Yojana Magazine August 2024 - 2 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


19 August 2024
echoes of valour: gujarat’s unsung h eroes of the 
1857 revolt
the Waghers of okhamandal embody the 
resistance against British rule during the 1857 revolt. 
Dwarka, a bustling port and revered pilgrimage 
site, drew travellers and pilgrims nationwide. in the 
early 19
th
 century, local communities, including the 
Waghers, challenged British ships. in 1816, Beyt 
Dwarka fell to the east india c ompany and remained 
under their control. 
By the summer of 1857, echoes of rebellion 
had reached Dwarka, prompting Mulu Manek 
and Jodha Manek to lead the Waghers in a bid to 
overthrow British rule in okha. By March 1858, they 
had reclaimed the Beyt Dwarka fort. Jodha Manek 
briefly assumed the title of king of Dwarka until July 
1859, when the British recaptured the city. Despite 
their defeat, Jodha and Mulu waged a persistent 
guerrilla war. 
Mulu Manek was captured due to betrayal in late 
1859 but escaped in 1862, fighting until his death 
utsav parmar The author is an IIS officer and the Deputy Director of Doordarshan, Ahmedabad. Email: utsav.india1990@gmail.com
Glorious Guards of Freedom from 
Gujarat: A Tale Often Untold
Throughout history, many heroes have fought for India’s freedom. Some are 
famous worldwide, while others are only known locally. Some are lesser known, 
with their importance recognised only within their communities. The sacrifices 
of all these individuals are a vital part of India’s journey to independence. 
From figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, whose names echo across 
history books, to lesser-known but equally valiant individuals like Vasant 
Rao Hegishte, Rajab Ali Lakhani, and Hansa Mehta, Gujarat’s contributions 
to India’s independence are diverse and profound. Along the western coast 
of India, Gujarat has served as a pivotal gateway from the era of Harappa to 
modern times, enriched by countless historical figures, some lost to time and 
others yet to be fully recognised. This article delves into India’s struggle for 
independence, uncovering the lesser-known heroes who played crucial roles. 
in 1868. Jodha Manek fled to gir and succumbed 
to illness in 1860. Both remain revered heroes in 
saurashtra, commemorated by Jodha Manek road 
in Dwarka and celebrated in local folklore. t he revolt 
Page 2


19 August 2024
echoes of valour: gujarat’s unsung h eroes of the 
1857 revolt
the Waghers of okhamandal embody the 
resistance against British rule during the 1857 revolt. 
Dwarka, a bustling port and revered pilgrimage 
site, drew travellers and pilgrims nationwide. in the 
early 19
th
 century, local communities, including the 
Waghers, challenged British ships. in 1816, Beyt 
Dwarka fell to the east india c ompany and remained 
under their control. 
By the summer of 1857, echoes of rebellion 
had reached Dwarka, prompting Mulu Manek 
and Jodha Manek to lead the Waghers in a bid to 
overthrow British rule in okha. By March 1858, they 
had reclaimed the Beyt Dwarka fort. Jodha Manek 
briefly assumed the title of king of Dwarka until July 
1859, when the British recaptured the city. Despite 
their defeat, Jodha and Mulu waged a persistent 
guerrilla war. 
Mulu Manek was captured due to betrayal in late 
1859 but escaped in 1862, fighting until his death 
utsav parmar The author is an IIS officer and the Deputy Director of Doordarshan, Ahmedabad. Email: utsav.india1990@gmail.com
Glorious Guards of Freedom from 
Gujarat: A Tale Often Untold
Throughout history, many heroes have fought for India’s freedom. Some are 
famous worldwide, while others are only known locally. Some are lesser known, 
with their importance recognised only within their communities. The sacrifices 
of all these individuals are a vital part of India’s journey to independence. 
From figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, whose names echo across 
history books, to lesser-known but equally valiant individuals like Vasant 
Rao Hegishte, Rajab Ali Lakhani, and Hansa Mehta, Gujarat’s contributions 
to India’s independence are diverse and profound. Along the western coast 
of India, Gujarat has served as a pivotal gateway from the era of Harappa to 
modern times, enriched by countless historical figures, some lost to time and 
others yet to be fully recognised. This article delves into India’s struggle for 
independence, uncovering the lesser-known heroes who played crucial roles. 
in 1868. Jodha Manek fled to gir and succumbed 
to illness in 1860. Both remain revered heroes in 
saurashtra, commemorated by Jodha Manek road 
in Dwarka and celebrated in local folklore. t he revolt 
20 August 2024
also ignited uprisings in northern, central, and eastern 
gujarat, where leaders like g arbaddas Mukhi of Anand, 
rupa and Keval nayak of Panchmahal, s oorajmal of 
Lunawada and tilidarkhan of Panchmahal led the 
resistance against British oppression. 
this list, though incomplete, encapsulates the 
spirit of freedom and resistance against injustice that 
defined this pivotal period in i ndian history. 
t he story of economic independence: r anchhodlal 
c hhotalal 
the struggle for independence is often 
seen as a direct confrontation with rulers, yet 
economic empowerment proves equally vital in 
battling oppression. india’s wealth drew the east 
india company, initially trading ‘Made in india’ 
goods globally before transforming india into a 
raw material supplier during england’s industrial 
revolution. this shift devastated traditional crafts 
and rural economies, famously documented by 
Dada Bhai naoroji’s writings on india’s wealth drain 
to england. gujarat, historically entrepreneurial, saw 
r anchhodlal chhotalal emerge as a catalyst for both 
political and economic independence. 
