Category Archives: Martyrs of the Nation

Forgotten martyrs: Nawab Kadar Ali, his companions were hanged by British at Sitabuldi fort in Nagpur

Amazing Feats, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), First War of Independence 1857 / Naval Mutiny 1946 / Others PreIndependece (wef. July 27th, 2022), Freedom Fighters (under research project), Leaders, Martyrs of the Nation, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Nagpur, MAHARASHTRA :

More than seven decades after India achieved independence, the role of innumerable martyrs and freedom fighters who gave their blood and offered lives for the motherland, needs to be remembered. 

Many of them got harsh punishments, didn’t get proper last rites, remain forgotten and even those whose sacrifices are known, don’t have monuments or memorials built in their memory.

The martyrdom of Nawab Kadar Ali, and his companions, who planned attack on residency and to take on the East India Company forces in Nagpur, also needs to be recalled. They were hanged here for their role in 1857–the first war of independence.

Though there is no monument named after them and no big memorial, they remain heroes in public memory. The fort that had been a base of 118 Infantry Battalion for years, is opened on three days including August 15 and January 26. Thousands of people arrive on these days, and also pay visit to the grave and offer their respects.

The flame for independence was already lit. History books mention that soon after Meerut, the anger was palpable among soldiers and citizens in this region too. On June 13 1857, a large gathering took place near Mission High School. The soldiers too were anxious and ready. 

Scared, some of the East India Compnay officials ran towards Kamptee Cantonment, while others went inside the Sitabuldi Fort. It was due to treachery that the attack plans had been leaked and the news reached British officers. More EIC forces were called from other places to control and overpower the rebels.

Rani Baka Bai, wife of late Raghoji II, was supporting the British and issued a warning that anyone abetting or aiding the revolutionaries would be arrested and handed to the East India Company. It’s a long story and how the soldiers and citizens suffered, refused to name the leaders of the movement. 

Historical texts say that the signal of a fire balloon was decided. But after the traitors gave information to East India Company officers, Plowden, the commissioner, ordered a regiment to move into the city. The irregular calvary at Tali was dismayed. Major Arrow tried to get information from ring leaders but no one gave names.

Baka Bai summoned all her relations, and dissuaded them with threats. This chilled the spirit of public. However, later when Company officials’ strengthened their hold, the rebels were identified. Arms were collected and after inquiry, Dildar Khan, Inayatullah Khan, Vilayat  Khan and Nawab Kadar Ali were tried and executed.

KILLED, HANGED, BURIED IN A COMMON PIT

The Gazetteer briefly mentions that ‘tucked away between the easter walls of the inner fort and the barracks is a large grave known as Nav Gazah Baba…the grave of Nawab Kadar Ali…and his eight associates..who were killed and hanged by the ramparts of the fort due to their role in the war of independence”. 

“They were all buried in a common pit, nine yards long. The fort recalls to our mind the memory of the brave soldiers who fought in an attempt to preserve the independence of the mother land”. It was treachery that was responsible for the arrests and the punishment.  Those who helped the British, got ‘jagirs’ as rewards.

Ghulam Rasool ‘Ghamgeen’, the poet, wrote these lines in Farsi :

Choo.n Qadar Ali Khan Ameer Kabeer
Shud-az-tohmat, ahl-e-balwa aseer

Bajurm shiraakat girafaar shud
Chau mansoor, Hallaj, bar-daar shud

Duaa’e shahaadat ba-raahe Khuda
shab w roz mi kard aa.n mahtada
…
…
Khirad guft ee.n misra-e-silk-e-noor
Za-daar-e-jafaa shud ba-daar-e-suroor

The last couplet of this long Persian verse, brings out the ‘tarikh’, the year of execution. The complete verse is mentioned in Dr Mohammad Sharfuddin Sahil’s book ‘Tarikh-e-Nagpur’. It shows the impact of the hangings on the people in the region. Nagpur is geographillcally considered to be a part of Central India and is the biggest city in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.

The fort for a long period remained the base of 118 Infantry Battalion of Territorial Army. Every year, on August 15 and January 26, fort is opened for public so that it can pay respect to the freedom fighters. It’s also opened on May 1 i.e. Maharashtra Day. [Illustration is representive]

source: http://www.newsbits.in / NEWS Bits / Home> Top News / by Shams Ur Rehman Alavi / August 15th, 2021

Assam: CRPF chief visits family of martyr Nasiruddin ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr

Amazing Feats, Martyrs of the Nation, , , , , , , , , ,

Banbaria Village (Barpeta District), ASSAM :

CRPF DIG Sunanda Kumar with the family of late Nasiruddin Sarkar

As Muslims around the world prepare for the joyous culmination of Ramzan into Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, for many families, especially those of national martyrs, it’s a painful experience to celebrate the day without their loved ones.

Uneasy calm prevails in a household in Assam’s Barpeta district in the last days of Ramzan. The house, located in the remote Banbaria village under the Bhella police station area, is throbbing with grief and painful silence.

The house belongs to the Late Nasiruddin Sarkar, a brave CRPF jawan who laid down his life in the line of duty on April 27, 2024.

Sarkar was deployed along with his other colleagues in Manipur during the elections when suspected Kuki militants attacked a CRPF convoy in the Bishnupur district of Manipur on April 27. Sarkar was among the two CRPF personnel who laid down their lives fighting extremists.

CRPF DIG Sunanda Kumar arriving at the house of Martyr Nasiruddin Sarkar

However, a team of CRPF officials recently visited Sarkar’s house in Banbariya village and wished his family Eid-ul-Fitr.

The CRPF team included CRPF’s Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Lower Assam range Sunanda Kumar, Area Commander of the CRPF’s 10th Battalion Deepak Kumar Singh, and others, who met the family members of Sarkar including his wife, son and daughter.

“Our colleague Nasiruddin Sarkar had attained martyrdom last year while working in Manipur. In CRPF we have a rule that we never leave the family of our soldiers alone. Every year, our senior officers visit such families in March and note down their problems and try to help them,” CRPF DIG Sunanda Kumar told this journalist.

“Similarly, in the case of Late Sarkar also we came here to take care of the family. Sarkar was the breadwinner of the family. So definitely there are issues faced by the family. We came here to talk to them and ensure that they never feel lonely particularly when the grand festival like Eid-Ul-Fitr is coming. We hope that the family of Nasiruddin will enjoy this Eid,” said Kumar.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Karabi Sharma, Barpeta / March 28th, 2025

Kunjali Maraikkayar; Kutty Muhammad Ali Maraikkayar – 01st in the series of Famous Indians by Al Waris Art & History Project

Amazing Feats, First War of Independence 1857 / Naval Mutiny 1946 / Others PreIndependece (wef. July 27th, 2022), Freedom Fighters (under research project), Leaders, Martyrs of the Nation, World Opinion

SOUTH INDIA :

PIX

Maraikkayar (Marakkalalaayar/Marakkar) name refers to the community people who drive business belonging to boats, ships, fishing etc. Maraikkayar is the community they belong to TamilNadu, Kerala & Lanka.

