Dhan Singh Gurjar, more famously known as Dhunna Singh, stands as a towering figure in the annals of India’s First War of Independence, the Revolt of 1857. Born into the influential Gurjar community of Panchali Village, Meerut (now in Uttar Pradesh), his leadership proved pivotal in the nascent stages of the rebellion, which struck a decisive blow against British colonial hegemony.
On May 9, 1857, the sepoys of the East India Company, incensed by grease-laden cartridges, rose up in revolt. The uprising spread like wildfire across Meerut. As the kotwal (chief of police) of the town, Dhan Singh’s initial role was to maintain law and order. However, when his own officers, abandoning their posts, joined the insurgents, Dhan Singh made a fateful decision. Rejecting his duties as a colonial enforcer, he assumed leadership of the rebellion, rallying the villagers to his cause and orchestrating the liberation of over 800 prisoners. Under his command, the revolutionaries marched on to the “Siege of Delhi,” an iconic and decisive battle in the struggle for independence.
Dhan Singh’s leadership was marked by audacious defiance. His forces razed British property, delivering a brutal blow to the colonial apparatus. In retaliation, the British forces descended on his village with unrelenting ferocity, slaughtering 400 innocent villagers in an act of reprisal. Captured, tried, and ultimately hanged on July 4, 1857, Dhan Singh became a martyr for India’s cause—a symbol of sacrifice, courage, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. His actions enshrined him as an icon of resistance, whose legacy continues to resonate in the nation’s collective memory.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Advocate Dharmveer Singh, Founder of the Delhi Gan Parishad, reflects on Dhan Singh Gurjar’s revolutionary contribution and his enduring legacy as India’s first freedom fighter on his birth anniversary. He passionately advocates for the inclusion of Gurjar’s heroism in academic discourse, ensuring that future generations understand and honor his contributions. Additionally, Dharmveer presses for the immediate implementation of the National Commission for De-Notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes report, underscoring its crucial recommendations for uplifting marginalized communities. He further shares his vision for fortifying the Delhi Gan Parishad as a political force dedicated to advancing these vital causes.
Here are the key insights from this profound conversation, which not only illuminates the forgotten heroism of Dhan Singh Gurjar but also charts a bold path forward for social justice and political empowerment.
Q: Could you elaborate on the programs you’ve organized to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dhan Singh Gurjar? What are your reflections on his contributions as a revolutionary, and how do you envision carrying forward his legacy within the current political context?
A: November 27th is a red-letter day in the chronicles of India’s freedom movement. On this day, we commemorate the birth anniversary of Dhan Singh Gurjar, a man whose name should echo in the annals of India’s struggle for freedom. As the head of the Meerut Police Station and a leader of the first rebellion for Indian independence on May 10, 1857, he embodied the indomitable spirit of resistance. Yet, despite his monumental sacrifice—shot in his village and hanged on July 4, 1857—the government has failed to recognize the significance of this day, or the extraordinary contribution of this revolutionary.
The rebellion of 1857 brought an end to the despotic rule of the East India Company, yet it also ushered in the more insidious dominion of the British Crown. Had it not been for the betrayal of traitors within our own ranks, India might have secured its liberation much earlier. Instead, our struggle endured for nearly a century more, culminating in 1947.
The consequences of this resistance, however, were dire. On October 12, 1871, the British enacted one of the most callous decrees in history, subjecting 198 castes—including Gurjars, Lodhis, Balmikis, Jatavs, Pasis, Rajwars, and Banjaras—to systemic disenfranchisement. Deprived of jobs, land, and property, these communities saw their homes and villages obliterated in an act of calculated destruction. Yet, despite these profound sacrifices, the government has persistently ignored the need to memorialize these heroes in the nation’s historical narrative.
The failure to enshrine the legacy of such patriots is symptomatic of a broader neglect. It is not only Dhan Singh Gurjar whose memory has been consigned to oblivion, but also the 198 castes and the 315 nomadic communities, along with 27 semi-nomadic castes, who were deliberately targeted and destroyed by British colonial policies. These marginalized groups, whose very existence was undermined, continue to lack political representation.
