Postal dept releases special envelope on freedom fighter

PITHORAGARH: The postal department released a special envelope on freedom fighter Kalu Singh Mahara, here on Thursday to honour his contribution during India’s uprising against the British in 1857.

“The special envelope is being released to honour the contribution of the freedom fighter Kalu Mahra, who is considered to be the first freedom fighter from Kumaon region.

The envelope was released in the presence Bijendra Singh Mahra, who hails from the family of Kalu Singh Mahara,” said Lalit Joshi, superintendent post office Pithoragarh.

Kalu Singh Mahra, popularly called Kalu Mahra, had taken part in first Indian uprising against the British in 1857 along with his two other companions, Bishen Singh Karayat and Anand Singh Bhartiya of Kumaon region.

.”The district gazetteer released by the UP government in 1980, mentions the name of Kalu Mahra as leader of the uprising in the Kumaon region in 1857.

Dr Ammar Rizvi, has also mentioned the same in his book, ‘The freedom struggle of UP’,” said Devendra Oli, a researcher based at Kumaon University who has documented the contribution of people Kumaon in the freedom struggle.

According to Oli, Kalu Mahra and his companions became active in the Kumaon region against the British in the rebellion of 1857, after they received a cryptic letter from Nawab of Oudh to join the rebellion on the condition that after the success, all hilly part portion of Kumaon region will be given to Kalu Mahra and his companions while Kumaon plains will be kept with Rohilkhand.

“We have enough evidence of that uprising led by Kalu Mahra. He took the help of Rana rulers of Nepal, who had sent troops to control the rebellion in Kumaon region in the year 1858,” said Oli