Ever so often, on ThursdayTreeLove, we hear the words, if only this tree could tell its story... Especially when its an old stalwart holding its own.
Today is 26th January, celebrated in India as the Republic Day. An important landmark in my country's freedom.
It seems a good day to write about this particular Peepal tree or Ficus religiosa of the Moraceae family.
Since our bloghop is about trees, I will very briefly touch upon the history (not doing it the justice it deserves) and the story the tree has to tell. I have added some links for anyone interested to read more. Google will also help!!
I saw this massive old Peepal at the Mamledar Kacheri in Pune which is a government office related to land records. Everyone coming there keen on finishing their work and rushing off, possibly only looking at this tree as a spot to shelter from the Sun.
Umaji Naik was a revolutionary who fought against rule of the British from around 1826-1832 inflicting great damage . To cut a long story very short, the British captured him and he was imprisoned, tried. On 3 Feb 1832, Umaji Naik was hanged at the above mentioned premises from the Peepal tree. Thereafter, he was left there for three days in order to deter people from more revolts.
This tree is indeed a witness and participant in our freedom struggle. It stands to remind us of how our fore fathers fought so that we are free and independent today.
You can read more about Umaji Naik in this Wikipedia article and about his life here.
 |
| The Peepal grows in one corner of the premises. Offering cooling shade to visitors |
 |
| People end up sitting under the tree little realising its part in our freedom struggle. |
 |
| There is a small sign post on the tree which states that Umaji Naik was hung from this tree |
Let us not forget our freedom fighters and their contributions.
When in Pune, do visit this spot located in the heart of the city. Pay homage to this great freedom fighter.
As far as the Peepal is concerned, its been on my TTL before, and you can read about its leaves here and find it on a stamp here.
I am joining Parul in her ThursdayTreeLove blog hop. Do head over to see fantastic trees from around the world. Better still, join in.
8 comments:
Wow! Thank you for sharing this post, Archana! Beautiful clicks and such a moving back story, as well! We need these reminders from time to time.
The stories of our forefathers and their struggle for freedom which we now enjoy makes me sad and yet, blessed at the same time. It's impossible to quantify how much we owe them.
This tree is definitely going to be on my bucket list if and when I happen to visit Pune.
I read the Wikipedia article. I know very little about Indian history and appreciated your post very much. Your history story reminds me of the story of American patriot (during our American Revolutionary War) Nathan Hale, who was hung from an apple tree by the British at the age of 21, and left there as a lesson. But in the case of Nathan Hale, the exact location of the hanging is not known although there are a couple of suspects. One suspected site now hosts a chain retail store. It's interesting that the tree associated with Naik still is alive and giving shade to unsuspecting workers - living history of another time.
@Esha Thank you! You are absolutely right.. "its impossible to quantify how much we owe them"
@Alana Thanks for sharing the story of Nathan Hale. We share some similar dark history.
I am so glad you shared about this tree and what it witnessed. When I went to cellular jail in the Andamans, they trees there must have also seen similar real life heroes who sacrificed everything for our country. Thanks for this tribute and hope to see you around tomorrow.
Thank you for this story. Trees witness so much more than we humans are capable of.
Thanks @Parul!:-)
@JoAnna Yes indeed! Thank you for your support! :-)
Post a Comment