Kunwar Singh was one of the leading figures of the Indian Movements of 1857-59. A scion of Rajput nobility he was born in Jagdishpur in the Shahabad District of Bihar about 1777 and was detained to die s hero in the Great rising of 1857.When India roused against British authority in 1857, Babu Kunwar Singh was already past his prime being nearly eight years old. Despite his age and failing health, when the call to fight came, the old lion plunged into the thick of it and for nearly a year battled against the British forces with grim determination and undoubted courage.

The part, which Kunwar Singh played in the First War of Independence, marks a glorious chapter in the chequered history of this country. After harrying the British at the head of a devoted band of followers for nearly a year Kunwar Singh was forced to retreat to his ancient seat at Jagdishpur. It is believed that while crossing the Ganga on his way to Jagdishpur he was wounded in the arm by the pursuing forces and the old warrior severed the injured limb and flung it into the Ganga as his last offering. Soon after he fought his last battle near Jagdishpur on 23rd April, 1858 in which the British forces were completely routed.

Kunwar Singh passed away the next day. The name of Babu Kunwar Singh epitomises the spirit of liberty in its land which was questioned but never quelled and which was to triumph in less than a hundred years after Kunwar Singh laid down his life.

On the 23rd April, 1966 falls the anniversary of Kunwar Singh's last and greatest victory. On this occasion P & T Department feels privileged to issue a commemorative stamp in honour of this illustrious fighter for freedom.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India