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Raja Sahibzada Singh and his wife, Rani Panchratn Devi, gave birth to Veer Kunwar Singh on 13th November 1777. Kunwar Singh was born in the district of Shahabad, now known as Bhojpur, situated in the then province of Jagdishpur. Kunwar Singh had inherited bravery and courage from his father, who was staunchly anti-British. Besides being a skilled warrior and a keen huntsman, He was also a dedicated environmentalist. Kunwar, after his father died in 1826, became the taluqdar of Jagdispur. The moment he inherited the throne of Jagdishpur, he began a dedicated campaign toward reforestation.
Kunwar’s Role in the 1857 Indian Rebellion
Kunwar Singh, at nearly the age of eighty, despite struggling with his health, led the Indian rebellion of 1857 as a military commander in Bihar. He dedicated himself to the cause of liberating his motherland and soon took charge of the rebel warriors stationed at Danapur. He was backed by his brothers, Babu Amar Singh and Hare Krishna Singh, his commander-in-chief. While the reign of Kunwar Singh was just and fair towards his subjects, it was one of the biggest obstacles for the British East India Company in terms of imperialism in the entire nation. However, the reason for which Veer Kunwar Singh hurt the British interests the most was his wizardry in guerilla warfare.
Important Events of the War
Battle on 25th July 1857
Kunwar followed the instructions of the soldiers who had revolted at Danapur on 25 July. His forces fought the Britishers with full force and liberated Jagdishpur and Arrah. However, the Britishers could not afford to lose control over the Jagdishpur fort.
They attacked Kunwar Singh’s forces and were repulsed in the same way.
Battle on 3rd August 1857
On the 3rd of August, the forces of Major Vincent Eyre attacked Arrah with a huge force and established British rule again, which destroyed Jagdishpur.
Veer Kunwar Lost his Left Arm
While Kunwar’s army crossed the Ganges river during the rebellion, Douglas’ forces began to shoot at their boat. Singh was shot, and a bullet struck his left wrist. Kunwar realised that his hand had become useless due to the bullet shot. The wound was immense, and he worried that the infection could jeopardise his plans to reclaim Jagdishpur. Therefore, to prevent infection, he cut his hand with his sword near the elbow and offered it to the Ganges.
Regardless of such daunting circumstances, Kunwar refused to give up.
Occupying Azamgarh Fort
He reached Lucknow in December 1857 and met other rebel leaders. Along with his warriors, he planned what the British had least expected. They attacked one of the most prized possessions, i.e., the British cantonment at Azamgarh, and occupied it.
Kunwar’s Final Battle
As a result, Brigadier Douglas was frustrated with the constant defeat of his rule. Soon after, Brigadier commanded his entire army to chase Kunwar and his army. As a result, they moved once again to their home in Ara, Bihar. On 22 April 1858, Veer Kunwar Singh fought the ultimate battle of his life. In this battle, an eighty-year-old warrior efficiently combated soldiers much younger than him of the Douglas army.
Death
On 23rd April, Singh defeated the force led by Captain le Grand and gained a victory near Jagdishpur. Veer Kunwar Singh dedicatedly fought and slew the British invaders despite being badly wounded. The British had to concede defeat ultimately. Instead of the Union Jack, the saffron flag of Jagdishpur was fluttering on top of the fort. Kunwar Singh was successful in liberating his motherland yet again. However, sadly, he did not live long to cherish his victory. He took his last breath on the 26th of April, 1858.
Post Death
The responsibility of the old chief was now on his brother Amar Singh II, and his brother Hare Krishna Singh continued to serve under him. Amar Singh led a parallel government in the district of Shahabad for a considerable time. Later in October 1859, he joined the rebel leaders in the Nepal Terai. Hare Krishna Singh died in 1859 after being captured and hanged by the British troops.
Conclusion:
Kunwar Singh’s contribution as a military commander in the Indian rebellion of 1857 against the British forces was truly an act of bravery. He fought them by hook or by crook until his last breath. There are very few warriors who fought a war, the same age as Kunwar Singh. He is truly an inspiration for the youth to have the courage and faith in themselves to combat the obstacles in life. 23rd of April in Bihar is marked as a public holiday as Veer Kunwar Singh Jayanti celebrates Kunwar Singh’s courage and contribution to his motherland during the Indian rebellion of 1857.
