Kunwar Singh rises in Bihar

An elderly zamindar of Jagdishpur became the revolt's leader in Bihar.

Key points for UPSC

• Kunwar Singh, zamindar of Jagdishpur and nearly 80 years old, joined the sepoys who besieged Arrah in July 1857.
• He fought a long campaign across Bihar and central India.
• He won back Jagdishpur in April 1858 and died days later of his wounds.

Who was involved

• Kunwar Singh · leading Bihar's revolt

Test yourself

1. 1. Kunwar Singh was the zamindar of:

   • (a) Jagdishpur
   • (b) Jhansi
   • (c) Bithur
   • (d) Bareilly
   Show answer

   (a) Jagdishpur. He was the zamindar of Jagdishpur in Bihar.

2. 2. In which present-day state did Kunwar Singh lead the revolt?

   • (a) Bihar
   • (b) Odisha
   • (c) Assam
   • (d) Gujarat
   Show answer

   (a) Bihar. He led the revolt around Arrah and Jagdishpur in Bihar.

3. 3. What made Kunwar Singh's leadership remarkable?

   • (a) He led the fight at nearly 80 years of age
   • (b) He was a sepoy officer of the Bengal Army
   • (c) He had studied in England
   • (d) He led the Indian Navy
   Show answer

   (a) He led the fight at nearly 80 years of age. He was nearly 80 when he took up arms.