The muslim trade community history record is available in pandiyas, portuguese, french, english.

They are also called Maraikka, Naguda, Malumi, Sukkani & Serangu. (4Kunjali Maraikkayar – Kunjali Maraikkayar I = Kutty Ahmad Ali (1507 – 1531 / 1507 – 1538 / 1520 – 1531 / 1520 – 1538), Kunjali Maraikkayar II = Kutty Pokker Ali (1531 – 1569 / 1531 – 1571), Kunjali Maraikkayar III = Pattu Maraikkar (1571 – 1595), Kunjali Maraikkayar IV = Muhammad Ali Maraikkar (1595 – 1600) Kunjali Maraikkayar was the leader of the marine force for the Kozhikode Raja Samoothiri (Zamorin Dynasty).

Maraikkayar people have done the export business such as rice, ginger, cardamon, pepper, turmeric. Vasco Da Gama landed in Kozhikode in 1498 May 17 or 28 From that he stayed for 86 days. The Portuguese and European traders were not like the Arab traders, Europeans expected monopoly business. European objectives like we only should do the business and not others. The Europeans used firearms, which were invented, produced by the Chinese and then exported to Europeans directly.

In the year 1498 Nov he went back to Portugal. In the year 1503 Vasco da Gama again came back to Hindustan with 1200 Dutch forces. Martin De Souza came with 25 navy ships to attack Kozhikode Samoothiri. Samoothiri made the discussions to attack the Portuguese. Kunjali Maraikkayar advised Samoothiri Raja (Maana Vikraman) that he would start the merchant navy force and attack the Portuguese. Kunjali Maraikkayar constructed the ships with his own wealth.

Vasco da Gama asked (Kalappana Nambudiri) the messenger of Samoothiri whether can we do something to defeat Samoothiri, but he was very honest for his Raja so Vasco da Gama slaughtered the messenger’s ear and stitched the dog’s ear in Kalappana Nambudiri. Vasco da Gama was the one who ordered Samoothiri to avoid doing business with Arabs and to do business only with him. So Vasco da Gama went to ask help with Kochin Raja and he helped to attack Zamorin ships.

Kunjali Maraikkayars fought against the Portuguese for 80 years. Kunjali Maraikkayar I fought against Portuguese Robbers in Kunjali Maraikkayar I fought against Portuguese Robbers in Kilakarai & Vedalayam (Rameshwaram), Kayalpattinam, Nagore, Thoothukudi, Kunjali Maraikkayar I In Thoothukudi dist. There is a perumal koil in madavankurichi (Kunjali Maraikkayar) is worshipped as merchant navy god!

*In the year 1510, Portuguese (Martin De Souza) captured the place Goa. *In the year 1520, Youe De Emiliyo (Leader of Portuguese) attacked Kunjali Maraikkayar navy ships. But Kunjali Maraikkayar attacked and defeated Portuguese from Kozhikode till Goa. At this time from the Deccan (South Hindustan) Avvaro Sante Mehri (Portuguese Leader) attacked Kunjali Maraikkayar with the help of (Portuguese Robbers) Viceroy Di Mento’s 36 ships attacked Kunjali Maraikkayar’s ships. Kunjali Maraikkayar attacked back and killed Viceroy Di Mento (Portuguese Trade Robbers).

*In the year 1521, the Portuguese tried to capture ponnani. So Ahmad Maraikkayar, his brother Kunjali Maraikkayar I, their uncle (mama) Muhammad Ali Maraikkayar from Kochi started to stay in Kozhikode.

*In the year 1523,Samoothiri II made an agreement with the Portuguese because of fear. But Kunjali Maraikkayar I was not getting any help from the government even though he prepared 200 navy force ships for the battle against the Paraingyar. *In the year 1524, Kunjali Maraikkayar I Vs Paraingyars fight was furious, Kunjali won the match, he was shown in the eyes of Parangyars Kunjali hero! *In the year 1525, Kunjali Maraikkayar I and his team lost the battle against the Portuguese. *In the year 1526, Portuguese Robbers attacked suddenly in Barkoor (place name) but Kunjali Maraikkayar and his team attacked and defeated Portuguese. But both of them were having losses. *In the year 1528, Kutty Ali & Kunjali Maraikkayar I and his team Vs Portuguese fought in Barkoor but Kutty Ali was prisoned by the Portuguese. *In the year 1528 in Sethvai, Portuguese stealed, robbed many goods and planned to travel by many ships to Portugal but Kunjali Maraikkayar I attacked Portuguese ships, killed all Portuguese enemies and won the battle. *In the year 1531, Kutty Ahmad Maraikkayar fought against Paraingyars, but due to the extreme war event Kutty Ahamd Maraikkayar was martyred in the battle.

*In the year 1535, Admiral Suleiman Batcha went along with (ruler of Kozhikode) Samoothiri fought and won the battle against Parangiyars.

*In the year 1537, the nomad ‘Kunha’ became the governor and tried to capture Kozhikode, also tried to build the fort in Chaliam, this time Kunjali Maraikkayar II fought against them and won the battle. In the Nagapattinam seashore also the war happened, Kunjali Maraikkayar II went with 51 ships that included around 8000 soldiers to attack them. *In the year 1538, Kunjali Maraikkayar I fought against the Portuguese but he lost the battle. (source Prof. MH Jawahirullah)

*In the year 1565, Thirumala Devarayan Vijayanagar Raja (Krishnadevarayan’s 5th Generation/Grandson of Krishnadevans Grandson’s son) helped the Portuguese by providing money to fight with Maraikkayar & Zamorin. Raja told the Portuguese you attack from the sea, we will attack from the land. Even though they can’t handle Kunjali Maraikkayar III = Pattu Maraikkar (source; Portuguese viceroy’s book – The travels of Francois spirad in the East Indies, Morocco and Brazil)

*Kunjali Maraikkayar I was martyred for the country of Lanka.

*After him, his family took incharge of the protest and fought against the enemies, drohis. In the year 1570 Peppur lake, Chaliam Fort battle Kunjali Maraikkayar II fought against enemies of 65 years war, won and controlled them.

*In the year 1572, Parangyars force stealed, robbed the goods from the masjids, temples, kozhikode port, Thirukodi port, Kappakkattu port, Ponnani port and made huge losses.

*In the year 1586, Kunjali Maraikkayar III fought against the enemies and won the battle.

*In the year 1589, Son-in-Law of Kunjali Maraikkayar III Kuwaji Musa fought against Parangyars and won the battle.

*In the year 1595, Kunjali Maraikkayar IV fought against Parangyars. But the ruler of Kozhikode Samuthri had a secret agreement with the grandson of Vasco da Gama – Francisco da Gama. Kunjali Maraikkayar IV was not aware of this secret agreement, he went to meet the Kozhikode ruler Samoothiri, but the Kozhikode ruler prisoned him and gave it to the parangyars (Lanka Burghers). They tortured by chaining him, without providing any food, sleep made him to die.

