Tatya Tope (File Photo)
Shaheed Tatya Tope, the superstar, revolutionary and patriotic commander of the 1857 revolution, was hanged on this day in the year 1959. Tatya Tope was one of the most harassed freedom fighters who harass the British. The British were so scared of him that he was hanged on 7 April 1859 only 11 days after catching him.
Tatya Tope’s full name was Ramchandra Pandurang Tope. He was born in 1814 in a Marathi Brahmin family in Yevala, Nashik (Maharashtra). His father Pandurang Rao Tope was an important officer in the court of Peshwa Bajirao II. His mother’s name was Rukmini Bai. Tatya Tope’s childhood was spent in Bithoor, Kanpur, where Peshwa Bajirao II was deported by the British government. He received his early education in Bithoor itself. Apart from Marathi, Sanskrit, he was also taught war art.
1857 contribution to war
Tatya Tope was a close friend and associate of Nana Saheb, the adopted son of Peshwa Bajirao II. He had a deep relationship with Nana Saheb, and he became his confidant. Along with Nana Saheb, he learned the art of guerrilla warfare. On the basis of this art, he became one of the most important leaders in the first freedom struggle of 1857. The revolt of Indian soldiers and citizens against the British East India Company was crushed by the British, but Tatya Tope kept it alive through a guerrilla war.
Passed in guerrilla warfare
Tatya Tope led the war against the British Army in Kanpur. He played an important role in capturing Kanpur and defeated the British Army several times. He was famous for the guerrilla war policy. They used to change the location rapidly and dodge the British Army with their strategy. He along with Rani Laxmibai fought against the British Army in Jhansi and Gwalior. Gwalior was one of his biggest achievements, although it was for a very short time.
Hanged after betrayal
In April 1859, Tatya Tope’s aide Man Singh betrayed and informed the British Army about his location. On 7 April 1859, Tatya Tope was caught by the British Army in Shivpuri (Madhya Pradesh). British officials hanged him on 18 April 1859 without a long trial. Some local stories and historians claim that Tatya Tope survived hanging and lived secretly. However, according to historical documents, he died due to hanging.
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