Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Modern India: Rebels and the Raj

Question:

Who fought in the famous Battle of Chinhat in which the British forces under Henry Lawrence were defeated?

Options:

Shah Mal

Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah

Birjis Qadr

Kunwar Singh

Correct Answer:

Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2) - Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah

Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah fought in the famous Battle of Chinhat in which the British forces under Henry Lawrence were defeated.

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.