Forgotten King of Kalahandi remembered

The Statesman, Jan 3, 2008

BHAWANIPATNA, Jan. 2: Celebrating 150th Anniversary of the first war of independence the Indian Cultural Heritage Society remembered forgotten martyr King of Madanpur Rampur, Kalahandi and four of his stalwarts. Late martyr Raja Harihar Singh Deo was a great hero and patriot and was accused by Britishers for sheltering the then freedom fighters like Chakra Bisoi in his kingdom. There was continuous ill will and his relation with the British was always tense.
Meanwhile, the British government had leased out forest products of Madanpur Rampur like Harda, Bahada, Amla without the consent of the King and was opposed by Raja Harihar Singh Deo, he did not allow the British Thekadars to enter the forest. To cow him down British force was sent but they were forced to retreat. Finally in another battle in the year 1875 between the Raja and British force led by Captain FC Bery, the Raja was arrested and was kept under custody. Reportedly he was tortured and poisoned to death there. He ruled from 1857 to 1875. This last war is known as Harda melee. Subsequently the Madanpur Rampur state was subsequently in the year 1918 declared as a Zamindari under Kalahandi state by Britishers. In a function organised at Madanpur Rampur of Kalahandi by Indian Cultural Heritage Society to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of First War of Independence, the late Raja Harihar Singh Deo was remembered. On this occasion four of his workers Late Karna Bishi, Kesab Banua, Haktaram Pujhari and Balram Patro who showed bravery in the war and met martyrdom were also remembered and honoured. A souvenir Kamala Vana was released on the occasion.