Biography of Nana Saheb | 350 Words

Biography of Nana Saheb complete biography for Class 10, Class 12, and Graduation and other classes.

Nana Saheb, along with Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi, is remembered as the pioneer of the 1857 war of Independence. In fact, Nana Saheb was accredited for having lit the torch of the 1857 revolt and spreading its light to other parts of the country. He himself took up the sword and spread the message of freedom through personal example of courage.

The background for the war of Independence was prepared by Nana Saheb with the help and co-operation of Rango Bapuji and Azimulla. He contacted various royal houses, chief among them being Bahadurshah and Wajid Ali Shah at the outset of the revolt. His set out ostensibly on a pilgrimage but in reality these journeys were meant to muster support for a revolt against the British regime. On May 27, 1857 he captured Kanpur and on 28 June 1857, at Bithoor, he was enthroned ceremoniously as a ruler and a victor. But, soon after the ceremony he got engaged in a fight with Haviock, the British general in Kanpur.’ He struggled hard for success. The facts regarding Nana Saheb’s death are not known for certain.

Nana Saheb was born in June 1824 at Venu in Maharashtra. His father was Madhav Narayan Bhatt and mother Ganga Bai. He was adopted by Peshwa Bajirao as his son in 1827. He was given a sound moral education and trained as a soldier. Tantya Tope and Laxmi Bai were his childhood friends. Nana Saheb was brave and talented. In 1851, when he succeeded Baji Rao Peshwa, the British denied him his pension which embittered him and the British became his sworn enemy. His ability to prepare for the revolt speaks of his bravery. Many British writers have praised him for his irrepressible courage, fortitude and generosity. Nana Saheb was instrumental in bringing Hindu-Muslim together to fight under one banner.