1857 revolt started from Ambala: Anil Vij; martyr memorial dedicated to nation

Speaking at the formal inauguration of the 'Martyr Memorial of the First War of Independence' built in Ambala Cantonment, Haryana Energy and Transport Minister Anil Vij claimed that the 1857 revolution started in Ambala even before Meerut. He said that the sacrifices of the soldiers and revolutionaries from here did not get the recognition in history that they deserved.

Citing British documents and the 1923-24 gazetteer, Anil Vij stated that on May 10, 1857, soldiers of the Ambala Cantonment revolted. He also mentioned that during the firing at the Parade Ground in August 1857, 135 Indian soldiers were killed in just 10 minutes. He shared that he had been striving for this memorial for about 25 years.

Dedicating this historical memorial to the nation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Ambala is the land from where the freedom struggle began on May 10, which shook the foundations of the British rule. He said that the country's freedom was possible only due to the unprecedented sacrifices of the martyrs and this memorial will inspire coming generations.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar were also present at the ceremony. The leaders planted saplings in the complex and started the program by lighting lamps. The Home Minister reviewed the history of the revolution inside the museum through a virtual reality film, a telegram exhibition and a puppet show.

Built on 22 acres of land on the Delhi-Chandigarh National Highway, this memorial has cost around Rs 800 crore. The names of more than 700 martyrs have been engraved in golden letters on it. The memorial includes a 63-meter-high lotus-like tower, a 300-seat auditorium and 22 galleries, which has now been opened for public viewing.

Key developments

• Anil Vij claimed that the 1857 revolt started in Ambala Cantonment before Meerut.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and handed over the 22-acre martyr memorial to the nation.
• The names of over 700 martyrs are inscribed in the memorial and it has been opened for the general public.