Born in 1823, ranchhodlal showed early 
promise. in 1850, at the age of 27, he made early 
efforts to establish a mill in Ahmedabad. By 1842, 
at 19, he began as a private clerk to A W James, 
assistant collector of customs in Ahmedabad, 
earning rs 10 monthly. r apid promotions followed, 
reaching Principal native r evenue officer by 1845 
with a salary of rs 75. By 1852, he had attained the 
post of Assistant superintendent of Pavagarh, akin 
to a political agent’s assistant—a pinnacle for indians 
then. His aspirations within the r aj were dashed in 
1852 amid false corruption accusations, leading him 
to reshape Ahmedabad’s industrial landscape. 
inspired, ranchhodlal founded his spinning 
mill in Ahmedabad, though initial responses were 
tepid. undeterred, he established the ‘Ahmedabad 
spinning and Weaving company Ltd.’ in 1859, 
overcoming setbacks like a shipwrecked machinery 
shipment and the loss of hired engineers. the 
city’s textile mills thrived, earning Ahmedabad the 
moniker ‘Manchester of the east,’ with 62 mills by 
1916. Many mill owners and families later played a 
pivotal role in india’s independence movement. 
Beyond industry, ranchhodlal influenced 
civic life, serving as an Ahmedabad Municipality 
member and chairperson. Despite resistance, he 
revolutionised the city with sewage systems and 
tap water, transforming its hygiene and earning 
international acclaim. in 1891, renowned nurse and 
social reformer, Florence nightingale invited him to 
London for the international congress on Hygiene 
and Demography, crediting ranchhodlal for his 
achievements. 
r anchhodlal opposed countervailing duties on 
indian cotton in 1896 and the restrictive rules of the 
1884-85 Factory Act. Active in the indian national 
congress, he chaired the welcome committee for its 
sixth annual session in Ahmedabad, advocating for 
girls’ education and poverty alleviation. 
Ahmedabad, propelled by r anchhodlal’s vision, 
later became the cradle of the gandhian era. 
two massacres and two leaders: the untold 
story of mangadh and dradhvav 
in the early 20
th
 century, British authorities 
brutally suppressed uprisings across india. govind 
guru worked tirelessly to unite tribals in southern 
rajasthan and northern gujarat against the 
oppression of local rulers and the administration. 
on 17 november 1913, Bhils gathered on 
Mangadh Hills near the gujarat-r ajasthan border 
under govind guru’s leadership, challenging the 
might of the British army. Armed with guns, the 
British forces mercilessly killed approximately 1500 
tribals. govind guru was later captured and initially 
sentenced to death, which was later commuted to 
life imprisonment. 
Page 3


19 August 2024
echoes of valour: gujarat’s unsung h eroes of the 
1857 revolt
the Waghers of okhamandal embody the 
resistance against British rule during the 1857 revolt. 
Dwarka, a bustling port and revered pilgrimage 
site, drew travellers and pilgrims nationwide. in the 
early 19
th
 century, local communities, including the 
Waghers, challenged British ships. in 1816, Beyt 
Dwarka fell to the east india c ompany and remained 
under their control. 
By the summer of 1857, echoes of rebellion 
had reached Dwarka, prompting Mulu Manek 
and Jodha Manek to lead the Waghers in a bid to 
overthrow British rule in okha. By March 1858, they 
had reclaimed the Beyt Dwarka fort. Jodha Manek 
briefly assumed the title of king of Dwarka until July 
1859, when the British recaptured the city. Despite 
their defeat, Jodha and Mulu waged a persistent 
guerrilla war. 
Mulu Manek was captured due to betrayal in late 
1859 but escaped in 1862, fighting until his death 
utsav parmar The author is an IIS officer and the Deputy Director of Doordarshan, Ahmedabad. Email: utsav.india1990@gmail.com
Glorious Guards of Freedom from 
Gujarat: A Tale Often Untold
Throughout history, many heroes have fought for India’s freedom. Some are 
famous worldwide, while others are only known locally. Some are lesser known, 
with their importance recognised only within their communities. The sacrifices 
of all these individuals are a vital part of India’s journey to independence. 
From figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, whose names echo across 
history books, to lesser-known but equally valiant individuals like Vasant 
Rao Hegishte, Rajab Ali Lakhani, and Hansa Mehta, Gujarat’s contributions 
to India’s independence are diverse and profound. Along the western coast 
of India, Gujarat has served as a pivotal gateway from the era of Harappa to 
modern times, enriched by countless historical figures, some lost to time and 
others yet to be fully recognised. This article delves into India’s struggle for 
independence, uncovering the lesser-known heroes who played crucial roles. 
in 1868. Jodha Manek fled to gir and succumbed 
to illness in 1860. Both remain revered heroes in 
saurashtra, commemorated by Jodha Manek road 
in Dwarka and celebrated in local folklore. t he revolt 
20 August 2024
also ignited uprisings in northern, central, and eastern 
gujarat, where leaders like g arbaddas Mukhi of Anand, 
rupa and Keval nayak of Panchmahal, s oorajmal of 
Lunawada and tilidarkhan of Panchmahal led the 
resistance against British oppression. 
this list, though incomplete, encapsulates the 
spirit of freedom and resistance against injustice that 
defined this pivotal period in i ndian history. 
t he story of economic independence: r anchhodlal 
c hhotalal 
the struggle for independence is often 
seen as a direct confrontation with rulers, yet 
economic empowerment proves equally vital in 
battling oppression. india’s wealth drew the east 
india company, initially trading ‘Made in india’ 
goods globally before transforming india into a 
raw material supplier during england’s industrial 
revolution. this shift devastated traditional crafts 
and rural economies, famously documented by 
Dada Bhai naoroji’s writings on india’s wealth drain 
to england. gujarat, historically entrepreneurial, saw 
r anchhodlal chhotalal emerge as a catalyst for both 
political and economic independence. 
