Savarkar, Vinayak Damodar, The Indian War of Independence of 1857

([London :  s.n.,  1909])

Tools


 

Jump to page:

Table of Contents

  Page 426  



Temporary Pacification
 

[ Pt.IV
 

CHAPTER II

THE   COMPLETE   SACRIFICE
 

On the 20*^ of June, 1858, in the fierce fight on the mait^an at
Gwalior, Ranee Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi fell. But though one
inveterate enemy of the English was thus taken away from
the scene, the other, equally inveterate and, perhaps, more
skilful in the tactics of war, had effected a clever retreat. He
disappeared from Gwalior on the 20*^; he disappeared, also,
from the field of Jaura Alipur on the 22^^, and away he went
out of the reach of the English—but where?

In a few days, all over central India, forests, cities, caves^
villages, mountains, and rivers reverberated with a terrible war-
cry, and everywhere, there were jubilant shouts of " Tatia
Tope, Tatia Tope!"

For the Mahratta tiger, chased by the lances of the hunters, had
now rushed into the forests of Central India. He had, as it
were, lost his right hand by the death of Lakshmi Bai on the
field of Gwalior. The Revolution was almost crushed by
numerous defeats. He was now separated for ever from Nana
Sahib. English power, through Indian strength, had now almost
become invincible. He had now no army worth the name, no
guns, no provisions, and not even any hopes of getting these
anywhere! Still the undaunted Tatia Tope, harassing the
enemy, and maddening Defeat itself, would not surrender the
Jaripatka at the feet of the foreigner. Bend it before the foreigner,
never! Such is the tree from which its staff is made that it might
be broken by foreigners but it would never bend before them!

After  the   defeats of Gwahor and Jaura Alipur, Tatia Tope
 

I
 

426
  Page 426