:Draft:Badri Ahir
{{AFC submission|||u=ShyamRay011|ns=118|ts=20250422192846}}
{{AFC submission|d|bio|u=ShyamRay011|ns=118|decliner=RangersRus|declinets=20250422152432|ts=20250421164810}}
{{AFC submission|d|bio|u=ShyamRay011|ns=118|decliner=CherryPie94|declinets=20250421155933|reason2=v|small=yes|ts=20250420191715}}
{{AFC comment|1=All the content comes from likely unreliable up80.online source that has no owner or editorial insight. RangersRus (talk) 15:24, 22 April 2025 (UTC)}}
{{AFC comment|1=See also WP:CIRCULAR. CherryPie94 🍒🥧 (talk) 15:59, 21 April 2025 (UTC)}}
----
{{Short description|Badri Ahir, a notable figure in the history of Bihar, was an influential leader and social reformer.}}
{{Draft topics|biography|south-asia}}
{{AfC topic|bdp}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Badri Ahir
| birth_date = {{circa|late 19th century}}
| birth_place = Hemantpur, Bhojpur district, Bihar, India
| death_date = Unknown
| nationality = Indian
| occupation = Indentured laborer, businessman, freedom fighter
| known_for = Association with Mahatma Gandhi, financial support for Gandhi’s activism, participation in Champaran Satyagraha
}}
Badri Ahir ({{circa|late 19th century}} – date unknown) was an Indian indentured laborer, businessman, and freedom fighter who played a significant role in Mahatma Gandhi’s early activism in South Africa and India. A close associate of Gandhi, Ahir is noted for providing financial support and participating in protests against discriminatory laws in South Africa, as well as contributing to the Champaran Satyagraha (1917), Gandhi’s first major civil disobedience movement in India. Often referred to as Gandhi’s “Bhamashah” for his generosity, Ahir’s contributions have been largely overlooked by historians.
Early Life
Badri Ahir was born in Hemantpur village, located in the Bhojpur district of Bihar, India, during the late 19th century.{{cite web |title=बद्री अहीर: गांधी के वो दोस्त जिन्हें इतिहास ने भुला दिया |url=https://up80.online/badri-ahir-friend-of-mahatma-gandhi/ |website=UP80 |date=15 August 2020 |access-date=20 April 2025 |language=hi}} As a member of the Ahir community, traditionally associated with cattle-herding and agriculture, he migrated to South Africa in the late 19th century as an indentured laborer under British colonial rule. In South Africa, Ahir transitioned from laborer to a successful businessman, establishing himself within the Indian diaspora.
Association with Mahatma Gandhi
Badri Ahir met Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa, where Gandhi lived from 1893 to 1914, advocating for the rights of Indian immigrants. Ahir became a trusted ally, providing Gandhi with a loan of 1000 pounds to support his activism, notably for establishing a vegetarian boarding house (referred to as “Niramishahari Grih”). Gandhi acknowledged Ahir’s generosity, likening him to Bhamashah, a legendary benefactor who supported Maharana Pratap.
Ahir was also actively involved in Gandhi’s protests against discriminatory laws, including those targeting Indian immigrants. He was the first Indian to be imprisoned alongside Gandhi in South Africa, highlighting his commitment to nonviolent resistance. This act of defiance solidified his role as a key supporter in Gandhi’s early satyagraha campaigns.
Role in the Champaran Satyagraha
Upon returning to India, Badri Ahir contributed to the **Champaran Satyagraha** of 1917, Gandhi’s first major civil disobedience movement in India. The movement addressed the exploitation of indigo farmers in Champaran, Bihar, under the oppressive “tinkathia” system, which forced peasants to grow indigo on 3/20th of their land.{{cite web |title=Champaran Satyagraha 1917, Leaders, Significance, UPSC Notes |url=https://vajiramandravi.com/upsc-ias-exam/champaran-satyagraha/ |website=Vajiram & Ravi |access-date=20 April 2025}} Ahir provided labor and financial resources, traveling to Bettiah to mobilize support for the farmers. His involvement helped strengthen the movement, which led to the formation of the Champaran Agrarian Committee and the eventual abolition of the tinkathia system through the Champaran Agrarian Act of 1918.
Legacy
Despite his significant contributions, Badri Ahir’s role in the Indian independence movement has been largely overlooked by historians. Gandhi personally recognized Ahir’s dedication, addressing him as “Bhai” (brother) and praising his selflessness in writings. However, limited documentation in English-language sources has contributed to his obscurity. Ahir’s descendants reportedly reside in Hemantpur village, Bhojpur district, living in modest circumstances, which contrasts with his historical importance.
Efforts to recognize Ahir’s contributions continue among local communities and historians in Bihar, who advocate for greater acknowledgment of his role alongside other freedom fighters. His story highlights the contributions of lesser-known figures in India’s struggle for independence, particularly from marginalized communities like the Ahirs.
Notes
- Reliable sources specifically mentioning Badri Ahir are limited, and further research into Gandhi’s writings, such as *My Experiments with Truth* or *Satyagraha in South Africa*, may yield additional references.
- Hindi-language archives or local records in Bihar may provide more detailed accounts of Ahir’s life and contributions.
References
{{reflist}}
Further Reading
- Gandhi, Mahatma. My Autobiography or The Story of My Experiments with Truth. Navajivan Publishing House, 1929.
- Tendulkar, D.G. Gandhi in Champaran. Publications Division, Government of India, 1957.
- Guha, Ramachandra. Gandhi Before India. Penguin Books, 2013.
External Links
- [https://up80.online/badri-ahir-friend-of-mahatma-gandhi/ UP80 article on Badri Ahir] (in Hindi)
- [https://www.indianculture.gov.in/gandhis-satyagraha-champaran Gandhi’s Satyagraha in Champaran] – Indian Culture Portal
{{Draft categories|
:Category:Indian independence activists
:Category:Champaran Satyagraha
:Category:People from Bhojpur district, Bihar