Tantia Tope: Hero of the Revolt of 1857

Tantia Tope was the leader of the rebels of Central India who unfurled the banner of rebellion during the Revolt of 1857, known variously as First War of Independence, Sepoy Mutiny etc. The original name of this brave Maratha Brahmana was Ramchandra Panduranga who was endowed with indomitable spirit.

During the uprising, Tantia Tope, an expert in the original Maratha Gurilla tactics, joined the troops of Nana Saheb, leader of the revolt in Kanpur. He helped Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi in her fight against the British forces. After her death in the battle on the 17th June, 1858, the British devoted their energy chasing him from place to place. An act of betrayal by Man Singh, a feudatory of Sindhia, found Tantia Tope in the hands of the British who sentenced him to death on charges of rebellion and murder on April 18, 1859.