Source: India Veeramigu Muslimgal Book by Sh. AbdKader Kashifi, Kasimi

Note: Haji Pakkir Muhammad Sett was the one who donated Rs.2,00,000 to buy the Sudeshi Ship, VO Chidambaram was the captain of the ship.

(Kunjali IV also fought for Sultan of Bijapur & Rani of Pulal!)

Kunjali Maraikkayar built 999 ships, finally his last 1000th ship he planned to build it without any screws. He fought against the Portuguese in Lanka, but portuguese were angry with him and got angry with him they used the chance to kill 700 people in Thoothukudi. So Kunjali Maraikkayar came to Thoothukudi to fight against the Portuguese and won the battle.

And then he went to Lanka. After a couple of months he was martyred by a Portuguese gun bullet in Lanka and buried there. For 25 years he has done the trade by ships. Kunjali Maraikkayars and his team have built 4 forts near the seashore. The fort itself 20 mile from the one to another! Portuguese spied in a wrong way to the raja that he will build a new nation for the mopillas. Raja cheated Maraikkayars by handing him to the Portuguese but Portuguese cheated Zomarin Samoothiri Raja by killing them!

Article by :

AlWaris Art & History Project, KONAKIND FOUNDATION (This AlWaris Art & History Project will focus for Indian history, modern India and the comparison with current India.)

Contributions Welcome:

Contribute your wealth to improve & develop the projects for art & history project you can send Rs.1000 for books also you can email us if you can send us the historical books, Rs.1000 for travel expenses & Rs. 2000 to collect and store the historical coins/clothes, etc:

A/c info: KONAKIND FOUNDATION
A/c: 42849410432
IFSC Code: SBIN0003994
KONAKIND FOUNDATION
Email: konakindfoundation@gmail.com

Nawab Shaffan Khan, heir of Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan, passes away – Urdu News Bareilly

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, First War of Independence 1857 / Naval Mutiny 1946 / Others PreIndependece (wef. July 27th, 2022), Freedom Fighters (under research project), Leaders, Martyrs of the Nation, Royal Families, PreIndependence -Descendants (wef. Jan 02nd,2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bareilly, UTTAR PRADESH :

Nawab Shafan Khan, the heir of Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan, who kept the Rohilkhand region free from British rule for eleven months during the 1857 freedom movement, has passed away.

Nawab Shafan Khan breathed his last at the age of 80. The sacrifices of his ancestors are recorded in golden words in the pages of history.

Death of Nawab Shaffan Khan, heir of Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan

Nawab Shafan Khan, a resident of Shahabad area of ​​Bareilly city, has passed away. He was laid to rest in Bhor graveyard near his home after Zuhr prayers. He was the heir to a great family whose ancestors ruled not only Bareilly but also in about 9 surrounding districts. His great-grandfather Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan had set a great example of bravery and sacrifice in the style of his namesake.

He was a hero of the 1857 revolution. He was born in 1791 into a Nawab family. He was the grandson of Rohilla Sardar Hafiz Rehmat Khan.

The slogan of revolution was raised in Meerut on 10 May 1857 and when the news of it reached Bareilly on 14 May, preparations were intensified here too. On 31 May, Khan Bahadur Khan and his generals and soldiers, led by Subedar Bakht Khan, declared a rebellion against the British government.

Tomb of Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan

The then magistrate, civil sergeant, jail superintendent and principal of Bareilly College, “C.Buk”, were killed by the revolutionaries. By five in the evening, the revolutionaries had taken control of the Bareilly division.

On June 1, these revolutionaries took out a triumphant procession. When the procession reached Kotwali, a large number of Bareilly citizens crowned Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan and elected him the Nawab of the Bareilly division.

Heir of Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan

An example of the bravery of Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan is that despite the numerous atrocities and abuses of the British government and being a powerful ruler, he kept the Bareilly division free from the rule of the British government for eleven months.

However, later, the British government arrested Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan while fighting a war at one place. He was brought to the same Kotwali where he was awarded the title of Nawab. He was imprisoned and kept in an unknown place.

Then on February 24, 1860, the hero of the urban people was brought on foot to the Kotwali and hanged on the same day at 7:10 am. A strange silence fell in the city and darkness prevailed.

Heir of Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan

To prevent any unrest in the city after the hanging of Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan, his body was taken to the district jail in an armored police vehicle and buried in the premises of the district jail.

Heir of Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan

The special thing is that he was buried with irons. Even today, the irons are clearly visible on the head of his grave. The British government had also buried Khan Bahadur Khan in the prison premises so that people could not gather at his grave and there would be no further excitement in the revolution.

Now let us mention Nawab Shafan Khan, the heir of Khan Bahadur Khan. He struggled for life and livelihood till his last breath. Despite belonging to the Nawab family, his family had to face difficulties for years or even their entire lives. Despite this, the struggle did not end in his life till his last breath.

According to his younger brother Nawab Liaquat Khan, Nawab Shaffan Khan’s health had deteriorated for the past five days. He was unable to go to the mosque to offer prayers during those days. Due to the weak financial condition of the family, he was undergoing treatment at home. But in the morning, his health deteriorated further and he died after a few moments.

source: http://www.etvbharat.com / ETV Bharat – Urdu / Home> Urdu> State / by Urdu translation into English / July 02nd, 2021

Ex-Army man Manzoor Ahmad Wagay shot dead in south Kashmir’s Kulgam; wife, daughter attacked too

Martyrs of the Nation, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kulgam District, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Ex-Army man shot dead in Kashmir: The family was attacked at their home in south Kashmir’s Kulgam on Monday. The ex-Army man succumbed to his injuries while the condition of his wife and daughter are said to be stable.

New Delhi: 

An ex-Army man, who along with his wife and daughter were attacked by terrorists in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, succumbed to his injuries on Monday. The deceased has been identified as Manzoor Ahmad Wagay The family was attacked by terrorists in Behi Bagh area of Kulgam, earlier in the day.

The family was taken to a hospital where Wagay succumbed to his injuries. His wife and daughter are said to be stable.

“He used to stay at home. He retired in 2021. Our only demand is that we want justice and nothing else. He was running his own business,” said his younger brother while talking to news agency ANI.

Omar Abdullah expresses condolences

In a post on social media platform X, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said that heinous violence has no place in our society. “Deeply saddened by the tragic killing of ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay Sahab in Kulgam. My heartfelt condolences to his family, and prayers for the swift recovery of his injured wife and daughter. Such heinous violence has no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest terms. May peace and justice prevail,” he wrote on X.

Hazratbal MLA Salman Sagar condemned the attack, saying, “We condemn whoever is involved in it. We have been a victim of terrorism of cross-border sponsored terrorism. The LG and the Ministry of Home Affairs should look into it. There has been peace after a long time and it is their responsibility to maintain it. It is a UT and it comes under the domain of the LG and the MHA. They should make sure that no lives are lost.”