Born in 1823, ranchhodlal showed early 
promise. in 1850, at the age of 27, he made early 
efforts to establish a mill in Ahmedabad. By 1842, 
at 19, he began as a private clerk to A W James, 
assistant collector of customs in Ahmedabad, 
earning rs 10 monthly. r apid promotions followed, 
reaching Principal native r evenue officer by 1845 
with a salary of rs 75. By 1852, he had attained the 
post of Assistant superintendent of Pavagarh, akin 
to a political agent’s assistant—a pinnacle for indians 
then. His aspirations within the r aj were dashed in 
1852 amid false corruption accusations, leading him 
to reshape Ahmedabad’s industrial landscape. 
inspired, ranchhodlal founded his spinning 
mill in Ahmedabad, though initial responses were 
tepid. undeterred, he established the ‘Ahmedabad 
spinning and Weaving company Ltd.’ in 1859, 
overcoming setbacks like a shipwrecked machinery 
shipment and the loss of hired engineers. the 
city’s textile mills thrived, earning Ahmedabad the 
moniker ‘Manchester of the east,’ with 62 mills by 
1916. Many mill owners and families later played a 
pivotal role in india’s independence movement. 
Beyond industry, ranchhodlal influenced 
civic life, serving as an Ahmedabad Municipality 
member and chairperson. Despite resistance, he 
revolutionised the city with sewage systems and 
tap water, transforming its hygiene and earning 
international acclaim. in 1891, renowned nurse and 
social reformer, Florence nightingale invited him to 
London for the international congress on Hygiene 
and Demography, crediting ranchhodlal for his 
achievements. 
r anchhodlal opposed countervailing duties on 
indian cotton in 1896 and the restrictive rules of the 
1884-85 Factory Act. Active in the indian national 
congress, he chaired the welcome committee for its 
sixth annual session in Ahmedabad, advocating for 
girls’ education and poverty alleviation. 
Ahmedabad, propelled by r anchhodlal’s vision, 
later became the cradle of the gandhian era. 
two massacres and two leaders: the untold 
story of mangadh and dradhvav 
in the early 20
th
 century, British authorities 
brutally suppressed uprisings across india. govind 
guru worked tirelessly to unite tribals in southern 
rajasthan and northern gujarat against the 
oppression of local rulers and the administration. 
on 17 november 1913, Bhils gathered on 
Mangadh Hills near the gujarat-r ajasthan border 
under govind guru’s leadership, challenging the 
might of the British army. Armed with guns, the 
British forces mercilessly killed approximately 1500 
tribals. govind guru was later captured and initially 
sentenced to death, which was later commuted to 
life imprisonment. 
21 August 2024
Despite such brutal incidents, the spirit of revolt 
persisted among the Bhils. Motilal tejawat, born in 
udaipur in 1886, witnessed the exploitation of tribals 
during his spice trading business and decided to 
advocate for their rights. He initiated social reforms 
and raised political awareness among the Bhils, 
earning widespread popularity. under his leadership, 
Bhils refused to pay unjust taxes and perform forced 
labour for local rulers, drawing inspiration from 
gandhiji’s non-cooperation movement. 
on 7 March 1922, in Pal-chitariya and 
Dadhvaav villages of sabarkantha district, then 
part of idar state, villagers gathered to protest 
feudal taxes. the surrounding princely states 
feared losing control and deployed armed forces 
against the tribals. t he Mewar Bhil c orps (MBc ), a 
paramilitary force raised by the British, engaged 
with the villagers, resulting in a clash that claimed 
the lives of more than 1200-1500 tribals. While 
official records reported only 22 deaths, historians 
estimate a significantly higher toll. this tragic 
massacre prompted Motilal tejawat to pause his 
activities briefly, but he later resumed his fight 
until india gained independence. He is revered 
among the Bhils as the ‘Maseeha of Bhils’.
A man who could read the pulse of people: 
Jhaverchand meghani 
Born in 1896 in chotila, gujarat, Jhaverchand 
Meghani earned the title of ‘Rashtriya Shayar’ 
(national Poet) from Mahatma gandhi. Hailing 
from a family of traders, Meghani mastered the 
art of words and immersed himself in the villages, 
chronicling the folk tales of the people. He became 
the editor of a gujarati newspaper at a young age and 
actively participated in gandhiji’s c ivil Disobedience 
Movement, notably in Dholera. 
His poetry collection, ‘Sindhuado, ’ resonated with 
themes of courage and bravery. Meghani’s influence 
and powerful writings posed a threat to the British, 
leading to his unjust arrest. During gandhiji’s 
conflicted journey to the s econd round table 
conference in London, Meghani penned ‘Chello 
Katoro’ (Last sip of Poison), a poem that deeply 
resonated with gandhiji. Mahadev Desai, gandhiji’s 
personal aide, noted that gandhiji affirmed the 
poem’s accuracy, suggesting Meghani’s insight into 
gandhiji’s thoughts. 
Meghani’ s words continue to inspire generations 
in gujarat. His literary contributions during india’s 
struggle for freedom remain invaluable, capturing 
not only the struggles and aspirations of his people 
but also preserving gujarat’s rich folk heritage for 
posterity. 
vasant and rajab: the story of communal 
harmony in t imes of hatred 
in the tumultuous year of 1946, india’ s communal 
harmony was under siege due to divisive British 
politics. on 1 July 1946 in Ahmedabad, during a 
r athyatra, riots erupted, plunging the city into chaos. 
Amidst this turmoil, two young friends, vasant r ao 
Hegishte and r ajab Ali Lakhani, both volunteers with 
the seva Dal, bravely intervened to protect lives. 
