What was the reason behind Nana Saheb's disappearance?

The Disappearance of Nana Saheb: A Mystery of Indian History

Nana Saheb, also known as Dhondu Pant, was one of the most prominent leaders of the 1857 revolt against the British rule in India. He was the adopted son of Baji Rao II, the last Peshwa (ruler) of the Maratha empire, who was exiled by the British to Bithur (near Kanpur) after the Third Anglo-Maratha War. Nana Saheb inherited his father's title and pension, but was denied the latter by the British Governor-General Lord Dalhousie, who applied the doctrine of lapse to annex his territory. This sparked his resentment and anger towards the British, which led him to join the rebellion in 1857.

Nana Saheb played a key role in the siege of Kanpur, where he commanded a large force of sepoys (Indian soldiers employed by the British) and civilians. He initially offered a safe passage to the British garrison under General Wheeler, who agreed to surrender after a prolonged resistance. However, Nana Saheb later reneged on his promise and ordered a massacre of the British men, women and children at his palace. This brutal act earned him the infamy and hatred of the British, who vowed to avenge the victims.

Nana Saheb was declared as the Peshwa by his followers and allies, such as Tatya Tope and Azimullah Khan, who also participated in the revolt. He tried to establish his authority over a large part of northern India, but faced stiff resistance from the British forces led by Generals Havelock and Campbell. He suffered several defeats and losses, and was eventually forced to retreat from Kanpur to Oudh and then to Gwalior. He appointed his nephew Rao Sahib as his deputy and entrusted him with the command of his army.

However, Nana Saheb's fate after 1859 remains shrouded in mystery and speculation. There are various theories and accounts about what happened to him after he fled from Gwalior. Some sources claim that he escaped to Nepal with a large part of his treasure and died there in 1859. Others suggest that he lived in disguise in various places in India or abroad for many years. Some even believe that he was captured and executed by the British or their agents. However, none of these claims have been conclusively proven or verified by historical evidence.

The disappearance of Nana Saheb is one of the greatest mysteries in Indian history. It has inspired many writers, filmmakers and researchers to explore his life and legacy. He is remembered as a hero by some and a villain by others, depending on their perspective and interpretation of his actions. He is undoubtedly one of the most influential and controversial figures of the 1857 revolt, whose story still fascinates and intrigues many people today.

The Disappearance of Nana Saheb: A Mystery of Indian History

Legacy of Nana Saheb

Nana Saheb’s legacy is a complex and controversial one. He is regarded as a hero by some and a villain by others, depending on their perspective and interpretation of his actions. He is undoubtedly one of the most influential and controversial figures of the 1857 revolt, whose story still fascinates and intrigues many people today.

On the one hand, he is remembered and revered by many in India for his courage in leading the rebellion and standing up to the British. He is seen as a symbol of Indian nationalism and resistance, who tried to restore the glory of the Maratha Empire and the Peshwa dynasty. He is also admired for his military skills, political acumen and charisma, which enabled him to rally and command a large force of sepoys and civilians. He is honored by various monuments, statues and memorials in India, especially in Maharashtra, his ancestral homeland.

On the other hand, he is condemned and despised by many for his role in the massacre of the British men, women and children at Kanpur. He is accused of being a ruthless and treacherous leader, who betrayed his promise of a safe passage and ordered a brutal slaughter of innocent people. He is also criticized for being a selfish and ambitious ruler, who exploited the rebellion for his own personal gain and glory. He is blamed for tarnishing the image of the rebellion and provoking the wrath of the British, who retaliated with more violence and repression.

Nana Saheb’s legacy was further complicated by the lack of clarity surrounding his fate after the rebellion. Although some claim he escaped to Nepal, there is still no definitive answer about what happened to him after 1859. Some believe he died of natural causes or illness, while others speculate he was killed by his enemies or committed suicide. Some even suggest he lived in disguise or exile for many years, either in India or abroad. However, none of these claims have been conclusively proven or verified by historical evidence.

The disappearance of Nana Saheb is one of the greatest mysteries in Indian history. It has inspired many writers, filmmakers and researchers to explore his life and legacy. He is remembered as a hero by some and a villain by others, depending on their perspective and interpretation of his actions. He is undoubtedly one of the most influential and controversial figures of the 1857 revolt, whose story still fascinates and intrigues many people today.

Source: 

(1) Greatest Mysteries in Indian History - The Better India. https://www.thebetterindia.com/59648/mystery-indian-history/.

(2) Nana Saheb Peshwa II - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nana_Saheb_Peshwa_II.

(3) Nana Sahib | Indian rebel | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nana-Sahib.

(4) Nana Sahib | Early Life, Role in 1857 Uprising, Disappearance, Legacy. https://www.educba.com/nana-sahib/.

(5) Nana Sahib | Military Wiki | Fandom. https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Nana_Sahib.

What was the reason of Nana Saheb in 1857 revolt?

Ans. Nana Saheb was refused his claim as the Peshwa by the Britishers. This had invoked anger and led to his participation in the Revolt of 1857. He along with some sepoys had attacked the British entrenchment at Kanpur and captured it.

Where did Nana Saheb escape?

In June 1857, Nana Saheb attacked the British entrenchment at Kanpur and captured it. In July 1857, the British successfully recaptured Kanpur by defeating Nana Saheb's forces. It is said that Nana Saheb escaped to Nepal after this.

What happened to Nana Sahib after the revolt of 1857?

Nana Saheb was an Indian Peshwa of the Maratha Empire who led the rebellion in Cawnpore (Kanpur) during 1857 mutiny. It said that Peshwa Nana Saheb spent his last years in the forests of Nepal after being defeated in 1857 revolt. It is been said that Nana Saheb was probably killed by a tiger in the year 1861.

Who was Nana Saheb Class 8?

Option (a) Nana Saheb was a Maratha leader who led the revolt of Kanpur in 1857 against the British because of the Doctrine of Lapse.