The revolt of 1857 was an important milestone in India's struggle for independence, a glorious chapter in the history of our national movement. Nahar Singh, ruler of the small state of Ballabhagarh, played a key role in the uprising.
A symbol of Hindu Muslim unity and farsightedness, he tried his best to bring under a common flag all native rulers especially Begum Sumro, Gurgaon, Nawab of Jhajjar, Farukhnagar and Rewari. He organised a secret meeting in the fort of Mukteshwar (UP) at the time of Kartik mela. This was attended by Tantiya Tope, Raja Krishan Gopal, Rewari, Mangal Pandey and Raja of Gwalior. The purpose once again was the same i.e. war of independence.
Emperor Bahadur Shah-II, appointment Raja Nahar Singh as the Internal Administrator of Delhi. He successfully carried out this responsibility with full faith. Raja Nahar Singh was tirelessly busy in planning and organising native Chieftains for the revolution. In November, 1857, the British forces fanned out to suppress it outside Delhi, Brig. Showers of the British Army was deputed to suppress the second revolt of the region i.e. Ballabhgarh, Gurgaon, Jhajjar and Rewari. Brig. Showers arrested Raja Nahar Singh on 6-12-1857, and kept him first in Motia Mahar and then in Metcalfe House, Delhi.
The British Government constituted a Military Commission under Brig. General Chamberlain with four other members, of the rank of majors, for trial of the acts of omission and commission by Raja Nahar Singh. The trial began on Saturday, the 19th December, 11857 at 11.00 am at Delhi.
In order to break up the political power of the native princely states, it was considered necessary to crush all opposition. Raja Nahar Singh of Ballabhgarh, alongwith Nawab of Jhajjar, Dadree and Farukhnagar were tried and hanged till death on 9-1-1858 for their complicity in the revolt of 1857.
The first day cover features the Nahar Singh Palace, where the Kartik Cultural Festival is celebrated.
The Department of Posts is pleased to issue a special commemorative stamp in memory of late Raja Nahar Singh.
Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India