Correct Option (d):
The Khudai Khidmatgars, meaning "Servants of God," was a non-violent Pashtun nationalist movement in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) during the Indian freedom struggle. Led by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, also known as "Frontier Gandhi," the movement advocated for the political and social upliftment of the Pathans (Pashtuns) and their unity against British colonial rule. It aligned itself with the Indian National Congress, adopting Mahatma Gandhi's principles of non-violent civil disobedience. The primary objective was to achieve self-rule for the Pathans within a united India, fostering regional nationalist identity while participating in the broader anti-colonial movement.
Incorrect Options:
- The Union of Pakhtun tribal areas in north-west with Afghanistan: This option is incorrect. The Khudai Khidmatgars sought greater autonomy and self-rule for the Pashtuns within British India, not a merger with Afghanistan. Their vision was for a united, independent India that included the Pashtun regions.
- The adoption of terrorist tactics and methods for terrorizing and finally ousting the colonial rulers: This option is incorrect. The Khudai Khidmatgars were staunch proponents of non-violence, drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy. They were famously known as "Red Shirts" for their distinctive uniforms and their commitment to peaceful resistance.
- The adoption of communist revolution ideology for political and social reform: This option is incorrect. The movement was rooted in Pashtun nationalism and Islamic principles of service, combined with Gandhian non-violence. It did not espouse communist revolutionary ideology for its political or social reform agenda.