Unsung Heroes | History Corner | Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Ministry of Culture, Government of India

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Paying tribute to India’s freedom fighters

Beesa Gaum

Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh

August 25, 2022 to August 25, 2023

Beesa Gaum was the paramount chief of the Singphos who took an active part during the revolt of 1843 against the British. He led and fought against the British to protect his rights and free his people from the subjugation of the British regime. On 10 January 1843, a major war broke out between the Singphos and the British. The Singphos attacked the guards deployed at Beesa post. The garrison consisting of Jamadar and 20 sepoys held the Singphos for four days at Beesa, but ultimately they surrendered when they heard that Ningroo and Koojoo had fallen into the hands of the Singphos. The Jamadar and Halvilder were put to death, and nine of the sepoys were sold as slaves; some to the Burmese in Hukong valley and others to the Bor Khamti. To avenge the assaults, the British troops were immediately dispatched against the Singphos. The troops went on destroying stockade after stockade, and plundering village after village for months until the Singphos, knowing the supremacy of the British artillery power were compelled to lay down their arms before the British. The Beesa Gaum, Lat Gaum, Ningroola, and other prominent leaders of the Singphos finally surrendered. During the assaults, the Singpho villagers were severely punished and their villages were burnt and destroyed. Beesa Gaum was brought to trial and the Court found him guilty of rebellion against the British Government. As per the Court order, his property was confiscated and he was imprisoned for life at Dibrugarh Jail. 

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