Nana Sahib, whose original name was Dhondu Pant, was a prominent figure during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He was born on 19 May 1824, in the city of Bithoor, near Kanpur in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. He was the adopted son of the last Peshwa (prime minister) of the Maratha Empire, Baji Rao II.
Nana Sahib's adoption by Baji Rao II meant that he had a claim to the Peshwa throne, which was abolished after the British annexation of the Maratha territories in 1818. However, the British denied Nana Sahib's pension and allowances, which led to growing resentment and grievances against British rule.
During the rebellion in 1857, Nana Sahib emerged as a leader and played a significant role in the uprising in the region of Kanpur. He rallied Indian soldiers (sepoys) and civilians against the British, and together with other rebel leaders, orchestrated the capture of the British garrison in Kanpur.
After the capture of Kanpur, Nana Sahib declared himself the Peshwa and sought to establish a Maratha empire. However, the rebellion faced eventual defeat, and the British forces recaptured Kanpur. Nana Sahib's forces were forced to retreat, and the British launched a counteroffensive.
The fate of Nana Sahib after the rebellion remains unclear. It is believed that he fled from Kanpur, possibly to Nepal or the princely states, and his ultimate fate is unknown. There are various theories about what happened to him, including the possibility that he died in obscurity or lived in exile. In October 1860, the British resident at Kathmundu was informed that the Nana had passed away on the 24 September 1860 due to malaria.
Nana Sahib's role in the rebellion has made him a significant figure in Indian history. He is remembered as a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule and is often depicted in literature, films, and popular culture related to the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
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