Who among the following advocated the Garhwali soldiers against the 'Peshawar Case'? 

The correct answer is Mukundi Lal.

Key Points

• Mukundi Lal was a prominent advocate and social worker who defended the Garhwali soldiers during the 'Peshawar Case'.
• The Peshawar Case involved the refusal of Garhwali soldiers to fire upon unarmed protesters during the Peshawar protests of 1930, a part of the civil disobedience movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.
• These soldiers were charged with mutiny by the British authorities, leading to a high-profile trial.
• Mukundi Lal's defense emphasized the moral dilemma faced by the soldiers and their adherence to Gandhian principles of non-violence.
• The case highlighted the ethical resistance against colonial oppression and became a significant episode in India's freedom struggle.

Additional Information

• Garhwali Soldiers
  • The Garhwali soldiers were part of the British Indian Army, known for their bravery and discipline.
  • They belonged to the Garhwal Rifles regiment, which has a long history of service in both World Wars and other military campaigns.
  • During the Peshawar protests, their refusal to fire on unarmed civilians marked a rare instance of defiance within the colonial military structure.
• Peshawar Protests (1930)
  • The protests were part of the larger Civil Disobedience Movement initiated by the Indian National Congress under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership.
  • They were aimed at challenging the British salt laws and other oppressive colonial policies.
  • Peshawar became a focal point of resistance, with significant participation from the Khudai Khidmatgar (Red Shirt Movement) led by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.
• Khudai Khidmatgar Movement
  • Also known as the "Servants of God," this non-violent movement was led by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP).
  • It was closely aligned with Gandhian principles and supported the Indian freedom struggle.
  • The movement played a critical role during the Peshawar protests and faced brutal repression from the British authorities.
• Significance of the Peshawar Case
  • The case became a symbol of moral resistance and highlighted the role of Indian soldiers in the freedom struggle.
  • It also exposed the ethical challenges faced by colonial troops when ordered to suppress their own people.
  • The incident strengthened the resolve of the Indian National Congress and other freedom fighters in their quest for independence.