Fazl-e-haq Khairabadi

Fazl-e-haq Khairabadi Biography

Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi was a revolutionary writer and widely regarded as one of the main figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He was a writer, philosopher, poet and religious scholar, often remembered for issuing a fatwa in favor of Jihad against the 'English' in 1857, and also edited the first diwan of Mirza Ghalib on his request. Many of his successors earned fame and popularity in writing field and entertainment industry. His son, Abdul Haque who held the title of Shamsul Ulema was also a leading and respected scholar. His grandson is Muztar Khairabadi, a famous Urdu poet. Jan Nisar Akhtar is his great-grandson. Legendary writer poet Javed Akhtar is his great-great-grandson, and Farhan Akhtar & Zoya Akhtar are the recent heirs of the family, associated with Bollywood.

He was a chief judge in Lucknow. He got associated with unsuccessful Indian Rebellion of 1857 with his poetic works. He is known to be one of the great figures associated with India’s first struggle for independence. Following the unsuccessful revolt, Khairabadi was arrested by the British authorities on 30 January 1859 at Khairabad. He was trialed and found guilty for his support of the rebellion. He defended himself for the case at court and it was so convincing. He was sentenced for life to the prison at Kalapani on Andaman islands. It was followed by confiscation of his property by the Judicial Commissioner, Awadh Court. He died two years later on 20 August 1861 while at Andaman.

As a writer and scholar, his contribution to Urdu literature is immensely huge. He wrote Risala-e-Sauratul Hindia in Arabic language. Many of his successors followed his footsteps, and gave significant contribution to literature and filmy music. Famous Bollywood lyricists - Jan Nisar Akhtar and Javed Akhtar belong to his family.

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Updated: June 07, 2018