Page 4


19 August 2024
echoes of valour: gujarat’s unsung h eroes of the 
1857 revolt
the Waghers of okhamandal embody the 
resistance against British rule during the 1857 revolt. 
Dwarka, a bustling port and revered pilgrimage 
site, drew travellers and pilgrims nationwide. in the 
early 19
th
 century, local communities, including the 
Waghers, challenged British ships. in 1816, Beyt 
Dwarka fell to the east india c ompany and remained 
under their control. 
By the summer of 1857, echoes of rebellion 
had reached Dwarka, prompting Mulu Manek 
and Jodha Manek to lead the Waghers in a bid to 
overthrow British rule in okha. By March 1858, they 
had reclaimed the Beyt Dwarka fort. Jodha Manek 
briefly assumed the title of king of Dwarka until July 
1859, when the British recaptured the city. Despite 
their defeat, Jodha and Mulu waged a persistent 
guerrilla war. 
Mulu Manek was captured due to betrayal in late 
1859 but escaped in 1862, fighting until his death 
utsav parmar The author is an IIS officer and the Deputy Director of Doordarshan, Ahmedabad. Email: utsav.india1990@gmail.com
Glorious Guards of Freedom from 
Gujarat: A Tale Often Untold
Throughout history, many heroes have fought for India’s freedom. Some are 
famous worldwide, while others are only known locally. Some are lesser known, 
with their importance recognised only within their communities. The sacrifices 
of all these individuals are a vital part of India’s journey to independence. 
From figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, whose names echo across 
history books, to lesser-known but equally valiant individuals like Vasant 
Rao Hegishte, Rajab Ali Lakhani, and Hansa Mehta, Gujarat’s contributions 
to India’s independence are diverse and profound. Along the western coast 
of India, Gujarat has served as a pivotal gateway from the era of Harappa to 
modern times, enriched by countless historical figures, some lost to time and 
others yet to be fully recognised. This article delves into India’s struggle for 
independence, uncovering the lesser-known heroes who played crucial roles. 
in 1868. Jodha Manek fled to gir and succumbed 
to illness in 1860. Both remain revered heroes in 
saurashtra, commemorated by Jodha Manek road 
in Dwarka and celebrated in local folklore. t he revolt 
20 August 2024
also ignited uprisings in northern, central, and eastern 
gujarat, where leaders like g arbaddas Mukhi of Anand, 
rupa and Keval nayak of Panchmahal, s oorajmal of 
Lunawada and tilidarkhan of Panchmahal led the 
resistance against British oppression. 
this list, though incomplete, encapsulates the 
spirit of freedom and resistance against injustice that 
defined this pivotal period in i ndian history. 
t he story of economic independence: r anchhodlal 
c hhotalal 
the struggle for independence is often 
seen as a direct confrontation with rulers, yet 
economic empowerment proves equally vital in 
battling oppression. india’s wealth drew the east 
india company, initially trading ‘Made in india’ 
goods globally before transforming india into a 
raw material supplier during england’s industrial 
revolution. this shift devastated traditional crafts 
and rural economies, famously documented by 
Dada Bhai naoroji’s writings on india’s wealth drain 
to england. gujarat, historically entrepreneurial, saw 
r anchhodlal chhotalal emerge as a catalyst for both 
political and economic independence. 
Born in 1823, ranchhodlal showed early 
promise. in 1850, at the age of 27, he made early 
efforts to establish a mill in Ahmedabad. By 1842, 
at 19, he began as a private clerk to A W James, 
assistant collector of customs in Ahmedabad, 
earning rs 10 monthly. r apid promotions followed, 
reaching Principal native r evenue officer by 1845 
with a salary of rs 75. By 1852, he had attained the 
post of Assistant superintendent of Pavagarh, akin 
to a political agent’s assistant—a pinnacle for indians 
then. His aspirations within the r aj were dashed in 
1852 amid false corruption accusations, leading him 
to reshape Ahmedabad’s industrial landscape. 
inspired, ranchhodlal founded his spinning 
mill in Ahmedabad, though initial responses were 
tepid. undeterred, he established the ‘Ahmedabad 
spinning and Weaving company Ltd.’ in 1859, 
overcoming setbacks like a shipwrecked machinery 
shipment and the loss of hired engineers. the 
city’s textile mills thrived, earning Ahmedabad the 
moniker ‘Manchester of the east,’ with 62 mills by 
1916. Many mill owners and families later played a 
pivotal role in india’s independence movement. 
Beyond industry, ranchhodlal influenced 
civic life, serving as an Ahmedabad Municipality 
member and chairperson. Despite resistance, he 
revolutionised the city with sewage systems and 
tap water, transforming its hygiene and earning 
international acclaim. in 1891, renowned nurse and 
social reformer, Florence nightingale invited him to 
London for the international congress on Hygiene 
and Demography, crediting ranchhodlal for his 
achievements. 
r anchhodlal opposed countervailing duties on 
indian cotton in 1896 and the restrictive rules of the 
1884-85 Factory Act. Active in the indian national 
congress, he chaired the welcome committee for its 
sixth annual session in Ahmedabad, advocating for 
girls’ education and poverty alleviation. 
Ahmedabad, propelled by r anchhodlal’s vision, 
later became the cradle of the gandhian era. 
two massacres and two leaders: the untold 
story of mangadh and dradhvav 
in the early 20
th
 century, British authorities 
brutally suppressed uprisings across india. govind 
guru worked tirelessly to unite tribals in southern 
rajasthan and northern gujarat against the 
oppression of local rulers and the administration. 
on 17 november 1913, Bhils gathered on 
Mangadh Hills near the gujarat-r ajasthan border 
under govind guru’s leadership, challenging the 
might of the British army. Armed with guns, the 
British forces mercilessly killed approximately 1500 
tribals. govind guru was later captured and initially 
sentenced to death, which was later commuted to 
life imprisonment. 