This is why we are committed to carrying this cause forward in Delhi. As the awareness of Dhan Singh Gurjar’s sacrifices spreads, more people are rallying behind this cause. We shall take this revolution forward with resolve and conviction. The struggle for justice, recognition, and historical truth will not be silenced. The legacy of Dhan Singh Gurjar and the forgotten heroes of our freedom movement will not fade into obscurity. It is time for their contributions to be acknowledged and celebrated.
Q: What specific demands or recommendations would you present to the government in this context?
A: Our sole demand from the government is unequivocal: the immediate implementation of the report of the National Commission for De-Notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, chaired by Bhiku Ramji Idate. First and foremost, caste certificates must be granted to the members of this community. Subsequently, the funds earmarked for their welfare must be allocated with the utmost efficiency and transparency. Moreover, the revolutionary saga of Dhan Singh Gurjar, whose contributions to the freedom struggle remain too often overlooked, must be incorporated into the nation’s history curriculum.
In addition, we urge the government to establish a memorial park, akin to the Coronation Park in Delhi, as a fitting tribute to Gurjar’s enduring legacy in the fight for India’s independence. Further, we insist that the Rapid Metro to Meerut be renamed in his honor, as a permanent acknowledgment of his invaluable role in shaping our nation’s destiny.
We implore the government to accord these demands the urgency and priority they rightfully deserve.
Q: What initiatives or support would you like the government to implement to benefit nomadic communities?
A: A meticulously detailed report on the National Commission for De-Notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes has been compiled. Should the government choose to implement its far-reaching recommendations, it will not merely resolve existing challenges but will usher in a transformative era of empowerment and progress for these marginalized communities.
Q: What key highlights or unique aspects stand out in that report?
A: The foremost imperative is the creation of certificates that are meticulously tailored to a range of distinct circumstances. These certificates must not only satisfy the nuanced demands of education but also cater to the specific entitlements of reservation. Moreover, it is essential that cooperatives, in concert with community organizations, devise comprehensive development schemes that are both inclusive and transformative. Such initiatives should be designed to catalyze socio-economic progress, ensuring that marginalized groups are empowered, thereby engendering sustainable and equitable change within society.
Q: What strategies or initiatives do you plan to implement to strengthen the party?
A: I have implored the Delhi Gan Parishad to bestow upon me political power through their votes. In this nation, elections are a potent instrument of influence. We must not only contest them but also harness their potential to champion the cause of the disenfranchised in our society. We must leverage this opportunity to amplify the voices of those who have long been deprived, ensuring that their demands for justice and equity are heard and addressed.
Q: Can you provide an estimate of the population of nomadic and semi-nomadic communities in India?
A: In India, a staggering 25% of the population could hail from nomadic and semi-nomadic communities—a demographic of immense potential in the heart of our democracy. Yet, tragically, this vast reservoir of strength remains largely unaware of its own significance. It is imperative that we ignite a wave of awareness, not only to amplify their voice but to catalyze a revolution of inclusion, thereby ensuring justice for those long marginalized.
Q: What are your views on the demand to confer the Bharat Ratna on Dhan Singh Gurjar?
A: This is but a modest demand. As the government begins to address the aspirations of this community, the finer nuances of their request will inevitably surface. However, it remains a travesty that the Bharat Ratna, a fitting tribute, was not conferred posthumously upon Dhan Singh Gurjar much sooner.
Q: Do you believe Dhan Singh Gurjar should be recognized as the first freedom fighter in Indian history?
A: The government is, albeit slowly, inching toward this direction. The police academy in Meerut has been aptly named after Dhan Singh Gurjar, a gesture of recognition. Moreover, the government is gradually rolling out a series of initiatives. This is a nascent movement, poised to reshape the nation, and I am certain that its strength will only grow as we awaken the collective consciousness surrounding the remarkable legacy of Dhan Singh Gurjar.
