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Kunwar Singh
Kunwar Singh was one of the leading figures of the Indian Movement of 1857-59. A scion of Rajpur nobility he was born in Jagdishpur in the Shahabad District of Bihar about 1777 and was destined to die a hero in the Great Rising of 1857.When India rose against British authority in 1857, Babu Kunwar Singh was already past his prime being nearly eighty years old.
Despite his age and failing health, when the call to fight came, the old lion plunged into the thick of it and for nearly a year battled against the British forces with grim determination and undaunted courage.
The part which Kunwar Singh played in the First War of Independence marks a glorious chapter in the chequered history of his country.After harrying the British at the head of a devoted band of followers for nearly a year Kunwar Singh was forced to retreat to his ancient seat at Jagdishpur.It is believed that while crossing the Ganga on his way toJagdishpur he was wounded in the arm by the pursuing forces and the old warrior severed the injured limb and flung it into the Ganga as his last offering.Soon after he fought his last battle near Jagidishpur on the 23rd April, 1858 in which the British forces were completely routed.Kunwar Singh passed away the next day.
The name of Babu Kunwar Singh epitomises the spirit of liberty in this land which was quietened but never quelled and which was to triumph in less than a hundred years after Kunwar Singh laid down his life.On the 23rd April, 1966 falls the anniversary of Kunwar Singh's last and greatest victory.
On this occasion the P & T Department feels privileged to issue a commemorative stamp in honour of this illustrious fighter for freedom.
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