Who Was Aruna Asaf Ali? The Trailblazer Who Served As Delhi's First Mayor

Many women participated in the Indian independence movement, but this woman made history after she hoisted the Indian flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay in 1942. We are talking about the Gowalia Tank Maidan, who created history by becoming the first Mayor of Delhi. Despite the then-British government being against her, she was never afraid to raise her voice.

Who was Aruna Asaf Ali?

Aruna Asaf Ali was a politician, activist, and educator and had a pivotal role in the freedom fight. Born in 1909 into a Bengali Brahmin family, she had the courage to raise her voice against the atrocities happening at that time from a very young age. She was even arrested at the age of 21 on the charge of being a vagrant. In 1932, she was arrested again for hosting a hunger strike, with her efforts being recognised, causing improvements at the Tihar Jail.    

She played a significant role in the 1942 Quit India Movement and was even called the Queen of the 1942 movement. She was also the editor of the magazine 'Inquilab'.

After India gained independence, she joined politics and was associated with the social welfare of the country. In 1958, she became the first Mayor of Delhi. Later, she even wrote a book called 'Ideas Of A Nation'.

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Who Was Aruna Asaf Ali’s Husband?

Aruna was married to Asaf Ali, but their union faced a lot of backlash from their families. Asaf was 20 years older than her, and the couple also had different religions. Aruna once revealed that her uncle, who was her guardian as her father passed away before her marriage, considered her dead and even performed her shraddha because of her relationship to Asaf.

Asaf Ali himself was a prominent face of the Indian freedom struggle and active in politics. He was the first Indian Ambassador to the United States and also the Governor of Odisha. He defended Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt, who were accused of bombing the Central Legislative Assembly in 1929. In 1935, he was elected to the Central Legislative Assembly as a member of the Muslim Nationalist Party.  

Aruna Asaf Ali’s bravery and her contribution to the freedom struggle are still remembered by many. She passed away in 1996 at the age of 86. Following her demise, she received the highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, posthumously in 1997. 

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