21 August 2024
Despite such brutal incidents, the spirit of revolt 
persisted among the Bhils. Motilal tejawat, born in 
udaipur in 1886, witnessed the exploitation of tribals 
during his spice trading business and decided to 
advocate for their rights. He initiated social reforms 
and raised political awareness among the Bhils, 
earning widespread popularity. under his leadership, 
Bhils refused to pay unjust taxes and perform forced 
labour for local rulers, drawing inspiration from 
gandhiji’s non-cooperation movement. 
on 7 March 1922, in Pal-chitariya and 
Dadhvaav villages of sabarkantha district, then 
part of idar state, villagers gathered to protest 
feudal taxes. the surrounding princely states 
feared losing control and deployed armed forces 
against the tribals. t he Mewar Bhil c orps (MBc ), a 
paramilitary force raised by the British, engaged 
with the villagers, resulting in a clash that claimed 
the lives of more than 1200-1500 tribals. While 
official records reported only 22 deaths, historians 
estimate a significantly higher toll. this tragic 
massacre prompted Motilal tejawat to pause his 
activities briefly, but he later resumed his fight 
until india gained independence. He is revered 
among the Bhils as the ‘Maseeha of Bhils’.
A man who could read the pulse of people: 
Jhaverchand meghani 
Born in 1896 in chotila, gujarat, Jhaverchand 
Meghani earned the title of ‘Rashtriya Shayar’ 
(national Poet) from Mahatma gandhi. Hailing 
from a family of traders, Meghani mastered the 
art of words and immersed himself in the villages, 
chronicling the folk tales of the people. He became 
the editor of a gujarati newspaper at a young age and 
actively participated in gandhiji’s c ivil Disobedience 
Movement, notably in Dholera. 
His poetry collection, ‘Sindhuado, ’ resonated with 
themes of courage and bravery. Meghani’s influence 
and powerful writings posed a threat to the British, 
leading to his unjust arrest. During gandhiji’s 
conflicted journey to the s econd round table 
conference in London, Meghani penned ‘Chello 
Katoro’ (Last sip of Poison), a poem that deeply 
resonated with gandhiji. Mahadev Desai, gandhiji’s 
personal aide, noted that gandhiji affirmed the 
poem’s accuracy, suggesting Meghani’s insight into 
gandhiji’s thoughts. 
Meghani’ s words continue to inspire generations 
in gujarat. His literary contributions during india’s 
struggle for freedom remain invaluable, capturing 
not only the struggles and aspirations of his people 
but also preserving gujarat’s rich folk heritage for 
posterity. 
vasant and rajab: the story of communal 
harmony in t imes of hatred 
in the tumultuous year of 1946, india’ s communal 
harmony was under siege due to divisive British 
politics. on 1 July 1946 in Ahmedabad, during a 
r athyatra, riots erupted, plunging the city into chaos. 
Amidst this turmoil, two young friends, vasant r ao 
Hegishte and r ajab Ali Lakhani, both volunteers with 
the seva Dal, bravely intervened to protect lives. 
22 August 2024
Disturbed by the escalating violence, vasant 
and r ajab fearlessly confronted the rioters, pleading 
with them to cease their actions. their actions 
momentarily quelled the unrest. 
Later that day, exhausted but resolute, they 
returned to the congress office at Khand-ni-Sheri. 
However, they received distressing news that 
families in Jamalpur were under threat from a 
violent mob. Without hesitation, vasant and r ajab 
rushed back to intervene, attempting to reason with 
the mob to spare the vulnerable families. t ragically, 
their appeals fell on deaf ears. ignoring warnings, 
they lay down on the road to shield the families. in a 
brutal act of violence, the mob ruthlessly murdered 
them, martyring two young men who sacrificed 
their lives in the pursuit of communal harmony and 
peace. 
Ahmedabad still commemorates their sacrifice, 
honouring their memory as a symbol of courage 
and unity in the face of hatred and violence. 
A l egacy of courage: hansa mehta’s Journey 
from surat to the un 
Hansa Mehta, born in 1897 in surat, defied the 
societal norms of her time by earning a degree in 
philosophy, a rarity for women in early 20
th
 century 
india. Descended from gujarat’s pioneering 
novelist, nandshankar Mehta, she inherited liberal 
values from her family. During her time in england, 
she had a transformative encounter with sarojini 
naidu, which shaped her worldview significantly. i n 
the 1920s, she met Mahatma gandhi while he was 
imprisoned in india, and in 1930, she responded to 
his call for women to join the freedom movement. 
At the historic 1947 conference of the united 
nations commission on Human rights, Hansa 
Mehta, one of only two women delegates, boldly 
advocated for inclusive language in the universal 
Declaration of Human r ights. she argued against the 
phrase “All men are born free and equal, ” proposing 
to replace “men” with “humans,” highlighting her 
commitment to gender-neutral rights language. 
As one of the 15 women in the constituent 
Assembly of india, she played a pivotal role, 
symbolically presenting the national Flag on 
15 August 1947, on behalf of indian women. 
t hroughout her tenure in the c onstituent Assembly, 
she championed debates on crucial issues like the 
uniform c ivil c ode and gender equality, solidifying 
her legacy as a torchbearer for human rights and 
women’s empowerment on a global stage. 
