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

BEHAR
handicapped by old age, still, in the direction in which the
revolted regiments were marching, there in the palace of
Jagadishpur was an old hero who, in spite of age, had
the spirit of youth in his arms and his sword, and who was
proudly twirling his moustache. It is to his banner that
the Sepoys were hurriedly flocking !
There was almost always one great defect which often nul-
lified the efforts of the freedom-loving Sepoys and people,
and that was the want of capable leaders. In the Shahabad
district, at least, the Jagadishpur palace had removed this
want, and therefore the Sepoys marched thither after cross-
ing the Shon river. For, there the Sepoys could find a
leader befitting the battle of Swaraj. A man of heroic
spirit, of unconquerable valour, and born in a Rajput
family of ancient fame, this leader of the Swaraj war
graced the name of Kumar Singh by wearing it. His
lordship over the extensive Shahabad lands had been esta-
blished by the continuity of ages and the people there felt
a natural love towards his ancient family. Storms of great
empires rose and subsided in the land of Hindusthan from
time to time ; but, through all those cruel vicissitudes, this
province was free under its beneficent Rajput princes and
continuously enjoyed freedom and Swaraj. Through all
the most oppressive seasons of a hundred Revolutions, the
Banyan tree of the dynasty of Kumar Singh had been
bearing all the inclemencies of heat and cold on its sum-
mit, but had never ceased to protect the humble birds that
nestled in its branches. Summer heat might scorch the
top ; winter frost might bite the leaves ; but, the birds
enjoyed the quiet of eternal spring for endless generations.
The dynasty loved the subjects like its own children ; the
subjects worshipped the dynasty as the representative of
God upon earth. But, to the foreign despot, this recipro-
cal loyalty and kindness was a thorn in his side. He
therefore determined to ruin this royal family ! All of a
sudden the chattra of Swaraj was broken and the province
was laid bare ; the tree was struck by the cruel lightning
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