Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Another forgotten freedom fighter of Bastar

Queen Swarna Kunwar was the wife of Bhairam Deo ,the 18th Kakatiya ruler of Bastar.The king showed little interest in administration which prompted her to take over the reins.A very ambitious lady, she was efficient too.After the Muriya uprising she became increasingly popular among the people.This made the English insecure.The death of Bhairam Deo saw his minor son Rudrapratap on the throne and the English took over as he was a minor.The Queen was sidelined.She felt that administration belonged to the Royals.Along with her trusted Diwan, Lal Kalendra Singh she chalked out a plan t oust the English.She was angered by the policies of the English and she called for a Muriya Raj in Bastar.She withdrew support from Rudrapratap too.In 1909 Oct. on dussera she addressed thousands of people in Tadoki and called for an uprising.The Bhumkal Movement thus had a birth .It was led by Gunda Dhur.7 Feb 1910 she united people and Geedam was captured..She continued relentlessly till Bhumkal Movement was crushed by the British.On 5 march 1910 she was imprisoned and sent to Raipur where she died.
A salutation to this brave woman who has not yet found her right place in history....

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