Nana Saheb Peshwa - Immortal Fighter of 1857

The year 1857 is an important milestone in the history of Indian freedom struggle. Foregoing all barriers of region, province, class, caste and religion, entire country rose to participate in the common cause of ending the foriegn rule. The beginning of national struggle eventually culminated in the independence of the country in 1947.

Several sagas of patriotism and bravery were created during the struggle. A descendent of Pune's Maratha Peshwas. Nana Saheb, was the leading superhero of the struggle. Under his clever leadership was shaped the scheme of this great war and very secretly a grand organisation was erected. Several intellectuals believe that if the rebellion had not erupted before time, it would certainly have resulted in country's freedom.

Well known author Dr Harikrishna Devsare has represented various dimensions of Nana Saheb's personality.

The great freedom struggle of Eighteen Hundred Fifty Seven is a glorious ballad of Indian History in which such amazing attempt to win freedom for the country and to root out the foreign rule was made that British rulers themselves were taken aback. It was only their good fortune that the revolution planned against the British rule was flared up by women of Meerut before time and the British not only became alert but in order to crush the revolution whereas they threw in all their might, they also initiated measures to consolidate British rule in India. Even British historians have recognised the Meerut incident to be advantageous for them.

The name of the man who had prepared ground for the year Fifty Seven revolution and its secret organisation with his colleagues Ajimullah Khan, Tatya Tope, Jwala Prasad etc. in Bithur, was Nana Dhundhupant Peshwa. He was an adopted son of Peshwa Bajirao. Nana Saheb had planned such a revolution in Indian history that had it flared up according to his plan, in the entire country on the pre-determined date 31st May 1857, then, as admitted by British historians themselves, it was impossible for them to stay on in India for what to say of a day but an hour more. But it could not be so.

What an irony it is that pro-British Indian historians have confined Nana Saheb’s plan of revolution, whose organisational strength has been admired by even British historians, to the description of ‘soldiers' rebellion’ by saying that Nana Saheb’s opposition and revolt was due only to the fact that British Government had stopped his paternal pension. But why do we forget that due to mutual discord all indigenous rulers of India were scattered at that time and were not only playing into the hands of British but in having India into the clutches of chains of servitude they were helping them too. In the circumstances, Nana Saheb’s plan of revolution was extraordinary. Besides, we should not forget also that this was not merely an expression of his personal pain but the pain of people of the whole country, who had suffered in the hands of British for a hundred years, was also involved in it.

The organisation that Nana Saheb had raised for the revolution was so secret and amazing that Britishers had no inkling about it. Even British historians have commended implementation of his plan. The efficiency with which Nana Saheb had spread his organisation throughout the country for the struggle, the way he had sent abroad and to every corner of the country his propagandists, despite lack of means of communication, is indicative of his amazing organising ability and talent.

Once the revolution flared up before the due date, to make it wait till the due date was beyond anyone and so Nana Saheb assumed the responsibility to take it forward to the goal of success. The spirit that he had roused among freedom lovers of the country had shaken the British rule. But with Britishers getting time to crush the revolution, Indian Army itself attacking Indians, refusal of many kings to cooperate with revolutionaries and instead giving support to the British, the 1857 revolution failed. However, to make it a success Nana, with associated heroes of revolution, Tatya Tope, Begum Hazrat Mahal, Maulvi Ahmedshah etc. fought till the last breath.

In this book, those aspects of Nana Saheb’s personality and actions are highlighted that prove that he was the main oeprator of 1857 revolution. Contrary to pro-British historians’ account, in this book the character of Nana Saheb has been presented as an amazing visionary of revolution and a patriot that he truly deserved. It is hoped that readers will find this glorious ballad stimulating. Applauds to Government of India's Publications Division for implementing the scheme of publishing books on the great heroes of 1857 revolution.

**Contents and Sample Pages**