Martyr of 1857 revolt paid glowing tributes

Koti: Rich tributes were paid to Syed Allauddin, also known as maulvi, at a symposium jointly organized by the Telangana Council for Historical Research (TCHR) and department of History, University College for Women, Koti today.

Allauddin attacked the British Residency which presently houses the college precisely on this day in the year 1857 to get the release of havildar Chidda Khan who rebelled against the British Army that he was serving and was kept in captivity by the British Resident at Hyderabad.

Allauddin was deeply distressed by the events and elicited support of about 300 persons and led the attack against the British Resident. In the gun battle that ensued six died and Maulvi was captured, tried and sent to Port Blair jail.

During his incarceration he became physically weak and eventually died. Speakers at the symposium recalled the valour and patriotism of Maulvi and stressed the need for study of history and the reiterated the axiom that history teaches us lessons provided we are prepared to learn.

T Vivek, former member of TS Public Service Commission, observed that history was a continuum and called upon historians to bring to light the events and the individuals who impacted the course of history. He felt that history had been unkind to the martyr Maulvi whose valour and heroism had not received attention of the historian.

Captain L Panduranga Reddy, a member of Royal Historical Society, London, dwelt at length on the schools of interpretation in history and shared the trials and tribulations he faced during the course of gathering information about maulvi from the jail authorities of Port Blair.

He demanded that the government name one of the gates of the college after the maulvi and re-name the road junction near the college as Allauddin chowk.

Prof Adapa Satyanarayana emphasised the need for writing Telangana history by including those who impacted the course of history cutting across class, creed and caste hierarchies and make history an inclusive discipline.

Dr G Venakat Ram Reddy, a retired civil servant and president of TCHR presided over the function and gave details of the life and heroism of Maulvi. Dr. Aruna Pariti proposed a vote of thanks. Prof A Roja Rani, principal of the college, was present.