Jat Heroes Who Made History

[DrRajpalSingh]

श्री देशवाल जी,

इस जानकारी के लिए आपका अभिनन्दन | आपके द्वारा दी गयी जानकारी के पक्ष में मुझे कुछ और तथ्य मिले (शायद आप इनसे पहले से ही अवगत हों ) जो मैं यहाँ शेयर कर रहा हूँ |
एक इतिहासकार हैं श्री एम. एल. वर्मा जी, जिन्होंने २७ फ़रवरी सन १९८५ को विज्ञान भवन नई दिल्ली में शहीद श्री प. रामप्रसाद 'बिस्मिल' जी पर एक पेपर(Pt. Ram Prasad 'Bismil'-A warrior of Pen & Pistol) प्रस्तुत किया था | श्री वर्मा जी ने शहीद श्री बिस्मिल जी पर काफी रिसर्च किया है और इस पेपर के अतिरिक्त भी कई पेपर श्री 'बिमिल्ल' जी पर लिखे हैं | जब मैंने उनको इन्टरनेट पर पड़ा तो उन्ही से श्री बिस्मिल जी की कास्ट के बारे में सवाल पूछा जिसका उत्तर मैं नीचे पेस्ट कर रहा हूँ:
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I know Ram Prasad 'Bismil' was a "Kshatriya" by caste (i.e. Tomar which is an "Alla" of "Kshatriya Swarnkars". His ancestral home is in "Barbai" village of "Morena" district in "Madhya Pradesh", where "Kok Singh" of his ancestral race is still living.
The widow of his sister's son late "Harishchandra" is still living in the "Kosma" village of "Mainpuri" district in "U.P."
Since he was a renowned intellectual of "Arya Samaj" we call him "Pandit".
This is the only reason behind writing a prefix "Pandit" before his name.
I hope the matter is very clear to everybody now.
Dr.'Krant'M.L.Verma
0981151477

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अपनी पोस्ट में श्री एम एल वर्मा जी का जिक्र मात्र इसलिए कर रहा हूँ की जात इतिहासकारों के अलावा भी इतिहासकार हैं जो ये जानते हैं की श्री बिस्मिल जी क्षत्रिय(अंतत: जाट) थे |ऐसी स्थिति में क्या विकिपीडिया को अपडेट करने के प्रयास किये जा सकते हैं ? जहाँ पर न सिर्फ जाट इतिहासकारों का बल्कि गेर जाट इतिहासकारों का भी सन्दर्भ दिया जा सके |

प्रकाशमय जानकारी प्रदान करने के लिए एक फिर से आपका धन्यवाद,
नीरज चाहर

Chahar Sahib,

Mr. M L Sharma as quoted by you does not support that he was Jat/Tomar because Mr. Sharma has used word "Kshatriya.'' If you could provide the text of the paper presented or reference of proceeding of the conference from where we could locate his paper which says that he was Jat, then only his reference about the caste of the martyr can be quoted as Tomar Jat.

Otherwise, Deswalji has already settled the case with the help of the evidence provided by the sister of the martyr Bismil. This is more weighty evidence than putting words in the mouth of any non-quotable source.

Thanks

[dndeswal]

.

मैं भी दो-तीन आर्यसमाजी लोगों को जानता हूं जिन्होंने बिस्मिल की बहन शास्त्रीदेवी की आर्थिक मदद की थी और उनसे काफी जानकारियां लीं थीं । शास्त्रीदेवी भी कहा करती थी कि उनके पिताजी और पूर्वजों का गोत्र तोमर था, चाहे राजपूत कह लो या जाट।

हां, यह सत्य है कि विद्वान आदमी को पंडित कहते हैं। पंडित कोई जाति या गोत्र नहीं है, न ही यह शब्द 'ब्राह्मण' का पर्यायवाची है। इस लिहाज से रामप्रसाद बिस्मिल को पंडित कहा जाये तो कोई हर्ज नहीं।

जगदेव सिंह सिद्धान्ती (अहलावत) को भी सभी 'पंडित' ही कहते थे।

.