Area cordoned off, search on to nab attackers

While condemning the incident, J&K Minister Satish Sharma talked about giving befitting reply to the enemies of the nation. “There is a dire need to act on the promises the PM and the Defence Minister have made to us. We have to take strict action,” he said.

Meanwhile, the forces have cordoned off the area to nab the terrorists.

source: http://www.newsnine.com / News Nine / Home> India News / by Prabhakar Jha (headline edited) / February 03rd, 2025

Men of the Horse

Amazing Feats, Indian Muslims in World War I and II (wef. July 09th, 2022), Karnataka (under research project), Martyrs of the Nation, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru (Mysore), KARNATAKA :

There are many miles that separate Bengaluru from Haifa. But our city’s connection to this distant Mediterranean port town goes beyond geography to that of the spirit. It is where Mysorean cavalrymen earned honours and distinguished themselves during World War I. The town also became a final resting place for many who never returned home.

These men on horseback were the inheritors of an older legacy.  Both Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, the 18th century rulers of Mysore, were known for their famous cavalry, the `Savar’ that had fought on home territory in the Anglo-Mysore Wars almost 150 years ago.

The Mysore Lancers (says a commemorative souvenir) were raised from what remained of this cavalry following the 4th Anglo-Mysore War in 1799.

The regimental insignia and Mysore’s royal emblem, the two headed Ganda Berunda eagle

Bengaluru’s equestrian legacies also extended beyond the military; the Bangalore Turf Club is a heritage institution and the Race Course that was initially located near Domlur was as old as the Cantonment, Horse riding in Cubbon Park was `de rigeur‘ till the early 1900’s, many large houses had private stables and British Commissioner Sir Mark Cubbon even built a new home beyond Cubbon Park  to accommodate his beloved horses!

Military forces in India’s princely states were maintained purely as a formality for a very long time following 1857.

But Viceroy Lord Dufferin’s landmark speech in Patalia (1888) signalled a change.

The Mysore (Mysuru) Maharaja Chamarajendra Wodeyar X was one of the first to raise a military force (including an Infantry and Transport Corps) capable of fighting alongside Imperial troops anywhere in the world. Major Mellis arrived here in 1890 to rearrange the two existing Silledar regiments into the Mysore Horse based in Mysore, and the Bangalore based Mysore Imperial Service Lancers (Mysore Lancers).

The Investiture Ceremony: “On the arrival of the Viceroy at the Imperial Service Lines, he was received by Dewan Krishna Murthi and conducted to a position near the saluting flag. After the horses of the entire regiment had lain down on the word of command so as to form covers for their riders in action, the regiment formed mass and the men dismounted and left their horses entirely alone with the rein passed through the girths. Rockets, carbine discharges and other noises were then made to test the training of the horses and except one or two horses which broke away, the remainder kept perfectly steady and unconcerned. After galloping past and advancing in review order, the Lancers cheered His Excellency. The Viceroy remarked that the display he had seen proved the excellence of the training of the horses and the special attention paid to the matter by Colonel Desaraj Urs… The manoeuvres subsequent to special show in connection with the horses reflected great credit, said His Excellency, on the regiment.” –M Shama Rao, Modern Mysore

The Mysorean, with his “superior physique” was also “specially noted for his endurance and hard work in distant countries and under the most trying conditions of climate and fatigue.”* And so, as part of the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade (this included the Patiala, Jodhpur and Hyderabad Horse) the men left Bangalore on 13th October, 1914 under the field command of Lt.Col. Chamaraj Urs Bahadur.

They were accompanied by Special Officers Major MH Henderson and Lt. K Evans-Gordon and Colonel J. Desraj Urs (Commander-in Chief of the Mysore State Forces and brother-in-law to Maharaja Sir Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV).

The men in the distinctive black head collar rope, black and white lance pennant, crossed lance badges on the chain mail epaulettes and the royal Ganda Bherunda insignia of Mysore disembarked to defend the Sweet Water Canal and undertake reconnaissance duties to the east of the Suez Canal. 

Many of us in the city can proudly trace family who in 1914, were a part of the largest volunteer army in the world!

Fans of a sun tanned Peter O’ Toole in the film `Lawrence of Arabia’ will know that our Mysorean men and the legendary TE Lawrence were both part of a WWI force commanded by Field Marshall Sir Edmund Allenby. But off screen conditions were very tough. Water sources were scarce. Thousands of cavalry horses and Transport Corps animals perished at various stages-en route, during combat and post-war.The emaciated and weak were left by the road to be picked up and (hopefully) rehabilitated by the Remount and Veterinary Corps.Most were not so lucky.

Much has been written about the Battle of Haifa where Mysorean cavalrymen braved German and Austrian guns as they charged alongside the Jodhpur Lancers to route an artillery battery located on a hill above the town.

Mysore’s two headed eagle also altered history at Gaza, Jordan Valley, Sharon, Megiddo, Damascus and Palestine. Their roles in these decisive battles saw the officers, including Captain B. P. Krishne Urs, 29 year old Mir Turab Ali and Risaldar Subbaraja Urs, and their loyal horses receive a hero’s welcome in 1920.

Sirdar Bahadur Lt.Col. Chamaraj Urs succeeded the distinguished Col.J Desraj Urs to the post of Commandant-in-Chief in 1919.

The horsemen were then reconstituted into the New Horsed Cavalry Regiment, raised in Jaipur on January 1st, 1953 under the special dispensation of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.It was named the 61st Cavalry a year later. It is the only horse cavalry regiment in the world and is equally well-known for its indomitable equestrian sportsmen.

My grand aunt, Mrs. Syeda Mirza tells me that her husband, my grand uncle the late Major Mohammad Mirza, a Bengalurean 61st cavalryman, dashing polo player and nephew of Sir Mirza Ismail, Diwan of Mysore (1926-1941) commanded the elite President’s Bodyguard for Dr.Rajendra Prasad and Dr. S Radhakrishnan in the 1960’s. He was also in the Ganganagar Sector with the 61st Cavalry during the 1971 War.

Standing second from right: Major Mohammad Mirza. Photo Source: Sixty First Cavalry Diamond Jubilee Souvenir, courtesy: Mrs. Syeda Mirza

“I was returning to Jaipur with the children after visiting my parents in Hyderabad” she says “and hired a porter to help with the luggage. He deposited me near the army vehicle that had come to receive us, and refused to take any payment. He said he could not take money from someone whose husband was fighting for the country.” She adds, “those were very tough times for wives and families.With no mobile phones or connectivity like it is today, we had no way to stay in regular touch with our loved ones.We just had to manage as best as we could on our own.”

