Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Modern India: Rebels and the Raj

Question:

Which of the following is NOT correct about Ahmadullah Shah in the context of 1857 uprising?

Options:

He was one of the Maulavi who played an important role in the 1857 uprising.

He was elected as Leader in the Bareilly Region.

He fought in famous battle of Chinhat in which the British forces under Henry Lawrence were defeated.

Many people believed that he had magical power because of which he was invincible and could not be killed by British

Correct Answer:

He was elected as Leader in the Bareilly Region.

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option 2 - He was elected as Leader in the Bareilly Region.

He was elected as Leader of 22nd Native Infantry not the Bareilly Region.

Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah was one of the many maulvis who played an important part in the revolt of 1857. Educated in Hyderabad, he became a preacher when young. In 1856, he was seen moving from village to village preaching jehad (religious war) against the British and urging people to rebel. He moved in a palanquin, with drumbeaters in front and followers at the rear. He was therefore popularly called Danka Shah – the maulvi with the drum (danka). British officials panicked as thousands began following the maulvi and many Muslims began seeing him as an inspired prophet. When he reached Lucknow in 1856, he was stopped by the police from preaching in the city. Subsequently, in 1857, he was jailed in Faizabad. When released, he was elected by the mutinous 22nd Native Infantry as their leader. He fought in the famous Battle of Chinhat in which the British forces under Henry Lawrence were defeated. He came to be known for his courage and power. Many people in fact believed that he was invincible, had magical powers, and could not be killed by the British. It was this belief that partly formed the basis of his authority.