Nana Saheb: Early Life, Role in the Revolt of 1857 & More | UPSC Notes

Saheb born as Nana Govind Dhondu Pant was the chief architect of the revolt of 1857. Nana Saheb was the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II. Under the Doctrine of Lapse policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie, the British denied the continual of pension to Nana Saheb after the death of Baji Rao II, since he was an adopted heir. This action of the British turned Nana Saheb into one of their greatest enemies. He played a crucial role in the revolt of 1857 by leading the revolt at Kanpur. By forcing the British garrison in Kanpur to surrender, he gained control over Kanpur. However it did not last long. In 1859, the British recaptured it following which he disappeared into Nepal hills.

This article on Nana Saheb, gives the information about Nana Saheb and his pivotal role in the revolt of 1857. This information will be helpful in the upcoming UPSC exam.

Who was Nana Saheb?

The actual name of Nana saheb was Nana Govind Dhondu Pant He was born on May 19, 1824 to Narayan Bhat and Ganga Bai. Narayan Bhat was working as an official at the court of Baji Rao II and Ganga Bai was Peshwa’s sister-in-law. Peshwa Baji Rao II as he was childless, he adopted Nana Saheb and his younger brother in 1827. Tanya Tope, Manikarnika Tambe (Rani Laxmibai) and Azimullah Khan were the childhood companions of Nana Saheb.

Early Life and Background

Nana Saheb was adopted by Baji Rao II, the deposed Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, in 1827. This relationship to the Peshwa lineage instilled in Saheb a sense of heritage and commitment to the restoration of Maratha pride. The upbringing in the lavish environment of Bithoor, near Kanpur, endowed him with means as well as a network of influential contacts.

The Doctrine of Lapse is a policy promulgated by Lord Dalhousie himself, whereby any princely state or territory under the East India Company should be annexed automatically on grounds of the ruler either being "manifestly incompetent or died without a direct heir". This very doctrine directly affected Nana Saheb upon Baji Rao II's death in 1851. Despite his adoption, the British Government refused to give Nana Saheb his due pension from the adoption, an action which permanently soured relations between him and the colonial authorities.

Read about Subhas Chandra Bose here.

Role of Nana Saheb in the Revolt of 1857

Nana Saheb proved to be one of the primary individuals in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He seemed, in the beginning, to put up a face of loyNana alty toward the British; however, disturbances due to personal grievances and an upsurge of nationalism finally contributed to his rebellion.

The Siege of Kanpur

The rebellion received much momentum in Kanpur under his leadership. Kanpur, earlier spelt Cawnpore- an important British garrison town, also saw one of the most extreme and vicious encounters during the 1857 uprising. In this, on June 5, 1857, along with his close lieutenant Tantia Tope, Nana Saheb surrounded the British entrenchment. The British being badly prepared and ill-equipped, thus the British garrison considerably suffered at the siege for as long as 22 days.

Nana Saheb, on his part, offered safe passage to the British if they were first to surrender. But the tension and mutual distrust between both groups led to one of the most controversial and tragic incidents of the rebellion: it was known as the Satichaura Ghat massacre, where a great number of British, including women and children, were killed under disputed circumstances.

Read the article on the Freedom fighters of India!

The Aftermath

After the Kanpur incidents, Nana Saheb was proclaimed the Peshwa to restore the Maratha power. His leadership was not confined only to Kanpur; several other areas were inspired by his initiative and asked to take up arms against the British. But these initial gains did not last long as the British, with their stronger military force supported by reinforcements, started the backlash. By mid-1858, Kanpur was retaken, and the army of Nana Saheb was completely vanquished.

The efforts of Nana Saheb to rally further support dwindled, and he became a fugitive. There were reports of his seeking asylum in Nepal, but his exact fate remains unknown, shrouded in mystery and legend.

Read the article on the Slogans of freedom fighters!

Legacy and Controversy

Nana Saheb is such a controversial figure whose life has been interpreted manifold through centuries and across regions. For many Indians, he is considered a great freedom fighter and the most important figure of resistance against imperialism. The Rebellion of 1857 symbolized a strong urge toward independence and the restoration of sovereignty lost for so many years.

On the other hand, he has also been criticized concerning the Satichaura Ghat massacre and further killings of British women and children in the Bibighar massacre. These events put a stain on his leadership and placed in question the method and motives behind it.

Take a look at the NCERT Books for UPSC Exam here.

Testbook is the leading platform for competitive exam preparations. Are you preparing for UPSC exams? Then NCERTs play a pivotal role in your preparation. Testbook provides free NCERT notes on all the important topics for both UPSC prelims and mains. Download the Testbook app now and ace your preparation.