[DrRajpalSingh]

Those who forget their past are bound to be erased from the memory of the nation enshrined on the pages of history. The contribution of the Jats towards nation building and fighting for the security of the boundaries of the motherland has been immense but finds little mention in text books. We have started this thread to acquaint the people about this predicament and thus facilitate the readers to share their studies on the lives and contributions of the Jat Heroes through the Ages.

Readers are welcome to put their own studies and/or views, comments on them.

[DrRajpalSingh]

MARTYR RAJA NAHAR SINGH

Who can forget the War of Indian Independence waged by the patriots in 1857, which the British sought to deride by labeling as ‘mere sepoy mutiny?’ Actually that was India’s First War of Independence in very true sense of the word, when people from all walks of life rose against the British rule and joined the fight to drive away the British? Since the country wide celebrations to commemorate the completion of 150 years of the occurrence are being organized it is high time to ponder over the need of paying our heartfelt tribute to all those brave Indians who laid down their lives in this war so that succeeding generations of the country could live a better and honorable life. Indeed, India may truly be grateful when she calls to mind records so brilliant and deeds so honorable, and remembers the glorious part borne by her children in handing down to posterity, notwithstanding shortcomings, failures and errors, one of the most memorable chapters of her golden history.
On this occasion, we fondly remember the contribution of many a persons who played significant roles in their own areas and in their own way. Several of them have been recognized as national heroes but martyr Raja Nahar Singh is one such hero who has by and large remained unrecognized, unsung and totally misunderstood. He was the ruler of petty state of Ballbhgarh in the vicinity of Delhi. His kingdom comprised of 121 villages and towns spread over an area of about 305 sq. kms with population of 57000.

Contd/-

[DrRajpalSingh]

Nahar Singh born to Raja Ram Singh and Basant Kaur at Ballbhgarh on 6^th April 1821 received his education at the feet of his preceptors Pandit Kulkarni and Maulvi Rahman Khan. Since he was barely a child of about 9 his father expired in 1830 so his uncle Nawal Singh took over the responsibility of running the state affairs till on attainment of adulthood, Nahar Singh was coroneted in 1839. Prior to it, Nahar Singh received tutorship in martial arts also and soon grew to be an adept horse rider and fine shooter. Even as a child, he had a great passion for hunting and shooting. As a boy he displayed rare skill in this art by shooting down the lion single handedly, which had earlier killed his comrade in the hunting expedition. As he grew up to manhood he found himself irresistibly drawn towards showing feats of shooting so much so that he was considered to be an expert shot and adept aims man by those who had seen him in action. Moreover, his feats of bravery and heroism were amply demonstrated in his participation in fiercely contested battles of Hindon and Badli-ki-Sarai in defence of Delhi against the onslaught of the British as recorded by contemporary British authors.

contd/----

[DrRajpalSingh]

His sense of patriotism goaded him to raise the banner of revolt against the British and join the Indian forces led by Emperor Bahadur Shah. Once the plunge was undertaken there was no chance of looking back. He not only undertook to drive away the British from the paraganas of Fatehpur and Palwal but also displayed rare capacity of administrative skills in maintaining safety of national highway from Delhi to Hodal.
His letters to the Emperor on the issue throw ample light on the administrative qualities of the Raja, who went through minutest details of the problem and took required steps at an appropriate time. He kept complete surveillance of the movements of the enemy activities and put his fast camel riders to report the matter to the Emperor immediately on any new development in the situation. This they did as is testified from the eye witness record of Munshi Jeevan Lal, who noted in his diary on 25^th May, 1857: “at the time of prayer, a camel rider arrived from the raja of Ballbhgarh to report that he had seen an English force advancing on the city.” This aspect of his character and activities endeared him to the Emperor who entrusted him to “join the duty to command Delhi regiment” and also undertake “to snap the enemy’s supply line from the south of Delhi.” He made the security arrangements so thorough that even John Lawrence, the Chief Commissioner of Punjab was astonished to admit and report to Lord Canning, the Governor General of India that ‘The East and the South (of Delhi) is protected by the strong forces of Raja Nahar Singh of Ballbhgarh, and it is unlikely we can break this wall of soldiers unless we receive reinforcements from China or England.”

To be continued........

