Draft:Hamid Ali Khan

• Comment: This is without any doubt a notable person, but this draft contains a fairly substantial copyright violation. Several paragraphs are taken verbatim from the referenced source, namely R.M. Raisur's Locale, everyday Islam, and modernity : Qasbah towns and Muslim life in colonial India. Since the source was clearly linked, I think this was due to a good-faith misunderstanding, and I'm declining this in the hope that the draft creator will summarise the information in the source in their own words and re-submit the draft. bonadea contributions talk 15:35, 9 January 2025 (UTC)

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errr

Hamid Ali Khan, Barrister-at-Law, Circa 1915

Hamid Ali Khan (14 December 1860-12 September 1918) was an Indian Islamic scholar, Barrister and orator, hailed from Amroha. Born on December 14, 1860, in Bareilly, he belonged to a notable family of his father, Hakim Muhammad Amjad Ali Khan, a Shia intellectual and had served as the Deputy Collector of Amroha.

Early Life and education

Hamid Ali Khan learned Persian and Arabic under the guidance of his father and other tutors, while also studying English in school. At the age of fifteen, he met Safi Amrohvi in Mathura.

M.A.O. College Aligarh Students in England Circa 1885

After earning his bachelor's degree from Aligarh in 1880, Khan pursued further studies in London, enrolling to become a Barrister-at-Law. In London, Hamid connected with Nawab Syed Manzoor Ali and Sir Asman Jah. He also met Lord Alfred Tennyson, Sir William Muir, Prince of Wales, Edward VII (later Emperor of India).

Literary Contributions

Hamid Ali Khan began his legal career in Lucknow in 1886, but his true passion lay in writing, a love kindled in his youth. His early exposure to poetry began during his school days with Safi Amrohvi and deepened during his time in London, where he mingled with literary figures such as Nawab Saiyid Manzoor Ali of Bengal and Sir Asman Jah of Hyderabad. This influence inspired him to compose A Farewell to London, an English poem reflecting his emotions upon leaving the city in 1885.

Back in India, Hamid immersed himself in musha’irahs (poetry gatherings), which fueled his creativity and prompted his active engagement with Urdu poetry. Guided by esteemed mentors like Shaikh Ali Khazeen, Ahsan Lakhnawi, and Safi Lakhnawi, he mastered various poetic forms, including qasidas (panegyrics), hamd (praise of Allah), na’at (praise of the Prophet), ruba’iyat (quatrains), ghazals (odes, his favorite form), qata (paired couplets), and sehra (wedding poems).

On June 13, 1916, the celebrated poet Dil Shahjahanpuri commended Hamid’s ghazals and nazms, declaring him worthy of the title "Sadi of Urdu," a comparison to the revered Persian poet. His literary acclaim was further affirmed by letters of praise from luminaries such as Asar Lakhnawi, Ahsan Mahrehrawi, Bekhud Mohani, Altaf Husain Hali, Shad Azimabadi, and Mujtaba of Amroha. These accolades underscored his stature as one of the preeminent literary figures of his time.

Hamid Ali Khan's Urdu prose includes a notable full-length biography of Saiyid Karamat Husain of Lucknow, a prominent high court judge and an early advocate for Muslim women's education in North India. Published in 1918, a year after Karamat Husain's death, Hamid Ali Khan's work stands out for its comprehensive approach. Meanwhile, Chaudhary Muhammad Ali Rudaulvi, who also admired Karamat Husain's efforts, released a 41-page memoir the same year. Despite belonging to different qasbahs, both writers shared an appreciation for Karamat Husain's legacy. Muhammad Ali's memoir provides a more personal perspective, recounting his encounters and emphasizing the cordial relationship between Hamid Ali Khan and Karamat Husain.

Hamid Ali Khan summarized it thus:

"Karamat uth gaye Hamid fasana reh gaya baqi,

Hamari aur unki mustaqil sacchi muhabbat ka" (Karamat left, O Hamid! All that remains is but the story Of mine and his resolute, deep afection)

The biographies of Saiyid Karamat Husain by Hamid Ali Khan and Chaudhary Muhammad Ali Rudaulvi complement each other, blending formal analysis with personal reflection. While Hamid Ali Khan’s full-length biography provides a detailed and structured account, Chaudhary Muhammad Ali’s memoir offers a more informal and intimate narrative of Karamat Husain's life and impact.

Hamid Ali Khan's literary contributions extend far beyond biographical works. His portfolio includes Hamare Hum-asr (Our Contemporaries), which profiles notable contemporaries, and critical works like Muqabla Dabir-o-Milton, a comparative analysis of Dabir and John Milton, and Atish, focusing on the Urdu poet Khwaja Haider Ali Aatish (1778–1848). He actively contributed to Urdu periodicals, fostering literary discourse and spotlighting poets such as Asghar of Ghazipur, whose work he featured in the journal May'ar.

Although his English writings are fewer, they are noteworthy. "The Vernacular Controversy" examines the Nagri agitation of 1900, highlighting debates over script reform, while "The Bulwark of India" envisions a harmonious Anglo-Indian relationship. He even ventured into health-related subjects, with works like How to Check Diabetes.

