१८५७ का स्वातन्त्र्य समर (वीर विनायक दामोदर सावरकर - अंग्रेजों द्वारा छपने से पूर्व प्रतिबन्धित महाग्रन्थ)

THE VOLCANO
Khan Sahib of Brahmavarta, still, it is as certain as any-
thing can be that the map of the rising was being pre-
pared by these two in London. After leaving London,
Rango Bapuji went straight to Satara, but it was not
possible for Azimullah Khan to go direct to Hindusthan.
The extent of the dominions and the diplomacy of those
against whom the war was to be waged were not now
confined to Hindusthan alone. Hence, it was necessary to
attack the British Empire in as many places as possible.
It was also essential that it should be ascertained from
what quarters in Europe direct help or moral sympathy
could be expected in the coming War of Independence. With
this object, Azimullah Khan made a tour in Europe before
returning to India. He went to the capital of the Sultan
of Turkey famed throughout the world as the Khalífa of
all Moslems. Being informed that, in the Russo-Turkish
War then going on, the English had been defeated in the
important battle of Sebastopol, he stayed some time in
Russia. Many English historians have a suspicion that
Azimullah had gone there to ascertain whether Russia
would pursue the war against England in Asia, and, if
possible, to enter into an offensive and defensive treaty.
When the trumpet of National War had been blown,
all people openly declared that the Nana had completed
a treaty with the Tsar of Russia and the Russian army
was ready to fight against the Feringhis. If we bear this
in mind, the above suspicion is strengthened. When
Azimullah was in Russia, he had an interview with the
well-known writer Russell, the military correspondent of
the London Times. The poor man could not have even
dreamt that, immediately after the Turko-Russian War,
he would have to send from Hindusthan news of the
wonderful activities of his guest. As soon as Azimullah
heard the news of the defeat of the English, and that the
Russians had beaten back the attack of the united forces
of the English and the French on the 18th of June, he
obtained admittance into the English camp. His dress
was Hindusthani and rich like that of a prince. As soon
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