[DrRajpalSingh]

Raja Nahar Singh was a humanist to the core and saved the lives of all those who sought shelter under his kingdom but he was also a patriot par excellence and did not extend any help to District Collector William Ford when he was running for collecting forces to curb the activities of the freedom fighters in and around his territories. Rather he ignored him. On the other hand, he became a pillar of strength to the freedom fighters. He not only took active interest in their work; but also helped the cause with liberal contributions. For those sepoys of the native infantry or cavalry, who revolted against the British, he opened the gates of services in Ballbhgarh forces with enhanced pay and promotional ranks.

As a result of it, according to narrative of Munshi Jeevan Lal by 17^th July 1857 the Raja “had taken into his service 200 troopers who had lately been in the employ of the English.” The number continued to swell in the subsequent period. Incidentally, one such sepoy who was granted rank of Naik, appeared as a witness to testify the fact before the Military Commission, which was established to try Raja Nahar Singh.

As a matter of fact, to further fortify his armed strength, the Raja not only raised new levies but also collected as much as possible latest weaponry and other war material as was revealed from the recovery of large number of horses, bullocks, carts, English rifles and dresses from his fort after the British assaulted it.

Contd.....

[DrRajpalSingh]

There was no communal divide or discrimination based on caste, creed or faith in the polity of Jat rulers so Raja Nahar Singh also threw open all civil and military jobs open to all his subjects. He recruited the fittest persons to run his administration persons from all walks of life on the basis of talent. As such Hakim Abdul Haq rose to be his prime minister and Mr. Munro became the keeper of royal seals and correspondence. Full faith was reposed in the capability of other persons in the civil and military services as well. To further strengthen the communal bond and foster harmony between his Hindu and Muslim subjects, Nahar Singh seems to follow the policy of ‘sulah-kul’ initiated by Akbar. His letter dated 27^th May 1857 addressed to the Emperor makes it clear that in view of the absence of any Mosque for the performance of religious ceremonies of his Muslim subjects, he took steps to provide one. The letter reads: Although “I profess the Hindu religion, having observed the conduct and behaviour of those who say that God above is supreme, I have remained in subjection to the guidance of the leaders of the Mohammedan faith, in so much that, although from the first existence of the town, there had been no Mohammedan Mosque, either in the fort or outside in the market, I have caused a lofty one, for congregational prayers, built of stone, to be created within the Fort itself. I have, moreover, had an Eedgah, a place set apart exclusively for prayers at the festival of the Eed, built near my garden called the Dilkhusha, to encourage and conciliate the Mohammedans.”

What a generous step to provide such a facility to the people belonging to the religion other than professed by the bountiful king himself! Would the politicians and religious leaders of India of today try to take a lesson or two from this example to foster national integration !

contd....

[DrRajpalSingh]

Following the traditional Jat hospitality as practiced by Maharaja Suraj Mal in the case of the Maratha refugees from Panipat in 1761 or shelter to Jaswant Rao Holkar against the British pursuers by Raja Ranjit Singh of Bharatpur in 1805, Raja Nahar Singh also provided shelter to several persons from Gurgaon and Delhi in their hour of crisis even though they professed Islam and Christianity.

In the same way, the forces advancing to join the Delhi Regiments to oppose the British also enjoyed comfortable hospitality and assistance from him as illustrated by the Diary entry of 7^th July by Munshi Jeevan Lal. It reads: Nahar Singh kept in readiness for the Nimuch force “700 maunds of attah (wheat floor), gram (a pulse for feeding horses) and other articles of food.”

For this humanitarian act, the British charged him before the Military Commission of carrying out inimical activities and produced several shopkeepers with their books of accounts as witnesses, who rightly testified to the fact of his having extended fabulous hospitality to his fellow Indians.

contd/====

[DrRajpalSingh]

Raja Nahar Singh was shining light of the glowing galaxy that gathered around the Emperor to carry the message of freedom to all Hindu-Muslim inhabitants in all parts of the native kingdoms and remained actively associated with him in all his activities aimed at making India free in comity of the nations. His sense of total commitment to the cause of fighting the British and attachment to the emperor is reflected in one couplet contained in one of the letters he wrote to Bahadur Shah saying:

“Dara Didda-I-Man Neest Bajuz Nuqsh-I-to
Aina-I-Man Surat-I-Baigana no girad.”

i.e.

