TANTYA TOPE
Ramachandra Pandurang Tope, commonly known as Tantia Tope or Tatya Tope, was a prominent Indian independence fighter and a commander during the 1857 Indian Rebellion. He was one of the most proficient fighters despite having no official military experience.
Tantia Tope was the son of Pandurang Rao Tope and his wife Rukhmabai. He was born in Nashik, Maharashtra, in 1814. Tantia Tope was a close friend and right hand of Nana Sahib, Peshwa's adoptive son. Tantia Tope defeated the Indian forces of the East India Company in Kanpur in May 1857. He was famous for his guerrilla tactics, which terrified the British.
General Windham was forced to flee the city of Gwalior by him. He collaborated with Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi to conquer Gwalior. Tantia's childhood companion was Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi. When she was slain by a sword, he burned her corpse and administered the final rituals. During his lifetime, he fought 150 engagements against the British and killed 10,000 British soldiers.
Man Singh, a former Gwalior army Sardar, violated Tatia Tope's confidence by succumbing to the 'Jagir' and the Englishmen's propositions. Sir Colin Campbell (later Baron Clyde) beat Tantia Tope on December 6, 1857. On April 18, 1859, he was executed in General Meade's camp at Shivpuri.