Patna:Peer Ali Khan is one of the many unsung heroes of India's freedom struggle. But, thanks to the efforts of the Bihar government, this martyr is now gaining recognition across the state.
The state government has set up a children's park near the iconic Gandhi Maidan - the place where he was hanged during the first war of independence- in a bid to honour Khan's martyrdom.
Khan, the hero of the 1857 revolt, was born in Muhammadpur in Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, but fled his home at the age of seven.
Peer was inspired by Mir Abdullah's revolutionary ideology and developed the spirit of freedom.
He worked at a bookstall for his living which eventually turned into a commonplace of discussion of revolutionaries.
At the time of the revolution of 1857, he travelled through Bihar and inspired people to fight for freedom.
On 3rd July 1857 along with his 200 supporters, he attacked the British Administrative Building at Gulzar Bagh in Patna. This building was used to monitor the revolutionary activities. Many British officers were killed in the attack including Dr Llyol.
Peer Ali Khan: The unsung martyr of the freedom struggle Two days later, on 5th July 1857, Pir Ali along with many of his associates was arrested and tortured brutally to retrieve information of his companions. Peer survived all the tortures but did not disclose any information.
He quoted, "There are occasions in life when you have to sacrifice your life rather than saving your life. The time now is to sacrifice."
On 7th of July, he was hanged till death near the residence of collectorate with the murder charges of Dr Llyoal. His sacrifice inspired millions who joined the mission and fought for their motherland.
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