Q. Critically examine the role of kunwar singh in the revolt of 1857. [53-55 BPSC/2012] OR Evaluate the role of kunwar singh in the revolt of 1857. [43 BPSC/2001]

Q. Critically examine the role of kunwar singh in the revolt of 1857. [53-55 BPSC/2012]

OR

Evaluate the role of kunwar singh in the revolt of 1857. [43 BPSC/2001]

Ans:
The revolt of 1857 was a the most formidable challenge faced by British rule in 19th century. It was a cumulative effect of British expansionist policies, economic exploitation and administrative innovation of British which had affected almost all section of the society e.g. Peasants, Zamindar, traders, artisans etc.

Kunwar Singh was a Zamindar family of the Ujjainiya clan of the Parmar Rajputs of Jagdispur, currently a part of Bhojpur district, Bihar. He is known for the remarkable role he played during the revolt of 1857. He was the chief organizer of the revolt against the British in Bihar. He is popularly known as Veer Kunwar Singh.

His role during the revolt of 1857:

• Pre-planning: Being deprived of his estates by British, he already had his grievances against British rule. Even before outbreak of revolt in Bihar, Kunwar singh had started preparation for the revolt.
  • Had got his fort repaired.
  • Set up factory for production of arms and ammunition.
  • Had arranged a select band of armed soldiers of 10,000.
• Provided leadership:
  • Kunwar Singh was looked upon as natural leader by most rebel in Bihar.
  • On 25 July 1857, three regiments of Danapur revolted. Next day, the troops crossed river Sone and reached Shahabad in an effort to organised themselves under leadership of eighty years old Kunwar Singh, who had already launched a movement against the British.
  • When some Bihar rebels were being tried in 1857, one of them declared, ‘the supremacy of the English and the Company is at an end, and it is now Kunwar Singh’s reign’.
  • Kunwar Singh had large number of followers including his brother Amar Singh, Ritnarain Singh; his nephews Nishan Singh and Jai Krishna Singh as well as some other Zamindars.
  • The rebels of Danapur, Chhotanagpur, Manbhum, Singhbhum and Palamu wanted to carry on the struggle under his common leadership.
• He captured Ara (on 27th July 1857) and declared himself the ruler of Ara.
  • Captain Denver was dispatched from Danapur and was defeated. The victory of Kunwar Singh was celebrated by the people.
  • Major Vincent Eyre, attacked Kunwar Singh and a fierce battle followed. on August 3, Kunwar Singh realizing his adverse situation started guerilla warfare and shifted out of Bihar.
• Used guerilla technique of warfare and keeping his men mobilised:
  • He avoided fixed position and moved around extensively in areas like Mirzapur, Rewa, Banda, Lucknow and Kanpur.
  • This was the reason why his rebellions could be sustained for such a long time
• He tried to forge alliance with other rebel leaders to give the revolt a pan-Indian character:
  • At Kanpur, he met peshwa Nana Saheb. Along with Tatya Tope and Nana Saheb, he participated in fight of Nana saheb and Kanpur was re-captured.
  • At Lucknow, he met with rebel leaders and occupied Azamgarh defeating Colonel Millman and Danes. He managed to repel the initial British attempts to take the area.
    • At Lucknow, he was offered a rob of honour, 12,000 rupees and Azamgarh fort.
• Showed utmost bravery and continuously annoyed British:
  • When he was at Azamgarh, Lord Canning sent Lord Luggard. But, timely informed Kunwar Singh decided to leave Azamgarh and proceeded to Gazipur. Luggard couldn’t capture Kunwar Singh.
    • People of Gazipur accorded him a heroic welcome.
  • Now, Luggard send Douglas after him. Prize of 25,000 was announced for his arrest.
  • On 17 April, 1858, Douglas attacked him but was forced to retreat. In this fight, a bullet shattered Singh’s left hand. Kunwar Singh drew his sword and cut off his left hand near the elbow and offered it to the Ganges.
  • Pursued by Brigadier Douglas, he retreated towards his native village Jagdishpur on 22 April, 1858. Lee Grand was just awaiting him. Despite injury, Kunwar Singh defeated British army.
  • Thus, all the places, he gave a good fight to British and remained invincible until the end. His tactics left the British puzzled.
  • 3 days later, on 26 April 1858, Kunwar Singh yield to his injury.
• Inspired the other leaders in Bihar:
  • Kunwar Singh inspired the leaders in Chhotanagpur, Santhal Parganas and other parts of Bihar to carry on the struggle
  • After his death, his brother Amar Singh continued the fight with British

Critics has pointed to some limitations for the role played by him:

• Some historians like Judith Brown, Erick stroke have viewed the revolt having feudal and elitist character because of the leadership provided by feudal lord. They have named Kunwar Singh also as an example for such feudal lords.
• It has been pointed that Kunwar Singh was deprived of his estates by British and he was partly motivated by his personal interest. 
• His actual own force was small. He had with him about twelve hundred Sipahis, trained in the Indian army, and a few hundreds of untrained adherents, dependents of himself, his brother, and other discontented landowners of the province. With such a force he could not hope to make a serious impression.
• Violent nature of his role had its own limitations. Like other leaders of that time, he too was unaware about the idea of non-violence.
• Overall the movement was backward looking and traditional in outlook. His resistance represented no societal alternative.  

Despite few limitations, Kunwar Singh led a remarkable movement against the British rule. He showed highest level of bravery, foresightedness, discipline, diplomatic and strategic skills as well as value of patriotism. Commenting on his role played during revolt of 1857, a British historian remarked, ‘if he would have been young, British would have to leave India‘.