While a tribute to Indian cavalrymen is visibly embedded at Teen Murti Circle, New Delhi, a smaller Memorial Column on Col. Desraj Urs Road in Bengaluru’s Munireddy Palya stands overshadowed by the massive TV Tower nearby. The long forgotten structure lists all the brave men including officers Captain A.Lingaraj Urs (son-in-law to the Field Commander) and a Meer Ashroff Ali who lost their lives upholding the honour of Mysore state. Most city folks ride by without a second glance these days.

……………………………………………………………………………………………

On the Roll of Honour:

A Lingaraj Urs and Meer Ashroff Alli, Venkata Rao Maney, Annaji Dhummal, Rachunatha Rao Birjey, Mohammed Abdul Sattar, Nar Singh, Mohammed Peer Khan, Rahimon Khan, Ganapaty Rao Sindhey, Rama Rao Gaikwad, Manadeva Rao Bobdey, Sheik Ibrahim, Sham Singh, Roya Sundaram, Chithambara Rao Ithapay and Meer Abdul Latheef.

……………………………………………………………………………………………

This story was originally published in the Bangalore Mirror on April 11th 2016.Read it here.

* M Shama Rao, Modern Mysore, Page 104-106

source: http://www.aturquoisecloud.wordpress.com / A Turquoise Cloud / by Aliyeh Rizvi

Lala Jaidayal & Mehrab Khan

Amazing Feats, First War of Independence 1857 / Naval Mutiny 1946 / Others PreIndependece (wef. July 27th, 2022), Freedom Fighters (under research project), Martyrs of the Nation,

Kota District, RAJASTHAN :

We all know about the Great War of Independence 1857. We have heard tales about Mangal Pandey, Nana Saheb and the Queen of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai. But there was also an uprising that took place in Kota district of Rajasthan in the same year led by Lala Jaidayal Bhatnagar and Mehrab Khan, and we have neither heard of them, nor do we have any pictures of the unsung heroes.

Lala Jaidayal was born on 4th April 1812 in Kama in Bharatpur. After completing his early education, he was appointed as an Advocate by the Kota Maharao in Hadaoti Agency. He was the prime leader of the Kota uprising. Mehrab Khan, his associate was the ‘Risaldar’ in the Kota army and was born on 11th May 1815 in Karoli. Lala Jaidayal along with Mehrab Khan had issued a circular in which they described in detail, about the new weaponry that was used by the British army that had its cartridges made up of animal flesh which was against the religious sentiments of both the Hindus and the Muslims. They also described how the flour and other eatables had the granules of human bones mixed in them. They made an appeal to the people to destroy the British who were intoxicating their lives.

The troops had started feeling the atrocities committed to them and what fuelled the fire was an advice given to the then ruler of the Rajputana state of Kota, Handa Rajput Maharao Ram Singh by the political agent of Kota, Major Burton, which somehow reached the troops. He advised Maharao to dismiss some of his non British soldiers. This message triggered the fire of discontent among the troops. Major Burton had visited Kota on 12th October 1857, with his two sons Frank who was 21 and Arthur who was 16. Maharao ordered a salute in honour of the British annexation of Delhi. The advice was given to Maharao on 14th October 1857 when Burton went to meet him along with his sons. The Kota Raj Pultan, furious with the news, decided to revolt against the King and Major Burton on the very next day i.e. 15th October 1857.

The troops, fuelled with anger, collected their swords and guns and surrounded the residency bungalow. They were also joined by the local civilians. The guards of the palace, having surrounded by around 3000 people offered almost zero resistance. The troops open fired and soon the palace was taken over. Major Burton, on hearing the commotion, thought that it was a procession that was coming out to welcome his return but he wasn’t aware of the reality. First among the victims of the mutineers were Dr. Salder, a native surgeon and a native Christian of Kota dispensary, Dr. Contemm.

A minute by minute description was given by Khoom Singh, the shooter sawar of Major Burton. He was with Major Burton and his two sons till the very end. They ran upstairs. Every Chawkidaar and Chaprasis that were appointed for the safety of Major Burton had run away when they saw the rebels coming. They climbed the ladders and killed Major Burton and both his sons. A parade was taken out by the rebels in the city with the severed head of Burton and was later fired upon with a gun.

source: https://images.app.goo.gl/JdXFRVKhBTw58ek16

The rebels took over the city and Lala Jaidayal was in charge of its administration. Maharao was captured and imprisoned in his own palace. Her queens were sheltered by Maharaja of Udaipur on the request of Maharao but five of his most trusted people were executed with guns as they refused to side with them. Gosain Maharaj, who was the religious head of Kota, acted as a mediator and Maharao had to walk into a treaty with the rebels. He was made to sign an agreement which stated that Major Burton was killed at his instance. For 6 months, the administration of Kota was under Jaidayal, and Mehrab Khan was incharge of the defence of the city. He sought help from the ruler of Sumbalgarh, Vitthal, which shows his ability as an able diplomat. Jaidayal also received a letter from the Thakur of Salumber (Mewar) in which he asked Lala to join him. They were able to win the love and support of a large number of officers in Kota state and many of them were posted in districts and were given the charge of many forts and palaces. But their rule didn’t last long and they were dislodged by the British troops along with the Maharaja of Karauli on 30th March 1858. Jaidayal left Kota and went to Bikaner. A bounty of 12000 was declared on him by the rulers of Kota and Bundi.

An analysis of the events that happened during this rebellion reveals how well planned and well
organized it was. They were hugely supported by the civilians and also by the state officials. They mostly attacked government offices and stores. The rebellion was against the British but when they came to know that Maharao was seeking help from them, they became furious and started the campaign against him. The aftermath of these events were even more heinous. The British troops burned down houses and property and plundered each and every house they came across. The ornaments that decorated the statues of lord Ganesha were also not spared. The followers of Lala Jaidayal and Mehrab Khan were put through miseries and were subjected to merciless torture. Maharao of Kota was unable to control the uprising. The native people were strongly anti-British and General Lawrence, the agent of Governor General and Maharao were aware of their feelings. They also cautioned Major Burton not to visit Kota. This was the reason why he visited Kota just with his two sons, and the rest of his family, including his wife and four other sons, were in Neemuch.

The fact that the leaders of the uprising, Lala Jaidayal and Mehrab Khan were Hindu and Muslim inspired the people of both religions to join hands against the tyranny of the British. The deep rooted dissatisfaction, the constant injustice, and the able leadership of Jaidayal and Mehrab Khan gave them the strength to stand behind their leaders and fight for the atrocities committed against them.

The greed for money has always been one of the main curses that the people of this country have faced throughout history. Same as the case with Liliya, who was responsible for the arrest of Lala Jaidayal Bhatnagar. The trial started in the court of political agent of Hadauti, W.H. Benan during April-May 1860 and he was given death penalty on 17th September 1860 in Kota.

