The Bookseller Revolutionary
A key figure in the 1857 rebellion in Bihar.
A Life of Secret Resistance
Peer Ali Khan, a bookseller from Patna, was an unsung hero of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He used his bookshop as a hub for revolutionary activities, secretly distributing messages and organizing a rebellion against the British East India Company. His courage and leadership in the face of immense adversity made him a revered figure in Bihar’s freedom struggle.
1857
The Year of the
Great Revolt
Patna
Center of his
Operations
A Timeline of Courage: A Journey of Resistance
1850s: The Bookseller & Organizer
Peer Ali Khan, a successful bookseller in Patna, used his shop as a front for a secret network of revolutionaries, using books as a cover to exchange messages and plans for the rebellion.
July 3, 1857: The Patna Uprising
He led a major uprising in Patna, which involved a large number of his followers attacking the British East India Company’s offices, creating a state of panic among the colonial officials.
July 4, 1857: Captured and Interrogated
He was captured by the British forces. Despite brutal torture, he refused to reveal the names of his associates, showing unwavering resolve and loyalty to his cause.
July 7, 1857: Martyrdom
He was publicly hanged along with 14 of his associates, a sacrifice that further fueled the revolutionary spirit in Bihar and across the country.