Account of the Unrecognized First Conflict in Indian Independence's History
Going Back to the Battlefields of Old:
Uncovering forgotten tales and unearthing unsung heroes, that's what the pages of "The Raja, the Rebel, the Monk" offer. J.N. Sinha's captivating work delves into the life of Fateh Bahadur Sahi, a septic in historical records, yet a key player in our nation's struggle for independence.
Sahi, the 99th raja of Huseypur, was more than just a regional ruler. He became a rebel, marauding the territories of the rising British Empire for over three decades, long before the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. His reign extended over districts in Bihar, into Gorakhpur, Awadh, and possibly even Nepal.
Historians G.N. Dutt and D.N. Dutt, in their works published in 1905 and 1909, respectively, recognized the significance of Fateh Sahi and his resistance against the British. However, the raja has remained largely ignored by academia. The current book is an attempt to change that and bring Fateh Sahi's incredible story back to the forefront.
In 1750, Sahi ascended the throne of Huseypur, seven years before the Battle of Plassey. In 1767, when the collector of Siwan sent revenue officers to him, he rebelled against the British rule, holding his ground for a fierce battle. Although dislodged, Sahi didn't back down, retreating to the Bhagjogni jungles of Gorakhpur and embarking on a three-decade guerrilla war.
This reviewer won't go into exhaustive details of Sahi's campaigns and battles here, as they would stretch the limits, but suffice it to say that the raja's repeated attacks on British-held territories were a thorn in the side of the East India Company and instigated a series of rebellions, like that of Rani Sarveshwari Devi in Santal Parganas, and inspiring the Lalgola zamindars in Murshidabad.
Sahi eventually set up the Tamkuhi raj, crowned his successor, and renounced his rule to become an ascetic in 1808. The Hathwa court, under his leadership, pioneered the Bhojpuri folk theatre form, nautanki.
Two enigmatic figures are associated with Fateh Sahi's rebellion: Begum Samru and Walter Reinhardt Sombre, who are believed to have played a role in the Battle of Buxar in 1764, and Ahilyabai Holkar, who supposedly knew of the rebellious zamindar. It's speculated that he may have tried to mobilize other powerful figures in his quest for independence.
"The Raja, the Rebel, the Monk" is a praiseworthy attempt to shine a light on an overlooked chapter of our national history. The book (pp. 240, Rs 599) ensures an informative and engaging read that will undoubtedly pique the interest of history enthusiasts everywhere.
The captivating book, "The Raja, the Rebel, the Monk," sheds light on a forgotten figure, Fateh Bahadur Sahi, who played a crucial role in the resistance against British colonization. This narrative also illustrates the intricate interplay between local politics, war-and-conflicts, and general-news, as Sahi's rebellion inspired other liberation movements in neighboring regions.
