Context: The Bithoor Mahotsav 2025 kicked off on 21st March, at the Nana Rao Peshwa Memorial in Bithoor.
- The event will unite art, music, and theatre enthusiasts while highlighting the impact of the 1857 revolution.
Historical Significance of Bithoor in the 1857 Revolution
- Bithoor was part of Kanpur district in Uttar Pradesh (then United Provinces) during the British Raj.
- The city is deeply linked to the First War of Indian Independence (1857).
- The Siege of Cawnpore (5th – 25th June 1857) began near Bithoor Fort.
- Nana Saheb, adopted son of Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao II, was banished to Bithoor, where the fort became the headquarters for planning the revolt.
- Prominent freedom fighters like Nana Saheb, Ram Chandra Pandurang, and Tatya Tope started the rebellion against the British from Bithoor.
- On July 19, 1857, General Havelock captured Bithoor.
- Bithoor Fort, ghats, and temples were set on fire by the British, Mainawati, Nana Saheb’s 14-year-old daughter, was burned to death in the fire.
- In memory of Mainawati, a road in Kanpur was named Mainawati Marg.