Abdul Ghaffar Khan - The Frontier Gandhi: My Life and Struggle: The Autobiography of Abdul Ghaffar Khan

Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (18901988), affectionately known as Bacha Khan, Badshah Khan and Fakr-e-Afghan among his people, and Frontier Gandhi in India, was born in Uthmanzai in the North-West Frontier Province of British India. His life was dedicated to the social reform of the Pukhtuns and he continues to be revered across the world by them. In India, he is known for his close association with Mahatma Gandhi and his leadership of the Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of God) movement from 193047 the most successful and sustained Gandhian non-violent campaign anywhere in the world. The Khudai Khidmatgars or Red Shirts were key allies of the Congress who formed three governments in the NWFP despite brutal opposition from the colonial regime.

Badshah Khans success in creating a disciplined non-violent movement in a Muslim and Pukhtun context that emphasized justice, courage, respect for women and pluralism, continues to inspire today.

This is the first time that his autobiography is available in English. His candid style brings to life events and personalities of the independence movement as he records the untiring energy and sacrifices that went into winning freedom.

The original Pashto edition was first published in 1983 in Afghanistan when he was 93 years old. Subsequently, the book was also published by the Baacha Khan Trust in Peshawar, Pakistan. (An earlier account of his life, also titled My Life and Struggle was published in 1969 but this was based on interviews conducted with him and not his written autobiography.)

This translation was done by Imtiaz Ahmad Sahibzada at the request of Shandana Humayun Khan. Shandanas maternal great-grandfather was Qazi Ataullah, a close lieutenant of Bacha Khans and a key figure in the Khudai Khidmatgar movement.

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This translation, Imtiaz Ahmad Sahibzada, 2021

Foreword Rajmohan Gandhi

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The normal practice is that when one authors a book, it is

dedicated to someone. The verses of this poem of Makhfi Sahib,

have proved to be my life long companion in my thoughts,

actions and the struggle of my political life. That is why I want

to dedicate this book to them and wish to bring it before the

public with them:

Khawenda wudana klray Zamoong de yawalai Hujra;

Yaw zai pe kshay de zanaklray, De Pukhto dalla khwara;

Yaw zlre, yaw saa yawshanay klray,

Day beyal aw beyal Pukhtun sara.

Oh God for us Pukhtuns create,

Of brotherhood a structure,

Where we Pukhtuns may congregate

Our numerous dispersed groups;

One heart, one breath create for them,

These individual beings.

Kashmir na ter Herat horay, Baluchistan na ter dooray;

Da tol Pukhtun dae har cheray,

Tse rangay prot zaray zaray;

De yaw wajud pa shanay klray,

Ya khudaya da zara zara.

From Kashmir to Herat all spread out, Baluchistan, beyond,

Theyre all Pukhtuns, no matter where,

Disorganised, dismayed;

And of them make a whole thats strong,

Oh God of strength, compassion.

Dedicated to my niece,

Shandana Humayun Khan,

at whose special request this

translation was undertaken.

Imtiaz Ahmad Sahibzada

In earlier generations, Indians called him Khan Sahib or Badshah Khan. Many spoke or wrote of him as the Frontier Gandhi. Hindi-speakers called him Seemaant Gandhi. However, Bacha Khan is how Pakistanis referred to him and still do.

If many could not remember Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khans full name, no one who saw him, whether directly or in a photograph, could forget his towering appearance. In my biography of him, first published in 2004, I recalled Badshah Khans immensely tall figure, absolutely straight back, great nose, kindly eyes, and permanent air of nonviolent defiance.