Long March of a Hindu Rajput

Monday, August 22, 2011

Rana Kanwar Singh of Jagdispurs Epic Long March from Dinapur to Azam Garh

The three regiments at Dinapur i.e. 7th Native Infantry, 8th Native Infantry and 40 Native Infantry rebelled on 25th July 1857232 and the indomitable 82-year-old Hindu Rajput Talukdar Kanwar Singh of Jagdispur became their leader233. 


Under his leadership the three regiments attacked the British garrison at Arrah but were repulsed. Now Kanwar Singh wanted to march to Lucknow but since the Ganges River was a major obstacle and it was tactically dangerous to cross it by boat Kanwar Singh marched towards Banda in Central India234. 


From here he went to Kalpi and crossed the Jamna into the Doab. He reached Lucknow after crossing the Ganges north of Cawnpore.

 The rebels at Lucknow entrusted him to look after Azamgarh. Kanwar Singh marched to Azamgarh and died in 1858 as a result of wounds received in a battle235. 


His brother Ammar Singh continued his struggle till late 1858. The 12th Irregular Cavalry at Segowlee on the Nepal border rebelled in June 1857 and joined the rebels at Lucknow after a 300-mile march. 


The 32 Native Infantry in Orissa also rebelled in June 1857 and joined the rebels at Banda in Central India. Parts of this regiment however stayed loyal and survived the rebellion236.

232 Page-29-Fitz Gerald and Lee-Op Cit.Lord Stanley's Report-Op Cit.Page-434 ,435 and 443-Lieut F.G Cardew-Op Cit.

233 Pages-254 to 263-S.N Sen -Op Cit and Page-382-Dictionary of Modern Indian History-Op Cit.

234 Pages-21, 23, 25, 29, 35, 36 till 88- The Revolt in Central India-1857-59-Intelligence Branch-Army Headquarters - Simla-1908.

235 Page-382-Dictionary of Modern Indian History-Op Cit.

236 Pages-21 to 68-The Revolt in Central India-Op Cit.