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

CAWNPORE AND JHANSI
that the embryo also took a definite shape. And, if the
birth also had taken place at Brahmavarta, the Revolu-
tion would surely not have been so short-lived. But,
before complete development, the thunder at Meerut
brought the Revolutionary child into being, unfortunately
before its time ; it was not, however, left to its fate ; but
strenuous preparations were made in the palace at Brah-
mavarta to sustain and nourish it even under such adverse
circumstances.
At the place of honour sat the proud and noble form of
Nana Sahib, the very incarnation of the Revolutionary
Spirit. His brothers, Baba Sahib and Bala Sahib, and
his nephew Rao Sahib, were there, ready to sacrifice their
lives, wealth, and comfort for the fulfilment of their
leader's noble objects. Beside these sat the man who,
from the low station of a menial servant, had risen in his
master's favour by means of his industry and ability, the
man who had studied the politics and warfare of Europe,
determined to utilise that knowledge in the holy war of
liberating his country from slavery. This was none other
than Azimullah Khan. There also sat the lightning Queen
of Jhansi, aiding now the experience of the Revolutionary
leaders with her magnificent intuition and inspiring them
with her own unbounded love of country and honour. But
in this historical meeting, who is the warrior over there,
sharpening his sword in the direction of the armoury ?
Readers, that hero in the armoury is the celebrated Mah-
ratta Tatia Topé He is the last valiant Mahratta warrior
of the School of Shivaji. There are many people who are
brave, but the valour of this last Mahratta hero was the
sword incarnate drawn by the Mother herself for
her freedom.
Tatia Topé was born in about 1814. His father's name
was Pandurang Bhat. Pandurang Bhat had eight sons
and of them, the second was called Raghunath. It is this
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