Hansa Mehta’s enduring contributions stand 
as a testament to her unwavering commitment to 
justice and equality, marking a significant chapter 
in history. 
in recounting the tales of gujarat’s unsung 
heroes of india’s freedom struggle, we uncover 
narratives of extraordinary courage and unwavering 
commitment. From figures like Mahatma g andhi 
and sardar Patel, whose names echo across 
history books, to lesser-known but equally valiant 
individuals like vasant rao Hegishte, rajab Ali 
Lakhani, and Hansa Mehta, gujarat’s contributions 
to india’s independence are diverse and profound. 
these stories highlight not only the sacrifices 
made and challenges overcome but also the 
diversity of roles played—whether through 
nonviolent resistance, advocacy for gender equality, 
or protecting communal harmony in times of strife. 
each hero, in their own way, embodies the spirit of 
resilience and determination that defined the era. 
As we reflect on their legacies, it becomes 
evident that their efforts transcended regional 
boundaries, resonating with universal ideals of 
justice, equality, and freedom. gujarat’s unsung 
heroes continue to inspire us today, reminding us 
of the power of individual actions in shaping the 
course of history and the ongoing pursuit of a just 
society for all.                                                                       ?
(Views are personal)
Page 5


19 August 2024
echoes of valour: gujarat’s unsung h eroes of the 
1857 revolt
the Waghers of okhamandal embody the 
resistance against British rule during the 1857 revolt. 
Dwarka, a bustling port and revered pilgrimage 
site, drew travellers and pilgrims nationwide. in the 
early 19
th
 century, local communities, including the 
Waghers, challenged British ships. in 1816, Beyt 
Dwarka fell to the east india c ompany and remained 
under their control. 
By the summer of 1857, echoes of rebellion 
had reached Dwarka, prompting Mulu Manek 
and Jodha Manek to lead the Waghers in a bid to 
overthrow British rule in okha. By March 1858, they 
had reclaimed the Beyt Dwarka fort. Jodha Manek 
briefly assumed the title of king of Dwarka until July 
1859, when the British recaptured the city. Despite 
their defeat, Jodha and Mulu waged a persistent 
guerrilla war. 
Mulu Manek was captured due to betrayal in late 
1859 but escaped in 1862, fighting until his death 
utsav parmar The author is an IIS officer and the Deputy Director of Doordarshan, Ahmedabad. Email: utsav.india1990@gmail.com
Glorious Guards of Freedom from 
Gujarat: A Tale Often Untold
Throughout history, many heroes have fought for India’s freedom. Some are 
famous worldwide, while others are only known locally. Some are lesser known, 
with their importance recognised only within their communities. The sacrifices 
of all these individuals are a vital part of India’s journey to independence. 
From figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, whose names echo across 
history books, to lesser-known but equally valiant individuals like Vasant 
Rao Hegishte, Rajab Ali Lakhani, and Hansa Mehta, Gujarat’s contributions 
to India’s independence are diverse and profound. Along the western coast 
of India, Gujarat has served as a pivotal gateway from the era of Harappa to 
modern times, enriched by countless historical figures, some lost to time and 
others yet to be fully recognised. This article delves into India’s struggle for 
independence, uncovering the lesser-known heroes who played crucial roles. 
in 1868. Jodha Manek fled to gir and succumbed 
to illness in 1860. Both remain revered heroes in 
saurashtra, commemorated by Jodha Manek road 
in Dwarka and celebrated in local folklore. t he revolt 
20 August 2024
also ignited uprisings in northern, central, and eastern 
gujarat, where leaders like g arbaddas Mukhi of Anand, 
rupa and Keval nayak of Panchmahal, s oorajmal of 
Lunawada and tilidarkhan of Panchmahal led the 
resistance against British oppression. 
this list, though incomplete, encapsulates the 
spirit of freedom and resistance against injustice that 
defined this pivotal period in i ndian history. 
t he story of economic independence: r anchhodlal 
c hhotalal 
the struggle for independence is often 
seen as a direct confrontation with rulers, yet 
economic empowerment proves equally vital in 
battling oppression. india’s wealth drew the east 
india company, initially trading ‘Made in india’ 
goods globally before transforming india into a 
raw material supplier during england’s industrial 
revolution. this shift devastated traditional crafts 
and rural economies, famously documented by 
Dada Bhai naoroji’s writings on india’s wealth drain 
to england. gujarat, historically entrepreneurial, saw 
r anchhodlal chhotalal emerge as a catalyst for both 
political and economic independence. 
Born in 1823, ranchhodlal showed early 
promise. in 1850, at the age of 27, he made early 
efforts to establish a mill in Ahmedabad. By 1842, 
at 19, he began as a private clerk to A W James, 
assistant collector of customs in Ahmedabad, 
earning rs 10 monthly. r apid promotions followed, 
reaching Principal native r evenue officer by 1845 
with a salary of rs 75. By 1852, he had attained the 
post of Assistant superintendent of Pavagarh, akin 
to a political agent’s assistant—a pinnacle for indians 
then. His aspirations within the r aj were dashed in 
1852 amid false corruption accusations, leading him 
to reshape Ahmedabad’s industrial landscape. 
inspired, ranchhodlal founded his spinning 
mill in Ahmedabad, though initial responses were 
tepid. undeterred, he established the ‘Ahmedabad 
spinning and Weaving company Ltd.’ in 1859, 
overcoming setbacks like a shipwrecked machinery 
shipment and the loss of hired engineers. the 
city’s textile mills thrived, earning Ahmedabad the 
moniker ‘Manchester of the east,’ with 62 mills by 
1916. Many mill owners and families later played a 
pivotal role in india’s independence movement. 
