Hasrat Mohani

Biography

Hasrat Mohani, born Syed Fazl ul Hasan in 1875 in the town of Mohan in Uttar Pradesh, lived a life that combined poetry with politics. He is remembered as both a master of the ghazal and a fearless freedom fighter, a rare combination that made him a unique figure in India’s cultural and political history.

From a young age, Hasrat showed brilliance in literature. He studied at Aligarh Muslim University, where he was deeply influenced by classical Urdu poetry, especially the ghazal tradition. His romantic verses carried beauty, passion and longing, placing him in the line of great Urdu poets. At the same time, he was also drawn to the struggles of his people under British rule.

As a political activist, Hasrat Mohani played a bold role in India’s freedom movement. He was among the first leaders to demand complete independence for India, even before it became a mainstream call. He coined the slogan “Inquilab Zindabad,” which became a rallying cry for generations of freedom fighters. His activism led to repeated imprisonment by the British.

Remarkably, Hasrat balanced his revolutionary spirit with his love for poetry. His ghazals are deeply admired for their lyrical quality and emotional intensity. Collections like Kulliyat e Hasrat Mohani showcase his range, from romantic expressions of love to stirring calls for justice and equality.

He was also a founding member of the Communist Party of India, believing in social and economic justice as essential for true freedom. At one point, he even served as President of the All India Muslim League, though he later distanced himself when he felt it diverged from broader national goals.

Hasrat Mohani lived simply, practicing what he preached. Despite his stature as both a poet and leader, he maintained a modest lifestyle, often described as ascetic.

He passed away in 1951 in Lucknow, leaving behind a dual legacy. As a poet, he is celebrated for keeping the classical ghazal alive in modern times. As a patriot, he is remembered as the man who gave India one of its most powerful slogans of freedom.