Boodha Bargad in KanpurKanpur has played a major role in Indian Freedom struggle. It was at Bithoor fort, 23 km from Kanpur that Laxmi Bai, Nana Sahib and Tantia Tope had laid the foundation of Freedom Struggle of 1857 and had taken over the city of Kanpur or Cawnpore as it was known during those days for over 22 days.
Numerous testimonies of hay days of Indian Freedom struggle still exist in Kanpur and the Boodha Bargad was one of those. Though the Bargad tree no longer exists but the spot at which the tree existed is a key place of relevance for anyone with interest in Freedom Struggle of India.
History of Boodha Bargad
Boodha Bargad is a testimony to the hard times which our freedom fighters had faced while combating the ruthless British force. The tree was located at Nanarao Park in Kanpur city. It was at this Boodha Bargad that 144 freedom fighters were hanged during the key period of Indian Freedom Struggle. The tree was a testimony to martyrdom of several freedom fighters that died unsung during the British rule.
The Indian Government appreciated the sacrifice of these freedom fighters and created a Shaheed Sthal or a memorial at the place after the country gained Independence. Till the last few years, Boodha Bargad was much in place and whosoever visited the Nana Rao Park made it a point to pay respect to the freedom fighters who laid their lives for the country.
Currently, Boodha Bargad is not in place and the tree died a slow death over the last few years. The state government authorities did construct a barricade around the Boodha Bargad but the tree had been reduced to a little stump by that time.
The state government authorities have maintained a small offshoot of the old tree and the barricade has been created around this new developing offshoot. The state government had involved Indian National Trust of Art Culture and Heritage (INTACH) in the conservation efforts to save Boodha Bargad.
Though the efforts which the Uttar Pradesh government made for conserving Boodha Bargad came under fire from various social organizations but it was due to the collective efforts of INTACH and state government that a new offshoot from Boodha Bargad tree has developed.
Boodha Bargad a Symbol of Patriotism
Nana Rao Park, where Boodha Bargad was situated, in itself has immense significance as it played a key role in the Independence struggle. Freedom fighters from across the region collected at the park and planned their strategy for taking forward their fight in Independence struggle. It was for this reason that British government chose Boodha Bargad to give capital punishment to Indian Freedom Fighters. This was seen as a symbolic gesture on part of the British government that the freedom struggle could be crushed and that Indians should desist from participating in any such activity.
However, the public hangings at Boodha Bargad instilled confidence in Indian Freedom Fighters and they took the struggle to a new high. Boodha Bargad played a key role in Indian freedom struggle and the future generation should remember the contribution made by our freedom fighters.
How to Reach Nana Rao Park
Nana Rao Park is located at Mall Road area of Kanpur and is in close vicinity of LIC building. One can reach the park by taking taxi, auto rickshaw or your private mode of travel.