People and Personalities of Chhatarpur District

The big stories often make the headlines of our historical narratives, but history is not only about the landmark events - it finds shape and character in the myriad events that led up to a flashpoint of change. An attempt to discover and document stories of people, events, and places linked to the freedom struggle of India at the micro level of the district has led to the creation of a Digital District Repository. Stories in this section can be broadly classified under - People & Personalities.

Narendra Kumar Vidyarthi

Narendra Vidyarthi hailed from the village of Dhangaon in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. He dedicated his entire being to the cause he believed in. Upon completing his education, he actively participated in the Indian freedom struggle, particularly in the Quit India Movement of 1942. Despite being in the midst of his examinations, he abandoned them to join the movement. His opposition to the oppressive measures of the British government led to him being labelled a traitor, resulting in an order to leave his village.

Expelled from his village, he found refuge in the Hirapur village of Sagar district. Despite facing numerous hardships, his spirit remained unyielding. He continued to oppose the British government and became a target of police harassment. From August 1942 to October 1943, he operated underground, actively engaging in the movement's activities. Even during his time in Sagar prison, Vidyarthi's dedication to his patriotic ideals never wavered. He endured the hardships and tortures of jail without abandoning his love for his country.

Narendra Vidyarthi devoted his entire life to serving his country through religious and political endeavours. His unwavering commitment to the freedom struggle earned him recognition, and in 1973, the government of Madhya Pradesh honoured him for his contributions. Narendra Vidyarthi passed away on May 4, 1992, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to his nation.

Viyogi Hari

Viyogi Hari was a hindi writer and journalist born in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh in 1896. He became a close associate of Gandhi following his meeting with Purushottam Das Tandon in 1917.

In the 1920s, Viyogi established a school for the marginalised communities at Panna and started a periodical Patit Bandhu from Jabalpur to address the grievances of the marginalised. Viyogi dedicated his life to the eradication of untouchability from Indian society. He was an active member of the ‘Harijan Sewak Sangh’ and was the founding editor of the journal Harijan Sewak. He wrote numerous books, articles, and poetry collections on religion, philosophy, and social reforms. His poems like Maharana Pratap and Deshdroh pondered over the country’s glorious past and urged people to bring back that golden era by fighting the imperialist forces. In the poems, he asserted that the matter of independence lies in the hands of the people, and thus revolt against the British government was inevitable.

Viyogi Hari was a true Gandhian soldier who dedicated his life to uplifting oppressed communities. He further contributed to the freedom struggle through his compositions which evoked patriotism in his readers.

Kunwar Hira Singh

The All India States People’s Conference held in Bombay in 1927, led towards the creation of the Lok Parishad and Praja Mandals in various Princely States of India. Chhatarpur town and district located in Madhya Pradesh was one such place where a Praja Mandal was formed, with Kunwar Hira Singh as its President.

When Mahatma Gandhi visited Mahoba district (Uttar Pradesh) in 1929, several people from Chhatarpur, including Kunwar Hira Singh had gone to hear Gandhi’s lecture. Being thoroughly impressed and inspired by the same, they returned back and started propagating the idea of Swaraj. Chhatarpur state, before 1940 was visited only by a miniscule section of political leaders from the neighboring districts to increase contact with like-minded people. Eventually, when the strength of social and political workers increased, a Praja Mandal was formed in 1943. Kunwar Hira Singh was the President of the council, and under his able leadership, the Praja Mandal had undertaken several activities and spread their influence by opening several branches. He was also a very courageous leader who endured lathi-charges and detention, and participated in protests and movements for the cause of the freedom of India.

Deshpat - The Commander of Chhatarpur Army

Deshpat was the commander of the Chhatarpur army. The news of the First War of Independence at Jhansi had spread to neighboring areas and on 9th June 1857, the revolt broke out at Nowgong, consequently it spread to the whole district including, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh. Deshpat took an active role in the revolt. Since 1851, he had put forth a tough fight against British rule in India. Deshpat owned a village called Jhinjhni in Punwari, on the northern frontiers of Chhatarpur. When the British demanded revenue from him, he threatened them and shot down seven persons.

At the time, the Regent Rani of Chhatarpur had conspired with him and foiled the attempts taken by the British to arrest him. He was provided with resources that were used in the attack on Charkhari in 1857, where he fought alongside Tantia Tope. The British offered a reward of Rs 10,000 on his head, however, they were unable to arrest him until he was killed on 3rd December 1862 in a trap in Doni village.

The First War of Independence was triggered by a multitude of factors namely, economic exploitation, territorial expansion, and administrative innovations. The revolt shook British rule in India to the core and compelled them to introduce changes to their governance.

Source :

• Rajeev Krishna Birtharay, Contributor for CCRT
• Indian Culture Portal
• Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav