Introduction
Madan Mohan Malaviya was a freedom fighter, educationist, lawyer, and social reformer who played a crucial role in India’s independence movement. He is best known as the founder of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and for his contributions to Hindu nationalism, education, and the Indian National Congress. He was also given the title of “Mahamana” (Great Soul) by Mahatma Gandhi.
Early Life and Education
- Born: 25 December 1861, Prayagraj (then Allahabad), British India.
- Family Background: Came from a traditional Hindu Brahmin family, known for scholarship in Sanskrit.
- Education:
- Studied at Allahabad’s Muir Central College (now Allahabad University).
- Earned a degree in law and became a successful lawyer.
Role in the Indian Freedom Movement
1. Leader in the Indian National Congress
- Joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1886.
- Served as INC President four times (1909, 1918, 1932, and 1933).
- Advocated for constitutional methods to gain independence.
2. Role in the Non-Cooperation Movement
- Supported Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement (1920).
- Encouraged boycotting British institutions and promoted Swadeshi.
3. Advocate for Hindu Nationalism
- Played a key role in the Hindu Mahasabha to protect Hindu interests.
- Promoted Hindu unity, protection of temples, and religious education.
Major Contributions
1. Founder of Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
- Founded BHU in 1916 with the help of Annie Besant.
- Made BHU one of India’s top educational institutions for science, engineering, medicine, and arts.
- Aimed to combine modern education with traditional Indian values.
2. Journalism and Media
- Editor of “The Hindustan” newspaper – spread nationalist ideas.
- Founded “The Leader” (English newspaper) to oppose British policies.
- Worked for “Sanatan Dharma” magazine to promote Hindu culture.
3. Social Reforms
- Advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity and elimination of untouchability.
- Encouraged women’s education and widow remarriage.
- Opposed the oppressive British economic policies affecting Indian farmers.
4. Legal Advocacy
- Defended Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev in the Lahore Conspiracy Case (1929).
- Argued against British injustices in courts and fought for civil rights.
Titles and Recognition
- “Mahamana” – Title given by Mahatma Gandhi for his selfless service.
- Bharat Ratna (Posthumous, 2014) – India’s highest civilian award.
- Helped in the revival of Indian industries and education reforms.
Death and Legacy
- Died: 12 November 1946, Varanasi, British India.
- Legacy:
- BHU remains one of the top universities in India.
- Inspired leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Patel.
- Several roads, universities, and awards are named after him.
MCQs on Madan Mohan Malaviya
1. When was Madan Mohan Malaviya born?
a) 1861
b) 1872
c) 1885
d) 1891
→ Answer: a) 1861
2. Which university was founded by Madan Mohan Malaviya?
a) Allahabad University
b) Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
c) Delhi University
d) Jamia Millia Islamia
→ Answer: b) Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
3. How many times did Malaviya serve as the President of the Indian National Congress?
a) 2 times
b) 3 times
c) 4 times
d) 5 times
→ Answer: c) 4 times
4. What was the main goal of BHU?
a) Promote only religious education
b) Provide technical and modern education with Indian values
c) Train students for British administration
d) Focus only on agriculture
→ Answer: b) Provide technical and modern education with Indian values
5. Which newspaper was started by Malaviya to promote nationalism?
a) Kesari
b) The Leader
c) The Hindu
d) Harijan
→ Answer: b) The Leader
6. Who gave Malaviya the title “Mahamana”?
a) Subhas Chandra Bose
b) Jawaharlal Nehru
c) Mahatma Gandhi
d) Sardar Patel
→ Answer: c) Mahatma Gandhi
7. Which freedom fighters did Malaviya defend in the Lahore Conspiracy Case?
a) Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev
b) Chandrashekhar Azad and Bismil
c) Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru
d) Subhas Chandra Bose and Patel
→ Answer: a) Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev
8. When did Madan Mohan Malaviya receive the Bharat Ratna?
a) 1950
b) 1975
c) 2014
d) 1990
→ Answer: c) 2014
Short Answer Questions on Madan Mohan Malaviya
Q1: When and where was Madan Mohan Malaviya born?
A: 25 December 1861, in Prayagraj (Allahabad), British India.
Q2: Which university did Malaviya establish, and in which year?
A: Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916.
Q3: What was Malaviya’s role in the Indian National Congress?
A: He served as Congress President four times and supported constitutional reforms.
Q4: Name a newspaper started by Malaviya to promote nationalism.
A: The Leader (English newspaper).
Q5: Why was Malaviya given the title “Mahamana”?
A: For his selfless service to education and the freedom movement (title given by Mahatma Gandhi).
Q6: What was Malaviya’s contribution to Hindu-Muslim unity?
A: He worked for communal harmony, equal rights, and social reforms.
Q7: How did Malaviya contribute to the legal defense of revolutionaries?
A: He defended Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev in court.
Q8: When did Madan Mohan Malaviya pass away?
A: 12 November 1946, in Varanasi.
Conclusion
Madan Mohan Malaviya was a visionary leader, freedom fighter, and educationist. His contributions to BHU, Indian nationalism, and social reforms continue to inspire India. His commitment to education and Swadeshi values helped shape modern India, and his legacy lives on through his institutions and ideals.
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