Sher Ali Afridi remains one of the most intriguing figures in the history of India’s struggle against British colonial rule. Known primarily for assassinating Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of British India, Sher Ali’s life encapsulates a tale of resistance, justice, and sacrifice that resonates deeply in the annals of anti-colonial rebellion. This blog post delves into the life, motivations, and legacy of Sher Ali Afridi, a fearless soldier and revolutionary who challenged the might of the British Empire.
Early Life and Background
Sher Ali Afridi was born in the Tirah Valley, part of the Khyber Agency in the North-West Frontier Province of British India. Hailing from the Kuki Khēl Afridi tribe, Sher Ali belonged to a proud Pashtun lineage known for their martial traditions.
- Served in the colonial Punjab Police in the 1860s.
- Participated in the cavalry regiments of the colonial army at Ambala.
- Fought in the Presidency armies during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
- Held roles such as a mounted orderly and was respected for his bravery and loyalty by British officers.
His early career illustrated a man loyal to his duties but fiercely protective of his family and honor, as shown when he killed a robber threatening his cattle and wife, for which he was pardoned.
Transportation to Andaman: A Turning Point
Sher Ali’s life changed dramatically in 1867 when he killed a man named Hyder, whom he accused of molesting his sister. Despite pleading innocence, Sher Ali was sentenced to death, later commuted to life imprisonment by Colonel Pollock. He was deported to the infamous penal colony of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Served his sentence at Port Blair.
- Worked as a barber due to good behavior.
- His resentment towards British justice deepened, fueling a desire for retribution.
The Assassination of Lord Mayo
Richard Bourke, the 6th Earl of Mayo, was the Viceroy of India from 1869. During an official visit to the Andaman Islands in February 1872, Lord Mayo was inspecting the penal colony when Sher Ali seized the opportunity to exact his revenge.
- On February 8, 1872, Sher Ali stabbed Lord Mayo as he was returning to his boat.
- The Viceroy died from his wounds shortly thereafter.
- Sher Ali was immediately arrested and later hanged on March 11, 1872.
Sher Ali claimed his act was divine justice and sought to kill both the Superintendent and the Viceroy as retaliation for his harsh sentence.
Legacy and Historical Impact
Sher Ali Afridi’s assassination of Lord Mayo sent shockwaves across British India and Britain itself. It symbolized the simmering resistance against colonial rule and the deep grievances harbored by many Indians under British justice.
- Hailed as a martyr and freedom fighter in modern India.
- His story is a reminder of the complexities of colonial justice and the personal struggles against imperial power.
- Represents early acts of rebellion that foreshadowed the larger independence movements of the 20th century.
Conclusion
Sher Ali Afridi’s life journey—from a loyal soldier to a convict, and finally to an assassin of the highest colonial authority—highlights a story of resistance against oppression. His legacy is a testament to the spirit of rebellion that fueled India’s long fight for independence. Remembering Sher Ali is essential to understanding the diverse forms of resistance during British colonialism and the sacrifices made by many unsung heroes.