NOT EVEN THE DEATH PENALTY COULT CAPTURE THE 1857 ‘GUERRILLA WARRIOR’ DEVI OJHA

NOT EVEN THE DEATH PENALTY COULT CAPTURE THE 1857 ‘GUERRILLA WARRIOR’ DEVI OJHA

25-MARCH-ENG 15

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------Devi Ojha, a hero of the First War of Independence of 1857, consistently outwitted the British through his bravery and guerrilla warfare skills.

During the First War of Independence of 1857, many such brave warriors emerged who shook the very foundations of British rule. Prominent among them is the name Devi Ojha, whose bravery, cunning, and guerrilla warfare prowess continue to inspire people to this day. The British made every conceivable effort to capture him, yet he managed to evade them and slip away every single time.

Devi Ojha was counted among the most trusted warriors of the legendary Veer Kunwar Singh. His role in the battles of Bibiganj and Arrah was pivotal. Impressed by his valor, Kunwar Singh even appointed him as the commander of the Karisath Cantonment.

The mere mention of Devi Ojha’s name would strike terror into the hearts of the British forces. His attacks were so precise and unexpected that the British consistently failed to capture him. His strategic acumen and sharp intellect rendered him an enigma to the British.

When the British administration suffered heavy losses at his hands, a decree was issued ordering that he be tied to a cannon and blown to pieces. This was considered one of the most brutal forms of punishment of that era. Yet, despite this threat, the British never succeeded in capturing him.

The echoes of Devi Ojha’s rebellion reached as far as Queen Victoria. Even during the proclamation of general amnesty in November 1858, he was deemed ineligible for a pardon. Historian K.K. Datta has also made mention of this fact in his book.

The British army attempted to capture him on numerous occasions by laying siege to various villages. The then-Commissioner, E.A. Samuels, was also constantly vexed by him. However, every time, Devi Ojha would escape using his ingenuity, leaving the British empty-handed. Born in Sahjauli village of Bhojpur district, Devi Ojha embarked on the path of revolution at the tender age of just 20 or 22. The courage and leadership he demonstrated at such a young age place him in the ranks of history's greatest warriors.

Although Devi Ojha's name may today be confined to the pages of history, the story of his valor, sacrifice, and struggle will continue to inspire future generations forever. He stands among those unsung heroes who played a pivotal role in strengthening the foundations of independence..