‘Bawani Imli’: Witness to the Hanging of 52 Freedom Fighters
Thousands of brave souls sacrificed their lives for India’s independence. Their struggles were witnessed not only by revolutionaries, leaders, documents, or the general public, but also by many silent trees, rivers, mountains, and historical buildings that observed these sacrifices closely. One such historical witness is the ‘Bawani Imli’ tree near Khajua town in Fatehpur district, Uttar Pradesh.
On April 28, 1858, the British hanged 52 revolutionaries simultaneously on this tamarind tree. The tree still narrates its glorious past and bears silent witness to the sacrifices of the martyrs.
Mute Witness to the Sacrifice of 52 Martyrs: ‘Bawani Imli’
During the 1857 revolution, freedom fighters fiercely fought against British rule. During this period, the tamarind tree near Khajua town in Fatehpur district witnessed the martyrdom of 52 revolutionaries simultaneously. Hence, it is known as ‘Bawani Imli’ (Bawani = 52).
In 1858, the British committed the largest massacre of revolutionaries in Asia at this location. This incident is unique in Indian history, where 52 freedom fighters were hanged on a single tree.
1857 Revolution and Thakur Jodha Singh Attaiya
The 1857 revolution began on March 29 with Mangal Pandey’s rebellion at Barrackpore Cantonment. On May 10, the spark spread across the country, reaching Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, by June 1857.
During this time, Thakur Jodha Singh Attaiya, born in Rasulpur (now Paradha village) in Fatehpur district, took up arms against the British. Influenced by Tatya Tope, he became an expert in guerrilla warfare.
"Jodha was born in slavery, but he will die only after achieving freedom!" This statement reflected his commitment to independence.
Deputy Collector Hikmat Ullah Khan of Fatehpur Supported the Revolutionaries
Among those supporting Thakur Jodha Singh was Deputy Collector Hikmat Ullah Khan of Fatehpur. He seized control of Fatehpur's treasury and court. Impressed by his contribution, Nana Saheb Dhondu Pant appointed him as the administrator of Fatehpur.
However, on July 12, 1857, the British attacked, arrested Hikmat Ullah Khan, beheaded him, and displayed his head at the Kotwali gate to deter others from revolting.
Tatya Tope and Thakur Jodha Singh Defeated the British
In November 1857, Jodha Singh, along with Tatya Tope, launched a major attack against the British, forcing the English army led by General Windham to retreat from Kanpur.
Following this, they organized other revolutionaries in Bundelkhand and attacked several police posts. Alarmed by their increasing influence, the British began referring to them as "dacoits."
British Betrayal and Arrest of 52 Revolutionaries
On April 28, 1858, while Thakur Jodha Singh was returning after meeting Raja Ganpat Singh of Argal, the British arrested him along with 51 comrades, based on a tip-off from an informer.
Without any trial, they were hanged on the same day on a tamarind tree near Khajua. The British also announced that anyone attempting to remove the bodies would also be hanged.
‘Bawani Imli’ Incident: The Second Jallianwala Bagh
This incident is also referred to as the "Second Jallianwala Bagh Massacre." The brutality was such that the martyrs’ bodies were not taken down.
For almost a month, the bodies hung from the tree. Finally, on the night of June 3-4, 1858, Thakur Maharaj Singh and his 900 revolutionary comrades took down the 52 bodies and performed their last rites at Shivrajpur Ghat in Kanpur.
‘Bawani Imli’ as a Martyrs' Memorial Today
Located between Bindki and Khajua, this tamarind tree is now established as the ‘Bawani Imli Martyrs' Memorial.’
The memorial has 52 small pillars reminding visitors of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.
An inscription on the memorial's platform reads:
"शहीदों की चिताओं पर लगेंगे हर बरस मेले,
वतन पर मरने वालों का यही बाकी निशाँ होगा।"
Symbol of Sacrifice and Valor: ‘Bawani Imli’
‘Bawani Imli’ still narrates the story of the 52 martyrs’ sacrifice. This memorial will continue to inspire patriotism in future generations.
However, history has yet to give Thakur Jodha Singh and his comrades the recognition they deserve. Proper recognition of their sacrifice would be the true tribute to them.
Dr.Santosh Anand Mishra
Village - Mishrauli
Post- Kansi Simari
Dist- Darbhanga
Bihar
847106
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