During the days of the Revolt of 1857, Maulavi Ahmadullah Shah was known as Danka Shah and Nakkaar Shah. He actively fought against the British government during the revolt. He was seen moving from village to village preaching jehad against the British and urging people to rebel. He moved in a palanquin, with drumbeaters in front and followers at the rear. He was, therefore, popularly called Danka Shah – the Maulavi with the drum (danka).