The Indian government is all set to pay respectful homage to the laudable freedom fighter Veer Kunwar Singh on his approaching birth anniversary, April 23rd. This commendable icon of bravery and resilience has been at the forefront of India’s battle for freedom against British rule. His heroic deeds and strategic warfare are renowned stories of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, particularly in the state of Bihar.
Veer Kunwar Singh: An Introduction
Born in 1777, Veer Kunwar Singh hailed from the Ujjainiya clan of the Parmar Rajputs, a prominent lineage in Jagdispur, which is now part of Bhojpur district in Bihar. His distinguished position as the chief organizer against the British in Bihar earned him extensive respect and recognition among his followers. Despite his deteriorating health around the age of 80, he was still asked to raise his weapons against the oppressors, reflecting his indomitable spirit and reputation.
Military Success and Contributions
Singh’s military success initially was attributed not only to his courage but also to the support of his brother, Babu Amar Singh, and his commander-in-chief, Hare Krishna Singh. However, some suggest that the latter was the key factor behind Singh’s initial military achievements.
Regardless of who was behind his success, Singh proved to be a formidable adversary to the British forces. Using his expertise in guerilla warfare, he not only gave a tough fight but also remained invincible until his end. After almost a year of keeping the British forces at bay, he passed away on April 26, 1858.
Remembering Veer Kunwar Singh
To commemorate Singh’s valuable contribution to India’s struggle for independence, the Republic of India issued a special stamp on April 23, 1966. Further, as a tribute to his outstanding role in the freedom movement, the Government of Bihar established the Veer Kunwar Singh University in Arrah in 1992.
Recent Tributes
In more recent years, several other initiatives have been undertaken to keep Singh’s legacy alive. In 2017, the Veer Kunwar Singh Setu, also known as the Arrah–Chhapra Bridge, was inaugurated, linking northern and southern Bihar.
In 2018, marking the 160th death anniversary of Kunwar Singh, the government relocated a statue of him to Hardinge Park. Furthermore, the park was officially renamed as ‘Veer Kunwar Singh Azadi Park’ as a fitting tribute to this stalwart hero.
Through all these gestures, the Indian government has ensured that Veer Kunwar Singh’s valiant contributions are remembered and appreciated by successive generations. Therefore, the upcoming birth anniversary will not just commemorate his birth but will also be a celebration of his enduring legacy in India’s fight for freedom.