Beyond industry, ranchhodlal influenced 
civic life, serving as an Ahmedabad Municipality 
member and chairperson. Despite resistance, he 
revolutionised the city with sewage systems and 
tap water, transforming its hygiene and earning 
international acclaim. in 1891, renowned nurse and 
social reformer, Florence nightingale invited him to 
London for the international congress on Hygiene 
and Demography, crediting ranchhodlal for his 
achievements. 
r anchhodlal opposed countervailing duties on 
indian cotton in 1896 and the restrictive rules of the 
1884-85 Factory Act. Active in the indian national 
congress, he chaired the welcome committee for its 
sixth annual session in Ahmedabad, advocating for 
girls’ education and poverty alleviation. 
Ahmedabad, propelled by r anchhodlal’s vision, 
later became the cradle of the gandhian era. 
two massacres and two leaders: the untold 
story of mangadh and dradhvav 
in the early 20
th
 century, British authorities 
brutally suppressed uprisings across india. govind 
guru worked tirelessly to unite tribals in southern 
rajasthan and northern gujarat against the 
oppression of local rulers and the administration. 
on 17 november 1913, Bhils gathered on 
Mangadh Hills near the gujarat-r ajasthan border 
under govind guru’s leadership, challenging the 
might of the British army. Armed with guns, the 
British forces mercilessly killed approximately 1500 
tribals. govind guru was later captured and initially 
sentenced to death, which was later commuted to 
life imprisonment. 
21 August 2024
Despite such brutal incidents, the spirit of revolt 
persisted among the Bhils. Motilal tejawat, born in 
udaipur in 1886, witnessed the exploitation of tribals 
during his spice trading business and decided to 
advocate for their rights. He initiated social reforms 
and raised political awareness among the Bhils, 
earning widespread popularity. under his leadership, 
Bhils refused to pay unjust taxes and perform forced 
labour for local rulers, drawing inspiration from 
gandhiji’s non-cooperation movement. 
on 7 March 1922, in Pal-chitariya and 
Dadhvaav villages of sabarkantha district, then 
part of idar state, villagers gathered to protest 
feudal taxes. the surrounding princely states 
feared losing control and deployed armed forces 
against the tribals. t he Mewar Bhil c orps (MBc ), a 
paramilitary force raised by the British, engaged 
with the villagers, resulting in a clash that claimed 
the lives of more than 1200-1500 tribals. While 
official records reported only 22 deaths, historians 
estimate a significantly higher toll. this tragic 
massacre prompted Motilal tejawat to pause his 
activities briefly, but he later resumed his fight 
until india gained independence. He is revered 
among the Bhils as the ‘Maseeha of Bhils’.
A man who could read the pulse of people: 
Jhaverchand meghani 
Born in 1896 in chotila, gujarat, Jhaverchand 
Meghani earned the title of ‘Rashtriya Shayar’ 
(national Poet) from Mahatma gandhi. Hailing 
from a family of traders, Meghani mastered the 
art of words and immersed himself in the villages, 
chronicling the folk tales of the people. He became 
the editor of a gujarati newspaper at a young age and 
actively participated in gandhiji’s c ivil Disobedience 
Movement, notably in Dholera. 
His poetry collection, ‘Sindhuado, ’ resonated with 
themes of courage and bravery. Meghani’s influence 
and powerful writings posed a threat to the British, 
leading to his unjust arrest. During gandhiji’s 
conflicted journey to the s econd round table 
conference in London, Meghani penned ‘Chello 
Katoro’ (Last sip of Poison), a poem that deeply 
resonated with gandhiji. Mahadev Desai, gandhiji’s 
personal aide, noted that gandhiji affirmed the 
poem’s accuracy, suggesting Meghani’s insight into 
gandhiji’s thoughts. 
Meghani’ s words continue to inspire generations 
in gujarat. His literary contributions during india’s 
struggle for freedom remain invaluable, capturing 
not only the struggles and aspirations of his people 
but also preserving gujarat’s rich folk heritage for 
posterity. 
vasant and rajab: the story of communal 
harmony in t imes of hatred 
in the tumultuous year of 1946, india’ s communal 
harmony was under siege due to divisive British 
politics. on 1 July 1946 in Ahmedabad, during a 
r athyatra, riots erupted, plunging the city into chaos. 
Amidst this turmoil, two young friends, vasant r ao 
Hegishte and r ajab Ali Lakhani, both volunteers with 
the seva Dal, bravely intervened to protect lives. 
22 August 2024
Disturbed by the escalating violence, vasant 
and r ajab fearlessly confronted the rioters, pleading 
with them to cease their actions. their actions 
momentarily quelled the unrest. 
Later that day, exhausted but resolute, they 
returned to the congress office at Khand-ni-Sheri. 
However, they received distressing news that 
families in Jamalpur were under threat from a 
violent mob. Without hesitation, vasant and r ajab 
rushed back to intervene, attempting to reason with 
the mob to spare the vulnerable families. t ragically, 
their appeals fell on deaf ears. ignoring warnings, 
they lay down on the road to shield the families. in a 
brutal act of violence, the mob ruthlessly murdered 
them, martyring two young men who sacrificed 
their lives in the pursuit of communal harmony and 
peace. 
Ahmedabad still commemorates their sacrifice, 
honouring their memory as a symbol of courage 
and unity in the face of hatred and violence. 
A l egacy of courage: hansa mehta’s Journey 
from surat to the un 
Hansa Mehta, born in 1897 in surat, defied the 
societal norms of her time by earning a degree in 
philosophy, a rarity for women in early 20
th
 century 
india. Descended from gujarat’s pioneering 
novelist, nandshankar Mehta, she inherited liberal 
values from her family. During her time in england, 
she had a transformative encounter with sarojini 
naidu, which shaped her worldview significantly. i n 
the 1920s, she met Mahatma gandhi while he was 
imprisoned in india, and in 1930, she responded to 
his call for women to join the freedom movement. 