“My eyes had no vision except yours
My mirror does not accept the reflection of a foreigner.”

After the fall of Delhi, Brigadier General Showers, contrary to his solemn pledge to the Raja granting him security of his life, maneuvered to arrest him through unscrupulous methods, and in his absence assaulted Ballbhgarh fort, thoroughly pillaged and ruthlessly vandalized the palaces and the capital town.

Contrary to this rash and unworthy conduct and irresponsible behaviour of the British Military Officer, Raja Nahar Singh was a person who throughout his life remained steadfast attached to humanist values and ideals of secularism and patriotism. During the course of his trial before the Military Court even the Public Prosecutor had admitted this humanist quality in his enemy in the words:

“In the favour of the prisoner,” the Deputy Judge Advocate said that “I allude to the Raja’s most praise worthy conduct in saving the European’s life, and it is but justice to him to declare that though Mr. Munro and others were murdered in his territory, he himself stands quite clear of any complicity in those deeds; this in times like the present or, as I hope I may happily term the past is hardly negative virtue, and will I am sure not be so received by the court.”

contd....

[DrRajpalSingh]

After the award of death sentence by the Military Commission, Hodson offered terms for saving his life if Raja Nahar Singh expressed regret for his doings against the English and begged pardon for his acts of omissions and commissions. But he did not understand the Jat, who lived and died for justice, action and truth. Accordingly, from the scaffold at Chandni Chowk on 9^th January 1857 the Raja rejected the offer with contempt it deserved.

He showed no signs of regret or remorse for his having waged war against the British. Rather, the Raja displayed a rare type of poise and courage and uttered these prophetic words on the occasion: “The British are my enemies, I can never ask for forgiveness from them. It makes little difference if I am hanged today for my acts of patriotism because tomorrow one hundred thousand new Nahar Singhs will be borne in the country to carry forward the war against the alien rulers of India.”

contd..........

[DrRajpalSingh]

We all join to salute Martyr Raja Nahar Singh for his vision as in succeeding years following the footsteps left behind on the sands of time by Nahar Singh and his ilk, so many self sacrificing sons and daughters come forward to carry on the mission of freedom of the country, who made the sustenance and continuance of the British empire impossible and forced them to go lock stock and barrel.

Such men are the salt of the earth. They lived and died so that after them others must live fuller and better lives than they would have otherwise done.

Truly, it may be said of Nahar Singh, a hero’s life he lived and a martyr’s death he died.

The day that beheld the hanging of the Raja in the Chandni Chowk of Delhi and his “burial at the dargah of Qazi Bakibulla”, where the bodies of the three Delhi princes were already laid to rest will long remain a memorable day in the history of that city.

May the martyr rest in peace and May the memories of Nahar Singh thrive and keep on inspiring the generations of freedom lovers everywhere forever!



......Write upTribute to Nahar Singh concluded........

[prashantacmet]

We all join to salute Martyr Raja Nahar Singh for his vision as in succeeding years following the footsteps left behind on the sands of time by Nahar Singh and his ilk, so many self sacrificing sons and daughters come forward to carry on the mission of freedom of the country, who made the sustenance and continuance of the British empire impossible and forced them to go lock stock and barrel.

Such men are the salt of the earth. They lived and died so that after them others must live fuller and better lives than they would have otherwise done.

Truly, it may be said of Nahar Singh, a hero’s life he lived and a martyr’s death he died.

The day that beheld the hanging of the Raja in the Chandni Chowk of Delhi and his “burial at the dargah of Qazi Bakibulla”, where the bodies of the three Delhi princes were already laid to rest will long remain a memorable day in the history of that city.

May the martyr rest in peace and May the memories of Nahar Singh thrive and keep on inspiring the generations of freedom lovers everywhere forever!



......Write upTribute to Nahar Singh concluded........

One confusion rajpal ji, Nahar singh was buried not cremated?

[DrRajpalSingh]

One confusion rajpal ji, Nahar singh was buried not cremated?