Family Background

Family Tree of Hamid Ali Khan

Hamid Ali Khan comes from an influential family. His father Hakim Amjad Ali Khan (1827–1900) was a hakim (traditional physician) and an expert of several sciences as well as a deputy collector in Amroha. His own career combined a volume of public service with a constellation of charitable works, his brother Nawab Ali Khan was a prominent lawer, intellectual and author. His Shams-ul-Tawarikh is a comprehensive documentation of his family with a larger focus on the genealogy and achievements of the key players, his father-in-law Nawab Khan Bahadur Shaikh Altaf Hasan Khan was a rais of Lucknow and Talkatora Karbala was his ancestral property, his uncle Hakim Neyaz Ali Khan (1832–1911) was a deputy collector and a rais he had two sons, Hakim Rahat Ali Khan (1861-1931) was a poet (pen name, Haziq), and public intellectual in Amroha. He lectured on Yunani medicine, presided over literary gatherings, and did pioneering work in the promotion of Urdu poetry and literature through societies, including the Anjuman Miraj-ul-Adab his brother, Rafat Ali Khan (1877–1963), a highly respected Kanpur superintendent and deputy collector. Kazim Ali Khan (1896–1973) was an Advocate and special magistrate of Amroha and the son of Rafat Ali Khan and later became rais (Landed Elite) of Amroha. He was engaged with Urdu literature and poetry and published, 'Gul Parey', created a forum where he could bring together poets like Mas'hafi and Iqbal and others. He also led local religious and cultural associations, he became the President of Dargah Najaf-e-Hind, Jogipura.

Hamid Ali Khan's family was among the most influential in their region, playing a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and intellectual fabric of Amroha. Their contributions helped transform the city into a renowned literary hub, deeply intertwined with the socio-political, educational, and cultural dynamics of their era. The family's commitment to fostering knowledge, art, and communal harmony left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and resonate. Hamid Ali Khan's remarkable achievements and his family's profound impact on society are lasting testaments to their dedication, ensuring their place in history remains unforgotten.

Political and Social Influence

Hamid Ali Khan was one of the most celebrated figures of the United Provinces, renowned not only for his intellectual prowess but also for his generous patronage of Urdu and literature. His house in Lucknow became a vibrant hub for literary minds, reflecting his unwavering commitment to cultural enrichment. Beyond literature, his influence extended to the political realm. At a time when Hindu revivalism was gaining momentum, Hamid's leadership transcended communal divides. His ability to unite diverse communities was evident in his legislative election victories in 1893 and 1895, where he garnered widespread support from both Hindus and Muslims. His remarkable legacy highlights his role as a bridge between communities and a champion of cultural and political harmony.

Around 1900, the British began adopting policies that marginalized Indian Muslims, including efforts to erase Persian from curricula of University of Allahabad and calls to replace the Persian script with Nagri. These developments galvanized the Muslim community into action. Hamid Ali Khan emerged as a key leader in this resistance, heading a committee in Lucknow aimed at preserving Urdu's cultural and educational relevance. He expressed his concerns in an incisive article, 'The Vernacular Controversy', which highlighted the critical importance of Urdu to the Muslim identity.

Hamid's residence became a strategic center for activism. In 1901, Nawab Mushtaq Husain Viqar-ul-Mulk convened a significant meeting at his house to chart a course of action against these linguistic and cultural threats. Hamid’s activism extended to a national stage when he participated as a delegate at the 1906 Muslim Educational Conference in Dhaka. This pivotal event led to the founding of the All-India Muslim League, marking a defining moment in qasbāti (small-town Muslim elite) engagement with pan-Indian politics. Hamid's role in these efforts underscored his commitment to safeguarding Muslim cultural and political interests during a transformative era.

Personal Life and Legacy

Hamid Ali Khan was married to Sughra Jaan Begum, the daughter of Nawab Khan Bahadur Shaikh Altaf Hasan Khan of Lucknow. Hamid belongs to a prominent mu’afidar (revenue-exempt landholder) family of Amroha. His robust education and intellectual aptitude enabled him to excel in diverse fields, establishing a remarkable career as a lawyer, administrator, writer, poet, biographer, and politician. Renowned for his unwavering commitment to education, literature, and fostering inter-community harmony, Hamid played a pivotal role in nurturing Urdu culture. His Lucknow home remained a welcoming haven for scholars and poets, becoming a hub for literary and cultural enrichment.

Hamid Ali Khan died on September 12, 1918, from complications related to diabetes. He was laid to rest in Talkatora Karbala, Lucknow, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual and cultural contributions that continue to inspire generations.

The best eulogy came from his pupil Mirza Jafar Ali Khan 'Asar Lakhnavi'-

"Inhi kay daur may chalka hai paimana taraqqi ka,

Bahut mamnoon hai Urdu adab Hamid Ali Khan ka" (The goblet of success overflowed in his era, Urdu culture stands indebted to Hamid Ali Khan) This was incidentally the first couplet of his Diwan named Asaristan.

Maulana Syed Ali Naqi Zaidi 'Safi Lakhnavi', wrote couplet on his death -

"Yaad aate hain jab Hamid gham say bhar aata hai,

Duniya ka bada hissa khaali nazar aata hai" (Memories of Hamid brings me sadness, A big part of my world feels vacant)

Hamid Ali Khan's enduring legacy as a literary, political, and cultural icon is a testament to his multifaceted contributions to society. His dedication to fostering communal harmony in a diverse nation like India showcased his unwavering commitment to unity and peace. By championing the Urdu language, he not only preserved a vital cultural heritage but also provided a platform for artistic and literary expression. His tireless advocacy for education uplifted countless lives, bridging social divides and empowering communities. Hamid Ali Khan's efforts have left an indelible mark on India's historical and cultural landscape, making him a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.

References

Journal of the National Indian Association, in Aid of Social Progress in India. W.H. Allen & Company. 1885.