At the historic 1947 conference of the united 
nations commission on Human rights, Hansa 
Mehta, one of only two women delegates, boldly 
advocated for inclusive language in the universal 
Declaration of Human r ights. she argued against the 
phrase “All men are born free and equal, ” proposing 
to replace “men” with “humans,” highlighting her 
commitment to gender-neutral rights language. 
As one of the 15 women in the constituent 
Assembly of india, she played a pivotal role, 
symbolically presenting the national Flag on 
15 August 1947, on behalf of indian women. 
t hroughout her tenure in the c onstituent Assembly, 
she championed debates on crucial issues like the 
uniform c ivil c ode and gender equality, solidifying 
her legacy as a torchbearer for human rights and 
women’s empowerment on a global stage. 
Hansa Mehta’s enduring contributions stand 
as a testament to her unwavering commitment to 
justice and equality, marking a significant chapter 
in history. 
in recounting the tales of gujarat’s unsung 
heroes of india’s freedom struggle, we uncover 
narratives of extraordinary courage and unwavering 
commitment. From figures like Mahatma g andhi 
and sardar Patel, whose names echo across 
history books, to lesser-known but equally valiant 
individuals like vasant rao Hegishte, rajab Ali 
Lakhani, and Hansa Mehta, gujarat’s contributions 
to india’s independence are diverse and profound. 
these stories highlight not only the sacrifices 
made and challenges overcome but also the 
diversity of roles played—whether through 
nonviolent resistance, advocacy for gender equality, 
or protecting communal harmony in times of strife. 
each hero, in their own way, embodies the spirit of 
resilience and determination that defined the era. 
As we reflect on their legacies, it becomes 
evident that their efforts transcended regional 
boundaries, resonating with universal ideals of 
justice, equality, and freedom. gujarat’s unsung 
heroes continue to inspire us today, reminding us 
of the power of individual actions in shaping the 
course of history and the ongoing pursuit of a just 
society for all.                                                                       ?
(Views are personal)
25 August 2024
n 16 June 1801, the fort city of 
tiruchirappalli in south india and 
its twin city and island, 4 km away, 
srirangam, woke up with a handwritten 
wall poster challenging the europeans in general 
and east india company, in particular, to leave 
Jambudweep (indian Peninsula), hand over powers 
to the local rulers, or face the consequences. 
t here were two handwritten posters. one was 
pasted on the wall of the tiruchirappalli Fort, and 
the other was pasted on the wall of the famous 
vaishnavite temple on srirangam island. its author 
was chinna Marudhu Pandiyar, the de facto ruler 
of sivaganga state. the de jure ruler was vengai 
Periya udaiyana thevar, the son-in-law of chinna 
Marudhu Pandiyar’s elder brother, Periya Marudhu 
Pandiyar. Both the Marudhu brothers were the 
camp followers of sivaganga Queen velu nachiyar, 
who was deposed by the mercenary east india 
company at the instigation of the Arcot nawab on 
25 June 1772. After 8 years of exile in the mountains 
of virupakshi (100 km away from sivaganga), with 
the help of virupakshi ruler gopala naicker and 
Hyder Ali’s son-in-law and governor of Dindigul, 
Queen nachiyar captured sivaganga from Arcot 
nawab and his agent, the east india c ompany, and 
resumed her rule at sivaganga.
During her rule, the two Marudhu Pandiyars 
became the Queen’s close associates and assumed 
the positions of Minister and Army general. on 
26 December 1796, Queen velu nachiyar died, 
leaving her son-in-law, vengai Periya udaiyana 
thevar, as the ruler of sivaganga. the Marudhu 
Brothers continued to guide the new king. t he east 
india company, till this time, acted as an agent for 
Arcot nawab Mohammed Ali Khan Walajah, and his 
treaties, made in the years 1763, 1781, 1785, 1787 
O
and 1792 with the east india c ompany, made Arcot 
nawab powerless. When the last treaty was signed 
between the Walajah and east india c ompany in the 
year 1792, east india company totally reversed the 
earlier treaties and conferred upon it the status of a 
ruler in the place of Arcot nawab. Arcot nawab was 
made a mere pensioner by the east india c ompany, 
and he was sidelined.
When the nawab Walajah died on 16 o ctober 
1795, he died as a very sad man. two years before 
his death, the east india company found out that 
he was in letter correspondence with the enemy of 
the east india c ompany, t ipu sultan. At the time of 
the death of Walajah, it was rumoured that he was 
poisoned to death by the east india c ompany. 
t he next Arcot nawab, umdutt-ul-umrah, was 
deported from his headquarters and made to stay 
at t iruchirappalli during the years 1795-1801. When 
the proclamation by the chinna Marudhu Pandiyar 
was made on 16 June 1801, the powerless nawab 
was ailing in t iruchirappalli and he died two months 
later on 15 August 1801. At the time of his death, 
the Marudhu brothers were engaging the east india 
c ompany in the Kalaiyar Kovil war theatre.
A proclamation is one that is made by a ruler at 
a critical time. t he ruler conveys to his subjects the 
need for war and the benefits of being successful. 
in indian history, never before has a proclamation 
been made by a ruler. in world history, only on two 
occasions have proclamations been made. one 
was a proclamation by the American states against 
their motherland, i.e., england, 25 years before the 
Jambudweep Proclamation. Another proclamation 
was made by the French people against their 
ruler Louis Xvi, 11 years before chinna Marudhu 
Pandian’s declaration.
25 AuGuSt 2024