Date:16/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/16/stories/2007081650140100.htm

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Book on First War of Independence released

Publication highlights Andhra Pradesh’s role in the mutiny

Hyderabad: A publication brought out by the Departments of Archaeology and Information & Public Relations for the first time highlights the role of Andhra Pradesh in the First War of Independence in 1857.

Released by Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Wednesday, the publication refers to the rebellion that began in Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad from where a mob marched to the British Residency in Koti that presently houses Osmania University Women’s College and attacked it.

People of Nizamabad and Adilabad districts also participated in the revolt. Raja Deep Singh of Koulas fort in Nizamabad revolved against the British. Son of Sikandar Jah, the third Nizam also rebelled against the British leading to his imprisonment in Moti Mahal in Golconda fort till his death.

Director of Archaeology and Museums J. Kedareswari compiled the volume and collected illustrations from the National Museum and Archaeological Survey of India, Salarjung Museum and archives available in Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

The book explains the story of revolt termed by the Western historians as ‘mutiny’ and Indian historians as ‘first war of Independence’. Through illustrations, the publications explains the revolt by Indian sepoys in Barrackpore, Meerut, Gwalior, Oudh, Lucknow, Kanpur and Delhi and also the reoccupation of Delhi by the British, which was under the hold of Indians for five months.

Dr. Reddy said a copy of the publication would be sent to the national committee on first war of Independence and the Union Minister for Human Resources Development, Arjun Singh. The Information & PR Minister Anam Ramnarayan Reddy and Tourism Secretary Chitra Ramachandran were present.

Special attention

Information and Public Relations Minister Anam Ramnarayan Reddy said that the State Government will pay special attention to strengthening of the Archaeology and Museums Department as part of educating people about history.

Inaugurating an exhibition of pictures related to the First War of Independence at the State Museum, Mr. Reddy said the Government has enhanced its budget from Rs. 45 lakh four years ago to Rs. 64 crore this year for strengthening the department. The Government was also trying to mobilise Central funds for it.

Mr. Reddy said the Government had realised the importance of preserving ancient artefacts, including currency and panchaloha idols, though they did not have any value.