Unsung Heroes Detail

Tantia Bhil (or Tantia Mama) was an Indian Robin Hood. Born in Badada in 1842, he embarked on his career after the harsh measures taken by the British following the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He was one of the greatest revolutionaries who waged an armed struggle against the British rule for twelve years and endeared himself to the masses by virtue of his indomitable courage and passion to uproot the foreign rule.

He became a symbol of the feelings of tribals and general people. He used to plunder the government treasuries of the British government and wealth of their sycophants used to distribute it among the poor and needy. He was skillful in Guerilla warfare. He was ultimately arrested and taken to Jabalpur jail where the British officers tortured him inhumanly. The news of the arrest of Tantia Bhil was prominently published in the 10 November 1889 issue of the New York Times. In this news he was described as the "Robin Hood of India". He was sentenced to be hanged till death on 19th October 1889.