various cities. Through his life, one may get to know how a single individual can change the course of history.
Symbolism of Hindu-Muslim Unity: Ashfaqulla Khan
One special thing about Ashfaqulla Khan is the way he showed unity between Hindus and Muslims; with the people of all backgrounds, especially Ram Prasad Bismil. This proved their friendship, showing that religion does not create a barrier to being friends or fighting for a common goal. Ashfaqulla Khan’s story tells us that working together can help solve big problems.
Representation in Popular Culture and Memorials
Ashfaqulla Khan is remembered through films, songs, and books. Memorials are constructed in places such as Shahjahanpur, Ashfaqulla Khan birth place. School-going children learn about Ashfaqulla Khan born in Uttar Pradesh through stories in school. You may find his name in textbooks and history museums. Every year, leaders give speeches in his honour.
Want to learn more about Indian polity for UPSC? Check out PW’s UPSC Courses and start your preparation today with guidance!