Who started the newspaper Al Hilal?
A: Maulana Azad
B: Mohammmad Ali
C: Hasrat Mohani
D: Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Answer: A

The newspaper Al Hilal was started by Maulana Azad. Here is a detailed explanation:
Background:
- Al Hilal was a prominent Urdu-language newspaper that played a significant role in the Indian independence movement.
- It was published from 1912 to 1914 in Calcutta, British India.
Founder:
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, commonly known as Maulana Azad, is the person who started the newspaper Al Hilal.
- He was a prominent Indian scholar, freedom fighter, and the first Minister of Education in independent India.
- Maulana Azad launched Al Hilal to spread the message of nationalism and freedom struggle among the masses.
Objective of Al Hilal:
- Al Hilal aimed to awaken the Indian population and create awareness about the political situation of the country.
- It focused on exposing the British colonial rule and advocating for the rights and freedom of Indians.
- The newspaper provided a platform for intellectuals and activists to express their views on various social and political issues.
Significance:
- Al Hilal played a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion and generating support for the independence movement.
- It inspired many individuals to actively participate in the struggle against British rule.
- The newspaper faced censorship and suppression from the British authorities, leading to its eventual ban in 1914.
In conclusion, Maulana Azad started the newspaper Al Hilal as a means to educate and mobilize the Indian population during the freedom struggle.

Introduction:
Al Hilal was a newspaper that played a crucial role in the Indian freedom struggle. It was founded by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a prominent leader, scholar, and freedom fighter. This newspaper became a platform for the expression of nationalist sentiments and the dissemination of ideas that challenged British rule in India.

Explanation:
Maulana Azad:
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, born on November 11, 1888, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and a key figure in the Indian independence movement. He was a scholar, journalist, and a staunch advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity. Maulana Azad is widely known for his contributions to the field of education and his role in the freedom struggle.

The Establishment of Al Hilal:
In 1912, Maulana Azad founded the newspaper Al Hilal, which means "The Crescent" in Arabic. The newspaper was published in Urdu and aimed to awaken the Indian masses to the injustices of British colonial rule. Al Hilal became a powerful medium for spreading nationalist ideas and mobilizing public opinion against British imperialism.

Objectives of Al Hilal:
1. Nationalism: Al Hilal aimed to promote a sense of nationalism and unity among the Indian people. It highlighted the importance of Indian culture, heritage, and traditions, while criticizing the British attempts to suppress and undermine these aspects of Indian identity.

2. Anti-British Sentiments: The newspaper openly criticized British policies and exposed the exploitative nature of colonial rule. It called for the complete independence of India and urged the people to unite in their struggle against British imperialism.

3. Social Reforms: Al Hilal also addressed social issues such as women's rights, caste discrimination, and economic exploitation. It advocated for the upliftment and empowerment of marginalized sections of society.

4. Education and Awareness: Maulana Azad used Al Hilal as a platform to educate and inspire the masses. The newspaper published articles on various subjects, including history, politics, literature, and social issues. It aimed to create an informed and aware citizenry that would actively participate in the freedom struggle.

Government Suppression:
The British government perceived Al Hilal as a threat to their rule and banned the newspaper in 1914. Maulana Azad was arrested and imprisoned for his nationalist activities. However, the impact of Al Hilal continued to resonate within the Indian nationalist movement, inspiring countless individuals to join the struggle for independence.

Conclusion:
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's newspaper Al Hilal played a pivotal role in shaping nationalist sentiment and mobilizing public opinion against British colonial rule. Through its powerful articles and advocacy for Indian independence, Al Hilal contributed significantly to the Indian freedom struggle.