026. Birthplace of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Pakistan

I hope many of you have heard the name of Shaheed Bhagat Singh—thanks to Bollywood movies, if nothing else. He is probably one of the most famous revolutionaries who fought against British rule in India.

During my recent visit to Pakistan, visiting his ancestral village, Banga, was one of my top priorities. Despite all the help from my Galaxy S4, we reached there only after considerable trouble. The village lies far from any main road, and finding the way through narrow paths built around chaks is not easy for someone unfamiliar with the region.

Banga (or Bangay) is a small town in Tehsil Jaranwala, District Faisalabad. It was here, on 28 September 1907, that Bhagat Singh was born. His family originally came from Khatkar Kalan, near Banga, in District Nawanshahr (now Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar). For more details, you can refer to Wikipedia. His ancestral home in Banga is located at 31°24'03.10" N, 73°17'47.49" E. It is now the property of Mr. Muhammad Iqbal Virk, an advocate.

His ancestors served in the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. His father and uncles were members of the Ghadar Party and were involved in anti-British activities. Bhagat Singh believed in armed struggle against British rule and joined the Hindustan Republican Association. He wrote in Urdu and Punjabi to further the cause of liberation. A turning point came when he and his fellow activists vowed to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, who had succumbed to injuries sustained during a police baton charge in Lahore. In retaliation, they assassinated Assistant Superintendent of Police John P. Saunders in Lahore on 17 December 1928. After the attack, they managed to escape.

His next major act occurred in Delhi on 8 April 1929, when he threw two low-intensity bombs into the Central Legislative Assembly. The intention was not to cause casualties but to make a political statement. No one was killed. This time, Bhagat Singh had no intention of escaping. His plan was to get arrested and use the trial as a platform to spread his message. He and his accomplice, Batukeshwar Dutt, were sentenced to life imprisonment. However, the police soon connected Bhagat Singh to the murder of ASP Saunders. Along with two comrades, he was sentenced to death and executed on 23 March 1931.

The home of Bhagat Singh was located here. (22.03.2014.)

  A newly constructed house on the location of Bhagat Singh's home. (22.03.2014.)

According to the house owners, this ber tree was planted by Bhagat Singh himself. (22.03.2014.)

This wooden board in Urdu, reads:

Date of Birth: Shaheed Bhagat Singh - 27 February, 1907.

Date of Martyrdom: Shaheed Bhagat Singh - 23 March, 1931.

The young man on the left, Afzal Virk, lives here with his family. (22.03.2014.)

The owners say that this iron safe is the only item belonging to Bhagat Singh's family that remains in the house. (22.03.2014.)

 A view of the street just outside the home of Bhagat Singh. (22.03.2014.)

View of another street. (22.03.2014.)

hagat Singh was one of those freedom fighters who inspired generations of revolutionaries and fought for the freedom of all Indians, regardless of caste or religion. Drawn to communist ideals, he believed in unity and cooperation among all people in the struggle for independence. A beautiful memorial has been built in his honor at Hussainiwala, just across the border from Pakistan, on the bank of the Sutlej River, where he was cremated.

Reaching Banga is not difficult. If you're coming from Lahore, travel to Jaranwala first. From there, head towards Faisalabad for about 13 kilometers. Near a small town called Sain Di Khui, turn right. Just four kilometers from that point lies Banga. This junction is locally known as "Banga Pul Stop."

Tariq Amir

12 June, 2014.

Doha - Qatar.

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