Bawni Imli – An Erased History of India

On April 28, 1858, the British government hanged 52 Indian freedom fighters on a tamarind tree.

Bawani Imli (also called Bawan Imli or 52 Imli) is a historical site in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is known for its association with the freedom struggle during the 1857 rebellion against British rule. The site reportedly got its name because 52 freedom fighters were martyred there, either by hanging or through other brutal methods. The name “Imli” refers to the tamarind trees, as it is believed that these martyrs were hanged from tamarind trees in that area.

On 10 May 1857, when the call for freedom was given in the Barrackpore cantonment, on 10 June 1857, the revolutionaries in Fatehpur also took a step in this direction, who were led by Jodha Singh Attaya. These heroes first took control of the Fatehpur court and treasury. The fire of freedom had been burning in Jodha Singh Attaya’s heart for a long time. He was associated with Tatya Tope. To free the motherland, both of them together fought the British on the banks of the Pandu river. After a face-to-face battle, the British army fled from the battlefield! These heroes planted their flag in Kanpur.

When Jodha Singh was returning to Khajuha after discussing the fight with Attaya Argal King, on the information of an informer, the British cavalry surrounded him near village Ghoraha. After a short fight, Jodha Singh was arrested along with his 51 revolutionary companions.

On 28 April 1858, he was hanged along with his 51 companions on a tamarind tree situated on the Mughal Road. But the barbarity of the British did not stop here. The British announced everywhere that whoever takes down the dead body from the tree will also be hanged from that tree. After which the dead bodies kept hanging from the trees for many days and eagles and vultures kept eating them. Finally, Maharaja Bhawani Singh along with his companions went on 4 June and brought down the dead bodies from the tree and the last rites were performed. That tamarind tree (Bavni Imli) situated between Bindki and Khajuha is remembered today as a martyr’s memorial.

Bawani Imli, located in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, is a historically significant site linked to India’s First War of Independence in 1857. It is a place of martyrdom for 52 freedom fighters who were hanged by British forces during the revolt. The name “Bawani” refers to the number 52, and “Imli” means tamarind, named after the tamarind trees from which the martyrs were reportedly hanged. Hanged for 37 days. This place holds cultural and emotional value for many, especially in the context of India’s freedom struggle, as it reflects the painful yet courageous fight for independence against British colonial rule.

The legend behind Bawani Imli is that 52 Indian rebels were captured and executed by the British forces under the tamarind trees (“imli” in Hindi) in this area. The rebels were hung publicly as a warning to others who might think of resisting British rule. This brutal event left a lasting mark on local memory, and over time, the site became a symbol of resistance, sacrifice, and the struggle for freedom.

Today, Bawani Imli stands as a memorial site, serving as a reminder of the price of freedom. It continues to attract visitors, including history enthusiasts and those who wish to honor the memory of the martyrs. For many, the site is a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during British rule and the unwavering spirit of those who fought for India’s independence.

The 1857 revolt, although it was eventually suppressed, laid the foundation for future movements against British rule. It sparked a wave of patriotism and unity across different regions and communities in India, with people coming together to fight a common enemy. The sacrifices made at places like Bawani Imli are part of the collective memory of India’s long struggle for freedom, making it a historically and emotionally important site for the country.