Reference/s:

1. The people’s rising in Kota during the upheaval of 1857 by Vinita Parihar

2. The dictionary of Martyrs of the freedom struggle of India

source: http://www.sanelywritten.com / Sanely Written / Home> Freedom Fighter / by Sanely Writter / August 13th, 2020

Khan Bahadur Khan & Battle at Bareilly

Amazing Feats, First War of Independence 1857 / Naval Mutiny 1946 / Others PreIndependece (wef. July 27th, 2022), Freedom Fighters (under research project), Leaders, Martyrs of the Nation, Uniquely Indian - Inter Faith (wef. February 08th, 2023), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bareilly, UTTAR PRADESH :

One of the most significant features of the rebellion of 1857-58 was that many scions of the former ruling houses took part in it. One such man was Khan Bahadur Khan (1860), a descendent of Hafiz Rehmat Khan (d. 1774). In this very blog of the Independence Week series, we will be throwing some light on Khan Bahadur Khan and his rebellion. How almost an eighty year old man kept the torch of rebellion against the Company in Bareilly burning.

Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/kLJF62BfAdgBSyRu5

Very little is known about the early life of Khan Bahadur Khan. It seems that having acquired traditional education in Arabic and Persian and Islamic learning; he joined the Company’s service, rising to the position of Sadar Amin (arbitrator or a native civil judge).

Upon retirement he continued to live at Bareilly where he enjoyed considerable status as grandson of the widely venerated Ruhela chief, Hafiz Rahmat Khan. In 1857 when the rebellion began, Khan Bahadur Khan was well over 82 years of age. During the rebellion, Bareilly became one of the important centers of the rebels under Khan Bahadur Khan’s leadership. In course of time, many rebel leaders came to Khan with a view to continue the struggle against the Company’s Government. A communal harmony was maintained in Bareilly despite the constant efforts of the Company to ignite the flame of hatred amongst the people through Bribery and inciting the Rajputs against Khan. This maintenance of harmony amongst the different classes of people in Bareilly is considered one of the major achievements of Khan despite the constant attack by the Company.


The old farmers of the region were affected badly because of the forceful sale of their lands by the British to suit a “capitalist” concept of property. This constant suppression led the uprising of 1816 when the company imposed the Chowkidari taxes. This uprising was soon crushed but it had led to a widespread range and discontent and people from all other regions came to Bareilly to join the uprising. The Rebellion of Bareilly was not just a religious war against the Company, it was due to the bitterness of those who had lost their lands and the anxiety of those who would be forced to lose them.


The rumors of trouble had started circulating in the region a couple of months before the actual revolt took place. The 18th Infantry Regiments and the 8th Irregular Cavalry were stationed at Bareilly. Of these the 8th Irregular Cavalry consisted almost entirely of Pathans. No European troops were stationed at Bareilly. The artillery branch which had in its ranks, as a subedar, Bakhat Khan, a disciple of Moulvi Sarfaraz Ali, the latter took a leading part in the Rebellion of 1857 and brought numerous Ulema of Delhi to call the struggle against the British as Jihad (holy war). It seems that the rebel sepoys were keen to raise Khan Bahadur Khan the Nawab of Bareilly as their leader but in the beginning he did not respond favourably to their overtures.

Ultimately on May 31, 1857. i.e. twenty-one days after the outbreak of the revolt in Meerut, Bareilly joined the rebellion. On 1 June under the guidance of Bakht Khan, concerted efforts were made by the rebels to persuade Khan Bahadur Khan to assume leadership. How Khan came to be persuaded by the rebels is evident from his own letter to the Governor General dated 14th February 1860 where he states that upon the deterioration in law and order, a deputation of the citizens of Bareilly headed by Syed Miyan Jan, Syed Faizullah, Miran Khan from Nau Mahla Mohalla, accompanied by several other persons and traders of the city approached him to take step to restore order. Syed Miran Jan at last prevailed upon him to move out of his residence.


Khan, now assuming leadership visited the city to restore order once again. He held a Darbar were prominent Hindu and Muslims were present. Like other rebel leaders, Khan Bahadur Khan also issued a proclamation addressed to all the Rajas and others, appealing to their zeal in defending religion. The main thrust of his proclamation was that the Indians’ religions (Hinduism and Islam) were in danger owing to the Company’s pro-Christian policy and attempts at Christianizing Indians. The proclamation also criticized some of the progressive measures taken by the Company’s Government such as the prohibition of Sati and widow- remarriage. The Bareilly proclamation was clearly an attempt to win the support of the Rajputs, a social group which practiced Sati and adoption, and so resented their suppression. The Bareilly proclamation also added that the Muslim leaders had to ban cow slaughter — a step considered of vital importance to maintain communal harmony. This was specially so when the majority of the rebel sepoys consisted of Hindus.


Khan Bahadur Khan was so keen to raise an efficient army that he did not burden the Rebel treasury with the pensions he had been receiving earlier from the Company.


The end of March 1858, Bareilly remained in the able control of Khan Bahadur. Despite a clear state resolution, the British policy, just to incite a division of the rebels assumed a new proportion on the cow slaughter issue. This time some Muslims mongers became active and insisted on slaughter on public places which was unacceptable to the Hindu sepoys. This led Khan hold a meeting of both the prominent Hindus and Muslims. It was attended by 12 Hindus and 20 Muslims. It was a tense atmosphere for obvious reasons and an axious and sad Khan Bahadur intervened saying “O Allah, why is so? Why is there so many squabble and blood-shed among the brothers, Hindus and Musalmans? The Hindus are my right hand and my right ear, because of their support and strength; I am able to sit on this seat. From today I declare that if any Muslim oppresses any Hindu or kills a cow at a forbidden place, he would be punished severely. Hindus and Muslims are the same. This ought to be the slogan of the two communities from this day”. In order to further strengthen the communal harmony, Muhammad flags by Hindus and Mahabiri flags by Muslims were hoisted in Bareilly and people were requested to gather under the respective flags to unite against the British. Khan himself visited different parts of the city to unite people and raised the slogans “Hindu and Muslims are one”, “Ram and Rahim are one”, and the people pledged to oust the British from this country.


One of the reasons for the long duration of the rebel regime at Bareilly was the British pre-occupation with the rebellion at other places. During this period Bareilly became a refuge for rebel leaders from far and near.


The movements of the rebel to and from Bareilly were very closely monitored by the British. The rebels lacked an efficient system of communication and the British on the other hand started communicating with Delhi, Agra, Nainital and Ambala and couriers with areas where they had no complete control. The rebels were fully aware of the danger that they had from the British Army and they made elaborate arrangements for guarding various ferry crossings. They also attempted to dislodge the Company officials from Nainital and other places, capturing Haldwani and Bhamauri (October 1857), and then Bundia on the high road between Haldwani and Bareilly. Their advance was checked by Colonel Mclausland at Baheri. The reverse was enough to persuade Khan Bahadur Khan to change the strategy. He instructed the rebel forces: “Don’t attempt to meet the regular column of the infidels, because they are superior to you in discipline and bandubast. and have big guns, but watch their movements. guard all the ghauts on the rivers, intercept their communication, stop their supplies, cut up their daks and posts, and keep constantly hanging about their camps; give them no rest”.

