Kolkata: West Bengal directorate of archaeology and museums has undertaken the rejuvenation of Karnagarh, steeped in the memories of the struggle, self-sacrifice and courage of the valiant Queen (Rani) Shiromani, as a heritage tourism destination. Atchala temple and the fort that has been in ruins for several years are being revived so that the people have an idea of Rani Shiromani’s contributions in the Bengal freedom struggle, particularly the ‘Chuar Rebellion’ against the colonial rulers that was led by her.Born in 1728, Shiromani stepped into power when her husband, Raja Ajit Singh, died without an heir. Most expected her to retreat into the safety of silence, but in 1799, while most rulers bargained with the Company, she chose to stand with her people. She was a mother to her land and the cries of her farmers were her own. Gathering 300 rebels armed with simple bows, arrows, and courage, she led them into a battle. One March morning, she struck Karnagarh fort. The Company soldiers fell back as the rebels seized weapons. For months, her guerrilla warfare rattled British power across Midnapore, Salboni, and Bahadurpur. However, the British retaliated and Rani Shiromani was captured and dragged away, not to a palace but to the cold stone walls of Hijli detention camp. She was offered the chance to return as a ruler of Karnagarh, but she chose the silence of prison over being a puppet in British hands. She remained imprisoned for nearly 12 years and in 1812, she breathed her last behind bars.“Rani Shiromani was called the ‘Rani Laxmibai of Bengal’ and she was one of India’s earliest queens to fight the East India Company. Our attempt to revive Karnagarh fort, Atchala temple and other remnants in and around is to ensure that the people of the state do not forget her,” said an official of information and cultural affairs (I &CA) department under whose aegis the directorate comes.I &CA minister Purnima Chakraborty, who recently visited the site, said, “Our government aims to firmly integrate the state’s heritage, history, and culture with tourism, enabling more people from across the country and the world to become acquainted with Bengal’s rich history and heritage. The preservation of heritage and the development of heritage tourism will further enrich the local economy and employment opportunities.”Interestingly, there is a mystery associated with her death. Though the British had claimed her dead, her body was never found. The local people believe that she disappeared through a tunnel inside the fort. The tunnel is presently closed and there is a plan to open it up to have an idea of where it ends.The directorate hopes to finish the revival work by March or April next year.
