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The story of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh, a multifaceted figure who left an indelible mark on India's history, transcends the recent debates surrounding the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). He was a complex individual, embodying the roles of a Raja, a reformer, a Nobel Prize nominee, and a Member of Parliament, making it difficult to categorize him definitively. His legacy, however, shines brightly in his contribution to the establishment of AMU and his unwavering commitment to India's freedom struggle.
While the debate surrounding AMU's minority status has dominated headlines, it is essential to recognize the pivotal role played by Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh in the university's foundation. Born into a Jat family in Hathras in 1886, he inherited his ancestral estate and later received his education at the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental Collegiate School, founded by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, which eventually became AMU. His education encompassed both British and Muslim influences, shaping his worldview and contributing to his later support for the institution.
Singh's commitment to AMU extended beyond his personal education. He generously donated land for both the school and the university, acknowledging its importance in fostering a progressive and inclusive educational environment. This contribution cemented his name in the history of AMU and earned him a place of honor within the university's walls. His family even requested that his portrait be displayed inside the institution, a testament to their recognition of his lasting legacy.
However, Singh's contributions were not limited to the realm of education. He emerged as a prominent figure in India's freedom struggle, driven by his admiration for leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He actively participated in the Indian National Congress and even attended the Calcutta session, despite reservations from his family.
During World War I, Singh embarked on a momentous journey to seek international support for India's independence. He travelled to Germany, where he was received by Kaiser Wilhelm II, and subsequently to Switzerland, Turkey, and Austria, seeking alliances and advocating for India's cause. His efforts culminated in the establishment of the Provisional Government of India in exile in Kabul in 1915, where he served as President and Maulavi Barktuallah of Bhopal became the Prime Minister.
His travels also led him to forge connections with prominent figures like Russian leader Lenin and Japanese leadership, demonstrating his strategic vision and his understanding of the international geopolitical landscape. These connections foreshadowed the path later taken by Subhas Chandra Bose, who also sought alliances with Axis powers during World War II.
Singh's dedication to India's freedom struggle earned him the respect of Mahatma Gandhi, who recognized his patriotism and sacrifices. His efforts were further acknowledged through his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize by Swedish doctor N A Nilsson, who praised his exposé of British brutalities in India.
His return to India shortly before independence marked a significant moment in his life. He met with Mahatma Gandhi at his Wardha Ashram, seeking to contribute further to the nation's liberation. However, his previous efforts to reach out to Germany and Japan, who were then at war with Britain, placed him in political obscurity during the British Raj.
Despite the challenges he faced, Singh eventually entered the political arena. In the 1957 Lok Sabha elections, he won the Mathura seat as an independent candidate, defeating a young Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was then a rising figure in the Jana Sangh. While Vajpayee won the Balrampur seat from Uttar Pradesh, the defeat marked a significant moment in the political careers of both individuals.
Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh's life and legacy serve as a reminder of the diverse and often complex figures who shaped India's history. His unwavering commitment to education, his relentless pursuit of India's independence, and his political contributions demonstrate the depth of his character and the enduring impact he left on the nation. His name, inextricably linked to the establishment of AMU and his role in the freedom struggle, deserves a permanent place in India's collective memory.
Source: Hindu reformer raja who donated land for AMU defeated Vajpayee in polls