Kalu Singh Mahara


Kalu Singh Mahara was a Kumauni leader during Indian Rebellion of 1857. He is known as the first freedom fighter from Kumaun, then in the United Province. Mahara is a variant spelling in English of Mehra
Kalu Mahara was the leader of the Vishung Patti of Kumaun, Karnakarayat in present. This region is situated near Lohaghat, in district Champawat of Uttarakhand.

The rebellion

Mahara received a cryptic letter from Audh, present-day Awadh, inviting the Kumauni people and other hill people to join the rebellion against the British. The government of Awadh proposed that after regaining the power from the British, the hill area will be returned to Kumauni people and the Tarai will be taken by Oudh. Kalu Mahara organised the local people against British empire.
Skirmishes all across the area of Kali Kumaun, Sui, Gumdesh and the adjoining areas, now in the Champawat district, frustrated the British. His militiamen composed mainly of riflemen Bandukchi ambushed and harassed the British forces on several occasions.