AMRIT FESTIVAL OF INDEPENDENCE "A Tribute to Heroes of Indian Freedom Struggle"

   India's Forgotten ...? Freedom Fighter

                        Seeth Amarchand Banthia.....?

Danveer Seeth Amarchand Banthia, a resident of Bikaner, was the first freedom fighter of Rajasthan. Martyr Amarchand Banthia was born in 1793 in Bikaner, Rajputani bravery land of Rajasthan, and the first martyr in the Indian independence movement.

He had the passion to do something for the country from the very beginning. Since childhood, he was determined that he has to do something for the honour and glory of the country. In history, not much is known about Amarchand, but it is said that the business losses of the father forced the Banthia family to move from Rajasthan to Gwalior, and this family settled in the bullion market.

Impressed by his ability, honesty, fairness, and goodness, the then Raja Jayajirao Scindia of the princely state of Gwalior appointed him the treasurer of the rich 'Gangajali' fund. We were guarded by armed soldiers on this fund. In those days the Indian independence movement had begun. Being the treasurer of Gangajali, his acquaintance with the high-ranking persons of the state and the army had started increasing. At that time, the Gangajali treasure of Gwalior was secretly safe, which was known to only a select few. Banthia Ji was also one of them. In fact, he was not only the keeper of the treasure but also the knower. Everyone was convinced of his simplicity and devotion to duty.

He used to get news of the atrocities being done by the British on the Indians from the officials and other people. Hearing the news of atrocities on the Indians, the feeling of making India independent used to be strong in their mind.

The British rule considered the cooperation of the patriot Amarchand Banthia as treason. The Firangis (British) inflicted various kinds of barbaric tortures on Banthiaji.

The brutal British rulers shot Banthiaji's ten-year-old son with a cannon to create fear.

The Independence Summer of 1857 was at its fullest, but unfortunately, the then Scindia princely state was a friend of the British. But there was often discussion about this subject among the officials. One day an officer told Jain believer Amar Chand Banthia ji that in order to free Mother India from slavery, now you should also leave non-violence and take up arms. Banthia Ji said that brother, I cannot take up arms, but one day when the time comes, I will do such work which will help the priests of the revolution. At that time, Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi became the right of Gwalior and the allied rulers of the British were forced to withdraw from there. Laxmibai and Tatya Tope was taking iron from the British with their military force, but their army had neither received a salary for many months nor there was a proper arrangement for their food, etc.

Due to the lack of economics, the independence summer seemed to be dying. In view of this situation, Banthia Ji, without caring for his life, helped the revolutionaries and handed over the treasury of Gwalior to them. He made this money available on 8 June 1858. On the strength of his help, Veerangana Lakshmibai was successful in getting rid of the sixes of the enemies. Four days after the martyrdom of the veteran, Shri Amarchand Banthia was hanged publicly on a neem tree till three days in the bullion market near his residence in the crime of sedition. The British have hanged him, but his work and martyrdom will always inspire. If the name of Gwalior is written in golden letters in the revolt of 1857, then only because of the incomparable sacrificial saga of Hutatma Amar Chand Banthia.