Friend,

Good question.

The quote is based on some contemporary source but thanks for raising the point;

I would certainly re-check it and if found incorrect; then rectify the mistake, if any!

Thanks and regards,

[DrRajpalSingh]

Please contribute write ups under this thread so that the contribution of known,

lesser known and

unknown Jat Heroes

could become inspiring elements in the books for the readers.

Thanks and regards

[DrRajpalSingh]

One confusion rajpal ji, Nahar singh was buried not cremated?

Friend,

I have checked the relevant reference which is under-mentioned to put an end to speculations regarding the issue under reference:

According to the diary of Mainodin, the Kotwal of Paharganj, who kept eye witness record in the form of diary of happenings in the area in 1857-58, Raja Nahar Singh of ''Bulubgarh was virtually Governor of the City'' when the British forces laid the siege of the city.

He goes on to record that "Raja Nahar Singh, and, Nawabs of Jujjur and Farakhnugger were hanged for rebellion....The bodies of the three were buried in the same grave with the Delhi Princes, in the Durgah of Kazi Bakibulla. Their estates were also attached." [Cited from C T Metcalfe, Two Narratives of the Siege of Delhi, p. 72].

In view of this contemporary evidence and that too from the hand of the Police officer of the Area where the events took shape must put all doubts about the final rites of the patriots including Raja Nahar Singh to rest. Those who are interested to study more on the topic may turn to Dr. Raj Pal Singh, Studies in Jat History, Volume 1, Ballbhgarh, Harman Publishing House, New Delhi, 2008, ISBN-81-86622-94-2

Thanks and regards,

[DrRajpalSingh]

More questions and clarifications about the issues related to history of the Ballabhgarh State are solicited. After dealing with them, a newer Jat Hero Who Made History will be taken up for discussion.

Thanks and regards

[DrRajpalSingh]

Chahar Sahib,

Mr. M L Sharma as quoted by you does not support that he was Jat/Tomar because Mr. Sharma has used word "Kshatriya.'' If you could provide the text of the paper presented or reference of proceeding of the conference from where we could locate his paper which says that he was Jat, then only his reference about the caste of the martyr can be quoted as Tomar Jat.

Otherwise, Deswalji has already settled the case with the help of the evidence provided by the sister of the martyr Bismil. This is more weighty evidence than putting words in the mouth of any non-quotable source.

Thanks

Friend,

The text of the paper under reference is still awaited.

Thanks

[DrRajpalSingh]

Contrary to erroneously held view, the Jat History is saga of Sacrifice and Heroic deeds of the ancestors of the present generation of the community. Throughout the course of their known history the Jats have done every thing possible in the service of security of the nation and also nation building and have willingly contributed to protect the sovereignty and security of their motherland as a mission of their life.

Members are requested to share their readings on any aspect related to the thread since the ancient times to current/contemporary history.

[DrRajpalSingh]

Jats displayed unparalleled feats of courage, gallant and distinguished service in every battle ground which they joined. In the battle fought against Pakistan in August/ September their sterling role is still remembered by all with a sense of pride and satisfaction. Lt. Ram Sarup Joon in his book ''History of Jats'' p. 245, has this to say on the issue:

Armour Battle

''Times correspondent wrote in his first article after the Pakistani invasion of Chhamb Jaurian 'India is contemplating the use of its Armoured Division; but they were better beware because their out dated Centurians are no math to the sophisticated Pattons of Pakistan.'

It is also on the strength of those Pattons that Ayub Khan had boasted that he would stroll up to Delhi.

What actually happened is well know. 97 Pattons lying in what was named as Patton Nagar and an equal number lying scattered in Phillora and other areas of Sialkot sector, is an irrefutable evidence.

Finally it was not the tank that mattered but the man inside it. And most of these men were Jats as they provide a majority of men for the Indian Armoured Corps. Moreover, the chain of command had most Jagt links: Army Commander Lt. Gen. Harbaksh Singh, Corps Commander Lt. Gen. J S Dhillon, Divisional Commander Maj. Gen. Rajinder Singh and Armoured Brigade Commander Brigadier Khem Karan Singh. And they had the air support from Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh.''