Nilamber and Pitamber


Nilamber and Pitamber were freedom fighters from Jharkhand. Two brothers had led a revolt against the East India Company in 1857. They were born in Chemo-Senya village to a family of the Bhogta clan of the Kharwar tribe in Latehar district. Their father Chemu Singh was Jagirdar. They decided to declare themselves independent from Company rule. They got inspired by Doronda revolt in Ranchi led by Thakur Vishwanath Shahdeo and Pandey Ganpat Rai. Chero Jagirdar Devi Baksh Rai joined them. On 21 October 1857, 500 people, led by Nilamber and Pitamber, attacked Raghubar Dayal at Chainpur who had sided with the British. Then, they caused heavy destruction at Lesliganj. Lt. Graham was not able to suppress the revolt with only 50 people on his side. Rebels besieged Lt. Graham in the house of Raghubar Dayal. In December, two companies under Major Cotter arrived and were able to capture Devi Baksh Rai. To suppress further revolt, Commissioner Dalton arrived in Palamu with Madras Infantry, Ramgarh Cavalry and soldiers of Pithoria Parganait on 21 January 1858. He and Graham attacked Palamu Fort which was occupied by rebels. Nilamber and Pitamber were forced to flee due to strong British force. Dalton got the letter of Babu Kunwar Singh to Nilambar and Naklait Majhi, where he had written about immediate help. Dalton planned to suppress the rebellion with the help of Kunwar Singh. Nilamber Pitamber continued their fight against British force by hiding in the forest. Eventually they were arrested and got hanged on 28 March 1859 by British force in Lesliganj.

Commemoration