Kunwar Pratap Singh Barhath: The Young Martyr of Rajasthan's Revolutionary Movement
Kunwar Pratap Singh Barhath (1893-1918), also known as 'Kunwar Ji', was a key figure in India's fight for independence. He is recognized for his revolutionary activities and his ultimate sacrifice at the young age of 25. A member of the Barhath family from Shahpura, known for their revolutionary efforts in Rajasthan, Pratap Singh was dedicated to freeing India from British rule. His life displayed courage, conviction, and a willingness to suffer for his beliefs. This made him a symbol of the revolutionary movement that sought independence through armed resistance. This article highlights his life, revolutionary actions, imprisonment, and lasting legacy within the context of Rajasthan's role in the broader Indian freedom struggle.
The Revolutionary Barhath Family: A Legacy of Resistance
The Barhath family of Shahpura played a key role in the fight for Indian independence, changing from bards to revolutionaries. Three generations were actively involved:
- Thakur Krishna Singh Barhath: The family's patriarch and an early nationalist.
- Thakur Kesari Singh Barhath: Pratap Singh's father, a celebrated poet and revolutionary. He wrote "Chetavani ra Chungatya" to discourage Maharana Fateh Singh from attending the Delhi Durbar in 1903, ijmrset. He was imprisoned for life in the Kota Murder Case in 1914.
- Thakur Zorawar Singh Barhath: Pratap Singh's uncle, who avoided capture for years and participated in the 1912 Delhi Conspiracy targeting Viceroy Hardinge ijmrset.
- Kunwar Pratap Singh Barhath: The focus of this article, who continued the family's revolutionary tradition and became a martyr.
This family's dedication, even from within the aristocratic circles of Rajputana, demonstrates the widespread nature of nationalist sentiment across Indian society.
Early Life and Revolutionary Training
Born on May 24, 1893, in Udaipur, Pratap Singh spent his childhood in Kota. His father, Kesari Singh, chose not to send him to English-medium schools. Instead, Pratap Singh went to Arjunlal Sethi's 'Vardhman Pathshala' in Jaipur. This school provided training in revolutionary activities along with nationalist education.
This training included skills like disguise and intelligence gathering, preparing Pratap for a life dedicated to achieving freedom. He was introduced to the revolutionary leader Rash Behari Bose and was recognized for his potential. This led to his involvement in the Revolutionary Party in Rajasthan.
The Revolutionary Path: Plots, Escapes, and Recruitment
Kunwar Pratap Singh became a key member of the Revolutionary Party under Rash Behari Bose. He operated in areas including Delhi, the United Provinces, and Rajasthan. At the age of 20, he began traveling to inspire young people and soldiers to join the fight against the British.
The Delhi Conspiracy and Daring Escape
In December 1912, Pratap Singh participated in the attempt to assassinate Viceroy Charles Hardinge in Delhi. His uncle, Zorawar Singh, threw a bomb. Following this, Pratap Singh and Zorawar Singh escaped from Delhi, crossing the flooded Yamuna River.
The Ghadar Movement and the Call to Armed Rebellion
Pratap Singh became deeply involved with the Ghadar Movement. This movement aimed for an armed uprising against British rule, particularly in the lead-up to the planned rebellion on February 21, 1915. He traveled to encourage Rajput soldiers to join the rebellion in different parts of India.
With the arrest of his father and others, Pratap Singh took on a greater leadership role in the revolutionary movement in Rajasthan. He was involved in a plot to assassinate Sir Reginald Craddock as a signal for a larger rebellion, though the plan failed. News of the Ghadar plot being discovered by the British led to arrests, including Sachindra Nath Sanyal and his associates in Banaras, resulting in the Banaras Conspiracy Case.
Betrayal, Imprisonment, and Unyielding Spirit
After the Banaras Conspiracy Case, arrest warrants were issued for Pratap Singh, forcing him into hiding. He continued his revolutionary work while in disguise in Hyderabad, Sindh, inspiring the local youth. His associates eventually found him and urged him to return to Rajasthan to lead the movement in Bikaner.
However, on his journey back, he was betrayed at Ashanada Station in Jodhpur by a station master who had become a police approver. Kunwar Pratap Singh was arrested and later tried in the Banaras Conspiracy Case.
Sentenced to five years of rigorous imprisonment on February 14, 1916, he was sent to Bareilly Central Jail. There, he faced severe torture as British intelligence, including Sir Charles Cleveland, attempted to get information about the revolutionary network. Cleveland offered Pratap Singh incentives, including a government position, his father's release, and the return of family property, in exchange for betraying his comrades.
Pratap Singh refused to cooperate, famously stating, "I can't let thousands of mothers cry to stop my mother's crying." He remained resolute, even while knowing the suffering of his family. The torture he endured led to his death on his 25th birthday, May 24, 1918, in Bareilly Central Jail. His burial within the jail premises is seen as an indication of the British fear surrounding his martyrdom.
Legacy: A Symbol of Undying Patriotism
Kunwar Pratap Singh Barhath's sacrifice is a source of inspiration, particularly in Rajasthan. His resilience under torture and refusal to betray his comrades made him a martyr. The story of the Barhath family highlights the revolutionary nationalism present in Rajputana.
Honors and Remembrance
The contributions of Kunwar Pratap Singh and the Barhath family are recognized through various means:
- Educational Recognition: Their story is included in the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education syllabus.
- Shaheed Mela: An annual 'Shaheed Mela' is held in Shahpura on December 23rd to honor the Barhath family. The event takes place at the Shahid Trimurti Memorial.
- Educational Institutions: Shri Pratap Singh Barhath Government College in Shahpura is named in his memory.
- Portraits in Delhi Assembly: Portraits of the Barhath family revolutionaries were installed in the Delhi Legislative Assembly in 2019.
- Barhath Haveli as National Museum: The family's ancestral home in Shahpura has been converted into a national museum.
- Pratap Singh Memorial, Asanada: A memorial marks the location of his arrest at Asanada Railway Station.
The Barhath family is celebrated for their collective sacrifice for India's freedom. Their commitment, despite their privileged background, continues to be a source of inspiration.
Conclusion: A Fiery Spark That Never Died
Kunwar Pratap Singh Barhath, who died at the age of 25, remains a symbol of courage in India's struggle for independence. His refusal to yield under torture, even while thinking of his mother's pain, solidified his image as a patriotic figure. He, along with his father and uncle, represents the revolutionary aspect of the Indian freedom movement that believed in direct action against British rule. Their sacrifices, though sometimes overshadowed by the non-violent movement, are an essential part of India's fight for freedom. The legacy of Kunwar Pratap Singh Barhath and his family serves as a reminder of the courage and selflessness that contributed to India's independence, inspiring future generations to value liberty and justice. His memory remains a strong and enduring symbol.
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