Tatya Tope
1814 - 1859
Ramachandra Pandurang popularly called, as Tatya Tope was an
able leader of the great uprising of 1857. He was a personal
adherent of Nana Saheb of Kanpur. He progressed with the
Gwalior contingent after the British reoccupation of Kanpur
and forced General Windham to retreat from Kanpur. Later on,
he came to the rescue of Rani Laxmi Bai. However he was
defeated by General Napier's troops and was executed by the
British Government at Shivpuri on 18th April 1859.
One of the greatest heroes of the Great uprising of 1857,
Tatya Tope was born in 1814 at Yevla
in Nashik District of Maharashtra State. He was the only child of Pandurang
and his wife Rukhmabai. Having brought up in Bithoor, he came
into contact with Nana Saheb Peshwa. He was a great admirer of
Nana Saheb, who was ready to sacrifice his life for him. Tatya
Tope was the only person who witnessed the rebellion since the
Kanpur revolt till his own end on 18th April 1859.
Tatya Tope was the Commander - in - chief of the rebel army of
Shivarajpur. He defended Kanpur gallantly and captured Kalpi.
His able leadership led to the victory of Indian forces at
Kanpur. He won a number of battles against the British. His
guerilla tactics frightened the British Generals.
The British army was directed in searching him while he was
wandering in jungles. Tatya kept himself busy in organizing
the forces during this period. He along with Rani Laxmi Bai
seized Gwalior, but later he was defeated by Sir Collin
Campbell. The British army surrounded him from all sides. He
managed to escape and fled to the jungle. For a couple of
months, he was wandering in jungles facing unimaginable
difficulties and hardships.
During this critical juncture of his life, a traitor informed
the British about the place, where he hid. The British army
captured him on 7
April 1859 and was trailed in the court. He admitted boldly
"What he did, was for his own mother land and he has no
regrets". He was hanged and ultimately the First War of Indian
Independence came to an end.
The great uprising of 1857 was a remarkable event under the
commanding guidance of Tatya Tope. He was a man of an adored
and most admired personality who had courage, zeal and
foresight. His timely help to Rani Laxmi Bai some how created
a hope but the luck was in favour of the British which led to
their defeat.
With Tatya's death on 18th April 1859 the sun of the great
uprising was set forever.