Though the company’s attempt to put the Rajputs against Khan in Bareilly had failed, they had succeeded in pitting the Rajputs of Dhatiganj in Bafaun against Khan, and Khan on the other hand had to take care of the Shia’s and the Sunni’s at this juncture.

The British in Bareilly had caused an explosion with the help of their agents on 24th March 1858, killing 63 people. At the same time, the strength of the rebels were fast deteriorating due to the constant pressing forward of the company forces. They had recovered areas around Bareilly by the company troops, and the rebels were surrounded from all the sides. The company troops led by Brigadier General Jones surrounded Bareilly on 6th May. Khan Bahadur Khan had no option but to fight a pitched battle. He divided his troops into two lines. The first line was supported by the artillery commanding the bridge. The second comprising the Ghazis, defended the suburbs of the city. The British forces speedily broke the first line. They, however, had to face stiff resistance from the second line which displayed remarkable courage and determination against the enemy’s trained and organized forces. They resisted with such energy and boldness that Sir Colin Campbell was taken by surprise. To quote Russell “…a lot of Gazees got in pass the left of their right wing, attacked Walpole and Cameron, and wounded them……Sir Colin (Campbell) had a narrow escape… The Gazees were fine fellows, grizzly bearded elderly men for the most part, with green turbans and cummerbunds, and every one of them had a silver signet-ring, a long text of Koran engraved on it. They came on with their heads down below their shields, and their tulwars flashing as they whirled them over their heads, shouting, Deen! Deen! And dancing like mad men (6 May 1858)”. Sheer chivalry was, however, futile. The rebels lost the battle. Bareilly was occupied by the British forces on 7 May 1858.

“Conflict with the Ghazees before Bareilly, scence from the Indian Mutiny. Engraving from 1858, Engraver Unkown Photo by D Walker” / Source : https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/battle-at-bareilly-gm172740161-5022003

Having lost the battle, Khan Bahadur Khan took to flight. At this critical moment, the Kurmis around Bareilly provided shelter to the fugitives. From Bareilly, Khan Bahadur Khan moved towards Shahjahanpur with the intention of joining Ahmadullah Shah. Khan kept on moving and attacked the out skirts of Shahjahanpur on 12 June driving in all the pickets posted there.

He, however, could not join Ahmadullah Shah as the latter was treacherously killed by the Raja of Pawayan on 15th June. Ahmadullah Shah’s death left Khan Bahadur Khan alone. The British forces were at their heels. He took shelter in the Terai forest bordering Nepal. He wandered from place to place until Rana Jung Bahadur captured him, in December 1859, near Butwal. For some time he remained a prisoner of the Rana. Subsequently he was brought to Bareilly and confined in the Bareilly fort. He was charged with rebellion and inciting others to rebel and tried by a special Commission of enquiry. He was sentenced to death. He was hanged and laid to rest at the Bareilly Jail on 24 March 1860.

Reference/s :

Bareilly in 1857, Indian History Congress

source: http://www.sanelywritten.com / Sanely Written / Home> Freedom Fighters / by Sanely Written / August 10th, 2020

Major Mahmood Hassan Khan Vir Chakra

Amazing Feats, Bravery Awards, Citations, Commendations etc (since April 14th, 2024), Martyrs of the Nation, , , , , ,

Dhanuri Village (Jhunjhunu District), RAJASTHAN :

Major Mahmood Hasan Khan hailed from Dhanuri village in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan and was born on 02 March 1941. Son of Risaldar Nawab Mohd Hasan Khan, he was born into a military family but lost his father at an early age. He was brought up by his uncle Major Akbar Ali Khan who was serving with the then Nizam of Hyderabad. He completed his school education in Hyderabad and later went to Aligarh Muslim University for higher studies. He joined the Indian Army in the year 1962 as a Sepoy and subsequently got commissioned as a commissioned officer. He was commissioned into 14 Grenadiers of the Grenadiers Regiment, an infantry Regiment known for its brave soldiers with a rich history of various battle honours. In 1971, Maj MH Khan got involved in the thick of operations as his unit got deployed on the western border when the war with

Atian Supply Point Raid (Naushera Sector): 06 Dec 1971

During the Indo-Pak 1971 War, Maj MH Khan’s unit 14 Grenadiers was deployed on the western front. In December 1971, India had to go to war with Pakistan as the genocide perpetrated by the Pakistani army in their erstwhile eastern part of the country had resulted in an unprecedented influx of millions of refugees into India. Though the war was concentrated on the eastern front, Pakistan launched operations on the western front too. When the war was declared on 03 Dec 1971, 14 Grenadiers under the command of Lt Col Inderjit Singh was functioning under the operational control of 25 Div and was spread all over the Div AOR (Area of Responsibility) from Naushera to Poonch. On 06 Dec, 14 Grenadiers along with the elements of 8 Mahar battalion were tasked to raid the enemy’s Atian Supply Point to cause maximum damage to it.  Maj MH Khan as ‘Raid Commander’ was tasked to carry out the assault along with two more officers, Capt Roy Chowdhary and 2nd Lt Prakash, and 49 OR (Other Ranks).

The raid involved going through a heavily guarded area and destruction of the objective of platoon strength. The team led by Maj MH Khan and divided into three groups planned a multi-directional attack on the enemy to achieve an element of surprise and cause maximum possible damage. The attack commenced at around 1800 hrs on 06 Dec and Major Khan led his men to the objective by shrewd manoeuvres, destroying post after post. The raid was thus successfully carried out after twelve hours of constant action. Maj MH Khan and his soldiers fightly valiantly, destroyed the enemy’s 12 storehouses, and 6 timber stocks, besides eliminating several mules and personnel. Maj MH Khan was given the gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” for his act of conspicuous gallantry, unyielding fighting spirit, and leadership. By the second week of Dec 1971, India had almost achieved victory on the eastern front but the border skirmishes were still going on, on the western front. Maj MH Khan’s unit 14 Grenadiers was involved in operations in the “Battle of Daruchhian” during that period. 

“Battle of Daruchhian” (Indo-Pak War): 13/14 Dec 1971

After the failure of the Pakistani divisional attack on Poonch, the Indian Army decided to carry out local and limited actions all along the ceasefire line to improve its defensive posture. One such attack was launched by an infantry battalion in the area opposite Madarpur on the night of 10/11 December, and having captured Nangi Tekri, Jungle Tekri, Bump and other features denied the use of the Kotli-Madarpur-Hajira road to the enemy. As a follow-up to these operations, it was decided to secure Daruchhian, a feature blocking the Balnoi neck of the Kotli-Balnoi road between the Poonch River and the ceasefire line. Daruchhian was a conical feature, narrow and rugged at the top and with steep projections. It was forested on all sides except the southwest spur and was reportedly held by less than one Pakistani company of regular troops and some Mujahids as part of the main picquet line. 14 Grenadiers battalion under the command of Lt Col Inderjit Singh was tasked to launch an attack on Daruchhian and it was allotted an additional company and artillery support of four to six fire units. Maj MH Khan was functioning as a Company Commander of “D” Company at that time.

