Nana Saheb Peshwa II: The Fearless Leader of the 1857 Revolt

Nana Saheb Peshwa II, also known as Dhondu Pant, was a key leader in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. As the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II, he carried the legacy of the Maratha rulers. When the British denied him his rightful pension, he opposed their rule and became a symbol of resistance.

Nana Saheb Peshwa II

During the rebellion, he played a crucial role in organizing forces against the British, especially in Kanpur. His leadership, bravery, and strategic planning made him a significant figure in India’s fight for independence. Despite his efforts, the British suppressed the uprising, and Nana Saheb mysteriously disappeared.

His life and struggles continue to inspire Indians, as he remains a legendary hero in the freedom movement. His courage and determination against British rule marked him as a key figure in India’s first war of independence.

Early Life Dhondu Pant

Birth and Family

Nana Saheb Peshwa II was born on 19 May 1824 in Bithoor, near Kanpur, in present-day Uttar Pradesh. His original name was Dhondu Pant, and he was the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II, the last official Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. Since Baji Rao II did not have a biological heir, he adopted Nana Saheb, along with Rao Saheb and Ragunath Rao, to continue the Maratha legacy.

Education and Training

Nana Saheb received an excellent education under his father’s guidance. He was well-versed in Sanskrit, Marathi, and Persian, and was trained in warfare, administration, and statecraft. His upbringing in the rich Maratha tradition instilled in him a deep sense of pride, courage, and resistance against foreign domination.

The Doctrine of Lapse and the British Betrayal

Denial of Pension

After Peshwa Baji Rao II was exiled to Bithoor following the Third Anglo-Maratha War, he was granted an annual pension by the British East India Company. However, after his death in 1851, the British, under Lord Dalhousie’s Doctrine of Lapse, refused to recognize Nana Saheb as the legal heir and stopped his pension. This decision infuriated Nana Saheb, as he considered himself the rightful successor of the Peshwa and believed that the British had betrayed their promise.

Petition to the British

Nana Saheb made several attempts to convince the British to reinstate his pension. He even sent Azimullah Khan, his trusted advisor, to England to plead his case before the British government. However, his efforts proved futile, and his resentment toward British rule deepened. This financial and political injustice played a crucial role in shaping Nana Saheb’s future rebellious stance against the British.

Nana Saheb’s Role in the Revolt of 1857

The Spark of the Rebellion

The Indian Rebellion of 1857 began as a mutiny by Indian soldiers (sepoys) in the British army, who were agitated over the use of greased cartridges made from cow and pig fat. The revolt soon turned into a full-fledged war against British rule, and Nana Saheb saw it as the perfect opportunity to overthrow British control and restore Maratha sovereignty.

Capture of Kanpur

One of Nana Saheb’s most significant contributions to the revolt was the siege and capture of Kanpur. He joined forces with Tatya Tope and led thousands of Indian soldiers to fight against the British forces stationed in Kanpur. By June 1857, the British forces, led by General Hugh Wheeler, were besieged in their barracks.

On June 27, 1857, the British surrendered to Nana Saheb, hoping for safe passage. However, during their retreat, chaos ensued, and many British men, women, and children were killed in what became known as the Bibighar Massacre. Though Nana Saheb’s direct involvement in the massacre remains disputed, the British held him responsible and launched a vengeful campaign against him.

Leadership in the Rebellion

Following the success in Kanpur, Nana Saheb declared himself the Peshwa of India and attempted to establish Maratha rule. He sent letters to various Indian rulers, urging them to unite against the British. He also played a key role in organizing forces in Jhansi, Lucknow, and Delhi, where other leaders like Rani Lakshmibai, Bahadur Shah Zafar, and Begum Hazrat Mahal were also fighting the British.

Major Battles and Struggles of Nana Saheb Peshwa II

Battle of Kanpur (1857)

Nana Saheb’s army fought fiercely against the British forces attempting to recapture Kanpur. Despite early victories, the British reinforced their troops under General Havelock and General Outram, leading to Nana Saheb’s retreat from Kanpur in July 1857.

Battle of Bithoor

After losing Kanpur, Nana Saheb retreated to his ancestral home in Bithoor, where he reorganized his army. The British, under General Campbell, attacked Bithoor, and Nana Saheb was forced to flee. His loyal general, Tatya Tope, continued fighting in various parts of North India, keeping the rebellion alive.

Alliance with Rani Lakshmibai

Nana Saheb formed a strong alliance with Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Tatya Tope. Together, they led several battles against the British in Central India. Though the British eventually defeated them, their resistance inspired future freedom fighters.

Decline and Mysterious Disappearance

After suffering defeats in Kanpur and Bithoor, Nana Saheb took refuge in Nepal. According to some reports, he died in 1859, while others believe he continued living in hiding. His mysterious disappearance remains one of the biggest unsolved mysteries in Indian history. Some even claim that he re-emerged under different identities to keep the freedom struggle alive.

Legacy and Contributions

Symbol of Resistance

Nana Saheb Peshwa remains a symbol of Indian resistance against colonial rule. His courage, leadership, and determination in the 1857 revolt inspired future generations of freedom fighters.

Commemoration

• Statues and Memorials: Several statues and memorials dedicated to Nana Saheb exist across India, especially in Kanpur and Bithoor.
• Books and Films: Many books, historical accounts, and films depict Nana Saheb’s role in the 1857 revolt, emphasizing his bravery and strategic mind.

Inspiration for Future Generations

Though the 1857 revolt was ultimately crushed, it laid the foundation for India’s freedom struggle. Nana Saheb’s fight against British oppression inspired later leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Bhagat Singh, who carried forward the dream of independence.

Nana Saheb Peshwa was one of the most fearless and determined leaders of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. His military prowess, strategic leadership, and unwavering resistance against British rule make him a legendary figure in Indian history. Though his fate remains unknown, his contribution to India’s freedom struggle remains immortal. His name continues to be revered as a hero who dared to challenge the might of the British Empire, setting the stage for India’s eventual independence in 1947.

Also Read: Mahadji Shinde: The Strategic Genius Behind Maratha Supremacy