Panthya Dada: Uttarakhand's history is filled with the valiant stories of many great personalities, and among them, Panthya Dada holds a special place. He is remembered as the first child martyr who sacrificed his life in resistance against oppressive taxation imposed by the monarchy. His legacy continues to inspire generations, symbolizing the courage and self-respect of the people of Garhwal.
Panthya Dada Birth and Early Life
Panthya Dada was born in the latter half of the 17th century in Sumari village, Pauri Garhwal, within the Katulsyun region. Unfortunately, he lost both his parents at a young age and was raised by his sister, who was married in Farsu village. During his childhood, Uttarakhand was fragmented into 52 small principalities, ruled by local chieftains.
One of the most powerful rulers of that time was King Medini Shah, whose chief minister (Wazir) was Sukh Ram Kala from Sumari village. The Kala Brahmin community in Sumari had been devoted followers of Goddess Gaura, and the land they lived on was tax-exempt as per the grant by King Ajaypal when he shifted his capital from Chandpur to Devalgarh.
The Oppressive Taxation
Over time, this tax exemption became a point of contention among the king's courtiers. Some displeased ministers conspired against the people of Sumari, persuading King Medini Shah to impose taxes on them. Among the new taxes imposed, Doonkheni, Syundi, and Suppa were particularly burdensome. Additionally, the villagers were ordered to carry royal loads for the administration.
The people of Sumari refused to comply with these unfair demands, leading the king to issue a final ultimatum—either submit to the new taxes or vacate the village. When both options were rejected, the king escalated the punishment: the villagers were to sacrifice one person every day as a form of royal penalty. This brutal practice was later known as "Roja".
Indramani Badoni – The Gandhi of Uttarakhand
Panthya Dada's Supreme Sacrifice
At the time, Panthya Dada was unaware of the horrific developments in Sumari as he lived in Farsu. According to folk songs, he was grazing cattle in the forest when Goddess Gaura appeared in his dream and informed him about the crisis in his village. He immediately rushed back home despite the approaching night, passing through Saudu and Jugpathyali—two resting points along the steep mountain path.
Upon reaching Sumari, he realized that his elder brother’s family had been selected for the first sacrifice. Moved by the suffering of his people and the oppression of the monarchy, he volunteered to offer himself as the first martyr, inspiring the villagers to uphold their self-respect. The next morning, after bowing to Goddess Gaura, the brave young Panthya stepped into the sacrificial fire, embracing martyrdom.
Witnessing this heart-wrenching event, his aunt Bhadra Devi and another young girl from the Bahuguna family also sacrificed themselves in the same fire.
Also read - History of Panwar Dynasty
Aftermath and Legacy
The sacrifices shook King Medini Shah, who immediately suspended the "Roja" for three days. However, the royal family soon faced unexplained misfortunes and supernatural disturbances, which led the king to consult royal priests and tantriks. The spiritual advisors informed him that the misfortunes were due to the innocent bloodshed of Panthya Dada and others.
To pacify these departed souls, the king ordered annual worship rituals in their honor, which continue every year in the Hindu month of Paush. Over time, Panthya Dada became a revered figure, immortalized in folk songs and oral traditions. Even today, he is celebrated as Uttarakhand's first child martyr against oppression.
Renowned folk singer Narendra Singh Negi beautifully expressed the undying memory of Panthya Dada in his song:
“Jug jug tak ralu yaad, Sumari ku Panthya Dada”
(For generations, Sumari will remember Panthya Dada)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Panthya Dada?
Panthya Dada was a brave child martyr from Sumari village, Pauri Garhwal, who sacrificed his life in the 17th century against oppressive taxation imposed by King Medini Shah.
2. Why did Panthya Dada sacrifice himself?
The king ordered the people of Sumari to either pay taxes, vacate their land, or sacrifice one villager daily. Panthya Dada volunteered for the first sacrifice to uphold the dignity and self-respect of his people.
3. What was the ‘Roja’ system?
‘Roja’ was a punishment imposed by King Medini Shah, where one villager from Sumari had to be sacrificed daily as a penalty for tax refusal.
4. What happened after Panthya Dada’s sacrifice?
His aunt Bhadra Devi and another girl from Bahuguna family also sacrificed themselves. The king faced supernatural misfortunes, leading him to initiate annual worship rituals in Panthya Dada’s honor.
5. How is Panthya Dada remembered today?
Panthya Dada is honored every year in Paush month through religious ceremonies. His legacy is celebrated in folk songs, and he remains an icon of resistance against tyranny in Uttarakhand’s history.
Panthya Dada’s story is one of unparalleled bravery and sacrifice. His courageous stand against oppression continues to inspire generations, proving that the spirit of resistance and self-respect can never be subdued. His legacy lives on in folk traditions, annual rituals, and the hearts of Uttarakhand's people, making him an immortal figure in history.
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