The capture of Daruchhian was planned to be carried out by 0800 hrs on 14 Dec in three phases. It was a multi-pronged attack involving primarily B, C, and D companies of 14 Grenadiers and elements of other outside resources. As per the plan, in Phase-I ‘B’ Company was to capture OP (Observation Post); in Phase-II ‘C’ Company was to capture West Spur and in Phase-III ‘D’ Company was to capture South West Spur. Besides the commanding officer Lt Col Inderjit Singh, Maj MH Khan, Maj HS Chahal(‘B’ Company Commander), and Capt Hamir Singh(‘C’ Company Commander) as company commanders were involved in planning and executing the operational plan. ‘A’ Company under the command of Maj SR Dogra was responsible for marking the FUP(Forming up Point) for Pase-I and then acting as a reserve for Phase II. The attack was launched on the night of 13/14 Dec 1971 in three phases with three assault groups attacking from different directions.

In Phase-III of the battle, Maj MH Khan’s ‘D’ Company was given orders to attack SW Spur at about 0400 hrs on 14 Dec. Maj MH Khan moved swiftly and ordered his platoons to give him fire support when he with one platoon moved towards the objective. Despite heavy enemy firing, Maj MH Khan and his men kept moving and reached the flat ground west of the OP position. While moving forward, Maj MH Khan noticed one of the enemy MGs that was impeding the advance and causing casualties. Maj MH Khan along with a few men in a daring move charged towards the bunker with grenades. However while doing so, Maj MH Khan was shot and got injured. But despite the injury, he moved forward and lobbed the grenade in the enemy bunker, before falling to another burst of fire on his head. The enemy gave a very stiff resistance and the battle for Daruchhian continued for over 12 hours. Maj MH Khan as the Company Commander of ‘D’ Company fought valiantly and led his men to give a befitting reply to the enemy firepower. In the fierce exchange of fire, during the battle, a total of eight officers, seven JCOs, and one hundred and forty-five other ranks were martyred, wounded, or missing in action. Besides Major MH Khan, the other martyred brave hearts included five officers (Maj HS Chahal, Maj SR Dogra, Capt OP Dalal, Capt Bakshish Singh, and 2nd Lt GP Bahukhandi), 4 JCOs ( Sub Jai Singh, Sub Taj Mohd Khan, Nb Sub Hasam Khan and Nb Sub Ram Sarup Singh) and 44 ORs. 

Major MH Khan displayed commendable gallantry and devotion to duty during the operation and laid down his life in the service of the nation. Though he was given the gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” for his act of gallantry on 06 Dec 1971, he did not live long enough thereafter and made the supreme sacrifice on 14 Dec 1971 during the heroic ” Battle of Daruchhian”. 

____________________________

2 Comments
  • Shaheen KhanReplyLate Major MH khan is my grandfather. We obviously have a lot of relevant information about him. Pease contact us so we can give as much info for the page of this great man.
  • Salim khanReplyPuri gatha batao plz

  • Honourpoint is an online memorial to honour, appreciate and remember the spirited and valiant sons and daughters of India who had the distinction of serving the country in “military uniform”, and are no longer with us. It is an endeavour to ensure that supreme sacrifices of our soldiers and their families do not fade away and are given their rightful place in our nation’s collective consciousness. Read more…

source: http://www.honourpoint.in / HonourPoint / Home> Profile / headline edited

Dhanori: A village of war widows, and warriors in Rajasthan

Martyrs of the Nation, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dhanori Village, (Jhunjhunu), RAJASTHAN :

A total seventeen soldiers hailing from Dhanori, have attained martyrdom for the country.

At present, more than 550 from the village are serving the Indian Army, while many are enjoying their post retirement life back in their hamlet. There is not a single house in the village, from where a family member has not served the army.

Dhanori’s war widows with the pictures of their husbands

Jhunjhunu: 

A common thread binds Sayera Bano, Hasan Bano, Anwar Bano, Mumtaj Bano and Alhamdo Bano, of Jhunjhunu’s Dhanori village. They are all war widows. This village in Rajasthan, has given Indian army, soldiers who have given their lives to serve the interest of the nation right from the First and Second World Wars to Sino-India war to  Indo-Pak war and the Kargil war. Name a war, and the village will have a martyr for it, and the war widows.

Sayera’s husband, Azimuddin Khan had been martyred in World War II, Hasan and Anwar had lost their husband Saifi Muhammad and Nizamuddin Khan in 1962, Indo-China war. Mumtaz’s husband Zafar Ali Khan had martyred in 1971 and Alhamdo’s husband Ramzan Khan gave his life, while protecting the Indian soil during the Kargil war. However, the widows of World War I from the village are no longer alive, but there were six army men from Dhanori had attained martyrdom, in the war.

A total seventeen soldiers hailing from Dhanori, have attained martyrdom for the country.

At present, more than 550 from the village are serving the Indian Army, while many are enjoying their post retirement life back in their hamlet. There is not a single house in the village, from where a family member has not served the army.

“I have fought against Pakistan during the Indp-Pak war of 1971,” said retired Captain, Ali Hassan to eNewsroom. The war was not easy for our village, as we lost three of our sons, during this war. The village has also a Veer Chakra recipient. “Major MH Khan was from our village, I was under him. He was martyred in the war, later awarded the Veer Chakra,” recalled the retired captain.

MH Khan, whose father was an IAS officer, is the only army man from the village, to have made it to the rank of a Major in the Indian army. He, back then had pursued his education in Hyderabad.

Ali Hassan’s family has been protecting the Indian borders, fighting wars for safety of the nation for four generations now. Hassan takes immense pride in this and said with an air, “My grandfather and father were in the Indian army, so, I too joined it and now my son is serving our nation.”

Dhanori, is only 15 kilometers away from Jhunjhunu, and has a population of over 10000, of which a little over 70 percent comprises Muslims. They are mostly, Kayamkhani Muslims and have played a vital role in motivating people from every community to send at least one of their sons to serve the nation.

“We guided our friends from other community to join the Indian army,” Perwez Khan, who just retired after serving 17 years. He was youngest to be recruited from the village to Indian Army. He started serving the nation at a tender age of 16 only.

Despite, Dhanori sending so many men to fight for the nation, the government seems to be a little hesitant in acknowledging its contribution towards safeguarding India. “Dhanori has no senior secondary school. The Primary Health Center (PHC) shuts down soon after 4pm; there is no full-fledged hospital here. The roads are also not good. We also need a bank and an ATM,” rued Perwez.

“We also do not understand, why our village has not been adopted by any MP, since there will be no such place in India from where so many people have attained martyrdom,” said Alhamdo, the widow of Kargil war.

source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNewsRoom India / Home> Freshly Brewed> Rajasthan / by Shahnawaz Akhtar / May 11th, 2017