Pandey Ganpat Rai – The Brave Commander of Jharkhand’s 1857 Revolt

Birth and Early Life

• Born on 17 January 1809 in Bhawro village, located in the Lohardaga district.
• His birthplace now falls under the Bhandra block of Jharkhand.
• He spent his childhood with his uncle Sadashiv Rai, who was the Diwan (Prime Minister) of the Maharaja of Chotanagpur and lived in Palakot.

Education and Personal Life

• Received a high standard of education under the guidance of his uncle.
• Gained knowledge of Arabic and Persian languages.
• First marriage took place at the young age of 15, but the couple had no children.
• In 1837, at the age of 28, he remarried in Palamu.
• From his second marriage, he had two sons and three daughters.

Rise to Power

• After the death of his uncle Sadashiv Rai, Pandey Ganpat Rai became the Diwan of the Maharaja of Chotanagpur.
• Through his efficiency and skill, he gained significant trust and influence with the ruler of Chotanagpur.

Beginning of the Revolt

• The 59th Maharaja of Chotanagpur, Jagannath Shahdeo, faced a succession dispute.
• The British Privy Council ruled against the Nagvanshi king.
• Subsequently, Adam Hume was appointed as Administrator of Chotanagpur by the British.
• This injustice ignited feelings of rebellion in Pandey Ganpat Rai.

Role in the 1857 Revolt

• In August 1857, a British army unit stationed at Doranda Cantonment revolted.
• Pandey Ganpat Rai and Thakur Vishwanath Shahdeo emerged as leaders of this rebellion.
• The rebels proclaimed Vishwanath Shahdeo as king and Ganpat Rai as commander-in-chief.

Attack on British Establishments

• The rebel forces:
  • Caused heavy damage to the British in Ranchi.
  • Burned the courthouse.
  • Looted the treasury.
  • Attacked British residences.
  • Broke open Ranchi jail and freed 300 prisoners.

Plan to Connect with Kunwar Singh

• Pandey Ganpat Rai and Thakur Vishwanath Shahdeo planned to meet Kunwar Singh via Walumaha and Chatra.
• Unfortunately, on 2 October 1857, they were surrounded by British forces and forced to flee.

Betrayal and Arrest

• In an attempt to revive the movement, Pandey Ganpat Rai went to Lohardaga to seek support.
• He was betrayed by a local zamindar, Mahesh Sahi, who:
  • Locked him in a room, and
  • Informed the British authorities.
• Subsequently, Captain Nation arrested Pandey Ganpat Rai.

Trial and Execution

• He was brought to Ranchi for trial.
• On 16 April 1858, he was sentenced to death.
• On 21 April 1858, Pandey Ganpat Rai was hanged from the same Kadamb tree at Ranchi District School gate where Thakur Vishwanath Shahdeo had been executed.

Legacy

• Pandey Ganpat Rai is remembered as a valiant commander and one of the most significant tribal freedom fighters from Jharkhand during the First War of Independence (1857).
• His leadership, vision, and martyrdom continue to inspire generations.