Ahmadullah Shah
Explanation
The Revolt of 1857 was characterized by the emergence of diverse leadership, ranging from deposed rulers to religious figures who mobilized the masses against colonial authority.
Analysis of the Options:
- Ahmadullah Shah (Correct): He was a Maulvi from Faizabad (originally from Madras) who played a critical role in the rebellion in the Awadh region. He preached a holy war against the British and prophesied the imminent end of British rule. He raised a large force of supporters and is noted for his tactical acumen, notably defeating British forces led by Henry Lawrence at the Battle of Chinhat.
- Bakht Khan: He was a Subedar in the East India Company's army who led the sepoys from Bareilly to Delhi. He became the commander-in-chief of the rebel forces in Delhi, effectively leading the administration under the nominal authority of Bahadur Shah Zafar.
- Birjis Qadr: He was the young son of the deposed Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and Begum Hazrat Mahal. During the revolt, he was proclaimed the Nawab of Awadh in Lucknow, with his mother acting as the regent.
- Kunwar Singh: He was a zamindar of Jagdishpur in Bihar. Despite his advanced age (around 80), he led the revolt in Bihar and is renowned for his guerrilla warfare tactics against British forces.
Key Takeaway: Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah of Faizabad was a prominent religious leader during the 1857 revolt who mobilized resistance by prophesying the collapse of British rule and organizing a significant armed force in Awadh.