The chief organiser of the Revolt of 1857 in Bihar was?
VerifiedAnswer: Kunwar Singh
Explanation:
Kunwar Singh emerged as the most prominent leader of the 1857 revolt in Bihar, demonstrating exceptional courage and organizational skills despite his advanced age. Born in 1777, he was already 80 years old when the rebellion broke out, yet he became one of the most effective military commanders of the uprising.
Kunwar Singh belonged to the royal family of Jagdishpur in the Shahabad district of Bihar. As a zamindar, he had witnessed the gradual erosion of traditional power structures under British rule, which motivated him to join the resistance movement. His deep understanding of local terrain and strong connections with the rural population made him an ideal leader for organizing the revolt in Bihar.
When news of the Meerut uprising reached Bihar in June 1857, Kunwar Singh immediately joined the rebellion. He successfully mobilized local support and organized a formidable force against the British. His strategic approach involved:
• Building alliances with other local leaders and zamindars
• Utilizing guerrilla warfare tactics effectively
• Maintaining strong communication networks across different regions
• Inspiring loyalty among peasants and soldiers alike
Kunwar Singh's military campaigns extended beyond Bihar as he led his forces into Uttar Pradesh and other regions. His most famous victory came at the Battle of Arrah, where his forces successfully besieged the British garrison for several days. This victory boosted the morale of rebels across the region and established his reputation as a skilled military strategist.
Despite facing overwhelming British forces and superior weaponry, Kunwar Singh continued his resistance for nearly a year. His dedication to the cause remained unwavering even when he was severely wounded in battle. According to historical accounts, when his hand was injured by a bullet during a river crossing, he courageously cut it off himself to prevent infection from spreading.
Kunwar Singh passed away in April 1858, shortly after recapturing his ancestral fort at Jagdishpur. His death marked the end of organized resistance in Bihar, but his legacy as a fearless freedom fighter lived on. The British themselves acknowledged his military prowess and leadership qualities, considering him one of their most formidable opponents during the revolt.
Today, Kunwar Singh is remembered as "Bihar Kesari" (Lion of Bihar) and is celebrated as one of India's greatest freedom fighters. His contribution to the 1857 revolt demonstrates that the spirit of resistance against colonial rule was not limited to young revolutionaries but also inspired elderly patriots who were willing to sacrifice everything for their motherland.
