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VOL. 11, ISSUE 2 (2025)
Forgotten voices of 1857: A study of local resistance and unknown heroes
Authors
Naveen Kumar
Abstract
The controversy of the Revolt of 1857 is that now it is seen as either
a Sepoy Mutiny, which was the military discontent, or a First War of
Independence that marked the nationalist realisation. Though popular histories
are replete with the legendary figures of Rani Lakshmibai, Tantia Tope and
Bahadur Shah Zafar, the role of myriad local leadership, peasants, tribes and
women as key actors is relegated to the margins. This paper revisits the revolt
from the perspective of the forgotten voices and unsung heroes whose
contributions made the uprising a mass movement. Kunwar Singh of Bihar, Begum
Hazrat Mahal of Awadh, Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah of Faizabad and Jhalkari Bai of
Jhansi are some examples which portray how local rebellions culminated into a
larger anti-movement in this regard. By combining the subaltern and regional
outlook, the study states that 1857 was not only a set of fragmentary revolts
but also the beginning of Indian nationalism. These shadowy actors must be
identified, as they help us to understand this complexity and long-term legacy
of the revolt.
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Pages:6-10
How to cite this article:
Naveen Kumar "Forgotten voices of 1857: A study of local resistance and unknown heroes". National Journal of Advanced Research, Vol 11, Issue 2, 2025, Pages 6-10
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