Independence Day 2017: Know These Forgotten Heroes Of Freedom Struggle

Veerapandiya Kattabomman: Very few know about him. He waged a war against British, sixty years before the known war of independence in 1857. He revolted against the East India Company and refused to submit to their taxation orders. He was a Palyekar chieftain of Tamil Nadu. He was arrested and hanged in 1799. Image: Wikimedia Commons

In the two centuries of struggle against British rule, India witnessed countless rebellions and sacrifices by many brave souls. Some are celebrated, but many are forgotten and thus their priceless endeavours are lost in the pages of history..This independence day we try to pay tribute to some of the many unsung freedom fighters of India. Madan Lal Dhingra: Despite having lived and studied in abroad, Madan Lal Dhingra was a devoted patriot and did not hesitate in laying down his life for his country. He assassinated Viceroy Lord Curzon Wyllie who was said to be a close friend of Dhingra’s father. He fired five bullets right at Curzon’s face in the middle of a huge gathering, four of which hit the target. Dhingra was arrested and during his trial he took no lawyer and stated clearly that he did not regret killing Curzon. He said: ‘’ I do not want to say anything in defense of myself, but simply to prove the justice of my deed. As for myself, no English law court has got any authority to arrest and detain me in prison, or pass sentence of death on me. That is the reason I did not have any counsel to defend me.’’ Image: Wikipedia