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A tribute to the brave martyrs whose stories remain hidden in the shadows of history.
When we celebrate India’s Independence Day, we often remember iconic figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Bhagat Singh. But what about the silent warriors? The forgotten martyrs of places like Odisha, who gave their all for the motherland but barely made it into our textbooks? This blog brings their stories to the forefront—narrated with reverence, rooted in historical truths, and sprinkled with personal reflectionsMadho Singh and His Sons – The Martyrs of Ghens
Birthplace: Ghens Village, Sambalpur District, Odisha
Ghens is a serene village in western Odisha that once roared with resistance against British rule.
How to Reach:
- Nearest Railway Station: To begin with, Sambalpur (approx. 30 km)
- By Road: Moreover, cabs and buses are available from Sambalpur city.
Their Contribution:
Raja Madho Singh of Ghens, along with his sons Hathi Singh, Kunjal Singh, and Bairee Singh, led a fierce resistance during the Revolt of 1857 under the broader leadership of Vir Surendra Sai. Madho Singh used guerrilla tactics to block British movement from Sambalpur to eastern India and actively fortified the Singhora hill pass.
Despite his eventual capture and execution, Madho Singh’s fearless fight became a beacon of hope. His sons continued the legacy, battling until they were either imprisoned or executed—Hathi Singh even died in the Andamans, becoming the only Odia martyr there during the revolt.My Experience:
Visiting Ghens felt like stepping back into history. The locals still speak with pride about the Singh family. I stood at the hill pass and imagined the fearless resistance that once echoed there. You don’t just see a place—you feel a legacy.
Basu Bisuni – The First Martyrs of Gandhi's Movement in Odisha
Birthplace:
- Basu Sethi: Tentulikoli Village
- Bisuni Madhual: Bartani Village Both in the historic Kanika Zamindari, now part of Kendrapara District, Odisha.
How to Reach:
- To begin with, the nearest town: Rajkanika (10–12 km away)
- Additionally, from Bhubaneswar: Approx. 140 km by road. Public buses and taxis operate regularly.
Their Contribution:
In 1922, during the Non-Cooperation Movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi, Basu and Bisuni mobilized over 6,000 Congress members in the Kanika region alone. On April 23, 1922, they led thousands in a no-tax campaign at Meghapur. The British fired at the crowd, and the two brave peasants became Odisha’s first Gandhian martyrs.
My Experience:
Standing at the Meghapur site gave me goosebumps. The land still whispers their story. Meeting descendants of the movement’s participants brought alive the human cost of resistance—ordinary people who made extraordinary sacrifices.
The Bal Brothers – Martyrs of Odisha’s Link to the Chittagong Armoury Raid
Birthplace: Odisha (Exact village unknown, but the surname “Bal” and nickname “Tera” are distinctly Odia)
How to Reach:
While Lokanath and Harihar Bal operated in present-day Chittagong (now in Bangladesh), research points to Odia roots. Stories link them to Odia migrants who had settled in Bengal during the colonial era.
Their Contribution:
On 18 April 1930, General Lokanath Bal led a group of revolutionaries in the famous Chittagong Armoury Raid, under the leadership of Surya Sen (Masterda). His 14-year-old brother Harihar Bal, fondly called Tera, became the first martyr during the battle of Jalalabad Hill. Lokanath was exiled to the Andamans but later returned and passed away in Calcutta.
My Experience:
While I couldn’t trace their exact Odia village, interacting with historians and reading regional archives confirmed their Odia origin. It’s heartbreaking how many such brave souls remain unnamed in our collective memory.
Why Should We Remember These Martyrs?
To begin with, remember that
freedom wasn’t free
. These were people like us—with families, fears, and dreams. Nevertheless, they gave it all for a vision of a free India. Among them stood the
Forgotten Martyrs of Odisha
—brave souls whose names history often overlooks. In fact, their acts weren’t just rebellion; rather, they were
acts of love for the motherland
. Therefore, honouring them today gives us roots, pride, and purpose.
People Also Ask:
1. Who are the forgotten martyrs of Odisha?
Forgotten martyrs of Odisha include Madho Singh and his sons, Basu Bisuni, and the Bal Brothers who contributed immensely but remain unsung.
2. What role did the martyrs of Odisha play in India’s freedom struggle?
To begin with, Odisha played a vital role in India’s freedom struggle. Moreover, it contributed guerrilla leaders, Gandhian martyrs, and revolutionaries. In addition, its people actively participated in armed resistance movements that challenged British rule across regions.
3. How did Madho Singh of Ghens fight against the British?
Madho Singh led a guerrilla war during the 1857 revolt, blocking British troops and causing major losses at Singhora hill pass.
4. Who were Basu Sethi and Bisuni Madhual?
They were the first Gandhian martyrs from Odisha, killed in 1922 during the no-tax movement in Kanika.
5. What is the significance of the Bal Brothers in Indian history?
Furthermore, Lokanath and Harihar Bal played key roles in the Chittagong Armoury Raid and the Jalalabad battle, clearly marking Odisha’s contribution to revolutionary nationalism.
Let’s Not Forget Our Martyrs Again
To begin with, take a moment this Independence Day—or any day—to remember these heroes. Moreover, reflect on their courage and sacrifice. Then, share their stories with others. In addition, visit their places—physically or virtually—to connect with their legacy. After that, speak their names with pride. Ultimately, a nation that forgets its
martyrs
inevitably risks losing its soul.
To begin with, explore your roots – plan a visit to Ghens, Rajkanika, or Jalalabad Hill (virtually or physically). Furthermore, share these stories – post on social media or discuss with friends.