Memorial of martyr of first war of independence languishes in anonymity in Belagavi

Naragund ruler Bhaskar Rao Bhave was among the many victims of the Doctrine of Lapse of 1848. The king, better known as Naragund Baba Saheb, got in touch with Peshwa Nana Saheb, who was leading the 1857 war of independence.

The lovely gazebos on General Thimmayya Road in the military camp area are among the favourite places for the young people of Belagavi, in north Karnataka. Built in Portuguese style with overgrown creepers, they seem like a perfect setting for photo shoots. Around a mile to the north-east from there, at the centre of a vast field, lie two similar looking structures, painted in white lime. They are not gazebos, but either tombs or memorials.

Few know that an incredible tale from the pages of history lies buried in these structures. They are the tombs of Bhaskar Rao Bhave, king of the erstwhile Naragund (or Nargund) kingdom, his mother Yamunabai Dadaji and wife Savitri Bhave.

Popularly known as Naragund Baba Saheb, the king was among the freedom-fighters from the Deccan to lead the first war of independence in 1857. The East India Company took over his kingdom, attached his properties and executed him in June 1858.

For nearly 100 years, his tomb slid into the abyss of the portion of history that was forgotten till a memorial was built for him in Belagavi, nearly a decade after independence. However, the memorial continues to languish in anonymity.

Baba Saheb was among the many victims of the Doctrine of Lapse of 1848. His son died in infancy. His request to adopt an heir was rejected by the East India Company. Inam Commissioner Jacob Manson sent an attachment notice to take over the properties and armoury in Naragund.

This upset Baba Saheb who got in touch with Peshwa Nana Saheb, who was leading the 1857 war of independence. Baba Saheb put together a coalition comprising the heads of the princely states of Ramdurg, Nippani, Dambala, Mundargi and Koppal.