Best History Notes on Babu Veer Kunwar Singh for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025

Best History Notes on Babu Veer Kunwar Singh for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025

History of Bihar-12

Babu Veer Kunwar Singh (1777–1858): A Hero of India’s First War of Independence

Babu Veer Kunwar Singh was one of the most iconic freedom fighters during India’s First War of Independence in 1857. Born in 1777 in Jagdishpur (in present-day Bhojpur district, Bihar), he was the zamindar (chieftain) of the royal Rajput house of Jagdishpur and belonged to the Ujjainiya clan of the Parmar Rajputs. Despite being over 80 years old during the uprising, Kunwar Singh emerged as a fearless military leader who led from the front and gave the British a tough challenge through his leadership, strategy, and patriotism.

Early Life and Background

Kunwar Singh was enthroned as the ruler of Jagdishpur in 1826 after the death of his father, Raja Sahabzada Singh. His estate covered two parganas and several talukas in the Shahabad district of Bihar. As a ruler, he was known for his sense of justice and generosity. He supported many religious and social institutions and was respected by both Hindus and Muslims alike.

By the time the revolt of 1857 broke out, Kunwar Singh was already in poor health and advanced in age. However, when he saw the call for rebellion against the oppressive East India Company rule, he chose to rise in support of the cause of Indian independence, putting aside personal limitations for the greater good of the motherland.

Role in the 1857 Uprising

The revolt of 1857 began on 10 May in Meerut, initially as a mutiny of sepoys in the British army, but it soon spread like wildfire across northern and central India. In Bihar, the spark of rebellion caught fire on 25 July 1857, when sepoys stationed at Danapur rose in revolt. These soldiers marched towards Arrah and were joined by Kunwar Singh and his armed followers. Kunwar Singh took command of the rebel forces and occupied Arrah two days later.

Mr. Boyle, a British engineer, had fortified his house in Arrah anticipating an attack. When the rebels reached the town, all the British residents took shelter in Boyle’s house, leading to a siege by the rebels under Kunwar Singh’s leadership. The siege marked a major moment in Bihar’s involvement in the uprising.

In response, the British sent a relief force of 415 soldiers from Danapur under Captain Dunbar on 29 July. However, Kunwar Singh’s men ambushed the force near Arrah. Using guerrilla tactics and intimate knowledge of the terrain, Kunwar Singh inflicted a crushing defeat on the British troops. Only 50 soldiers survived and retreated across the Sone River. This victory gave a massive morale boost to the rebels and exposed British vulnerabilities.

Battles and Continued Resistance

After the Danapur success, Kunwar Singh had to face the British again. On 2 August 1857, Major Vincent Eyre marched toward Arrah with reinforcements. Kunwar Singh’s forces engaged them but could not hold off the better-equipped troops for long and had to retreat from Jagdishpur.

Kunwar Singh then participated in the battles of Kanpur and later moved to Lucknow in December 1857. The King of Oudh honored him with a robe and issued a farman granting him the region of Azamgarh. In March 1858, Kunwar Singh captured Azamgarh and became a significant threat to British control in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

On 22 March 1858, he surprised British forces at Atrolia, about 23 miles from Azamgarh. The British troops under Colonel Milman were forced to retreat, and panic spread among British officers about the fall of Azamgarh. Governor-General Lord Canning had to act urgently, realizing that Kunwar Singh was not just a regional rebel but a national threat to British rule.

Kunwar Singh demonstrated extraordinary military acumen by continuously challenging the British through hit-and-run tactics. His use of guerrilla warfare confused British forces and prolonged their struggle to suppress the revolt in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Return to Jagdishpur and Final Battle

After fighting in Azamgarh, Kunwar Singh crossed the Ganga River and returned to Jagdishpur. On 23 April 1858, he launched a final attack and defeated British forces led by Captain Le Grand of the 35th Foot regiment. The British were crushed, and Kunwar Singh reclaimed his palace. In a moment of unmatched courage and sacrifice, when he was injured by a bullet in his hand, he reportedly cut off his wounded hand himself and offered it to the river Ganga.

Just three days after his final victory, on 26 April 1858, Veer Kunwar Singh passed away at the age of 80. Though he died, the spirit of resistance he ignited lived on. Even after his death, guerrilla-style battles continued between rebel groups and British forces in the region for several months.

Legacy

Kunwar Singh’s life remains a symbol of indomitable spirit and courage. British historian Colonel G.B. Malleson wrote in The Indian Mutiny of 1857 that “the veteran had more than repaid the British for the insults he deemed they had showered upon him.” His ability to lead in adverse conditions and inspire loyalty among soldiers remains remarkable.

A commemorative stamp was issued by the Government of India on 23 April 1966 to honor his contribution. His name is widely revered across Bihar and eastern India. Folk songs, local stories, and oral traditions in the Bhojpuri region immortalize his bravery and patriotism.

Apart from being a fierce warrior, Kunwar Singh was also known for his generosity. He made donations to several religious institutions, including a Muslim shrine in Patna, reflecting his inclusive and secular outlook.

Here is important points for the explanation on Kunwar Singh and his role in the Revolt of 1857.

Background of the Revolt:

• The 1857 revolt was the first major armed rebellion against the British East India Company.
• Causes included:
  • Political interference (Doctrine of Lapse)
  • Economic exploitation
  • Religious concerns (greased cartridges)
  • Zamindari discontent
• In Bihar, widespread resentment was already present due to:
  • Land revenue policies
  • Decline of zamindari powers

Role of Babu Veer Kunwar Singh in the 1857 Revolt:

1. Beginning of the Rebellion:

• When the revolt began in May 1857, Kunwar Singh raised the banner of revolt from Jagdishpur.
• Mobilized local peasants, soldiers, and zamindars.
• Took command despite his age and health, displaying remarkable leadership.

2. Capture of Ara (June 1857):

• Babu Veer Kunwar Singh’s forces defeated the British at Ara, the district headquarters.
• This victory shook British confidence in the region.

3. Guerrilla Warfare and Alliances:

• Retreated from Jagdishpur under pressure but used guerrilla tactics to harass British troops.
• Moved towards Rewa, Banda, and Azamgarh and formed alliances with other rebels.
• Joined forces with Nana Saheb and Maulvi Ahmadullah in Awadh region.

 4. Battle of Azamgarh (March 1858):

• Led a campaign to capture Azamgarh, held it briefly before British counterattacked.
• Severely wounded in battle — legend says he amputated his own wrist after being hit by a bullet to avoid gangrene.

5. Last Stand and Death:

• Returned to Jagdishpur in April 1858.
• Fought and defeated British forces at Jagdishpur on 23 April 1858, just before his death.
• Died on 26 April 1858, shortly after reclaiming his ancestral fort.

Contributions and Significance:

Memorials and Legacy:

• Veer Kunwar Singh University – Ara, Bihar
• Veer Kunwar Singh Bridge – over River Ganga near Arrah
• Celebrated annually through Babu Veer Kunwar Singh Jayanti and cultural events
• 1966: India Post issued a commemorative stamp in his honour
• 2022: Named in Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav as a key freedom hero

Conclusion for BPSC Mains Answer:

Babu Veer Kunwar Singh stands as one of the most fearless and revered leaders of the 1857 Revolt. His unmatched courage, leadership, and indomitable will—even at the age of 80—served as a beacon of hope for the resistance against colonial oppression in Bihar. Though the revolt was ultimately suppressed, his heroic resistance laid the foundation for