Sambalpur: Folk poet and Padma awardee Haldhar Nag has flagged some alleged errors in a chapter on freedom fighter Madho Singh in the new edition of ‘Sahitya Suman’ for Class 7 students in Odisha.
Nag pointed out that the textbook incorrectly mentions Madho Singh’s execution date as December 22, 1858. Historical records confirm that the valiant leader was hanged on December 31, 1858, at Sambalpur Jail at the age of 72. “We observe his death anniversary on December 31 every year as Veerta Diwas, how can the textbook mention a different date?” he questioned.
Another error concerns geographical references. The chapter mentions Madho Singh traveling to “Nisha ghati and Singhada ghati,” treating them as separate locations. In reality, these are interchangeable names referring to the same strategic pass, a key site in the Sambalpur uprising where Madho Singh and his forces heroically resisted British reinforcements.
Nag emphasised the need for rigorous verification by the authorities before publication. “Even if the writer made a mistake, the board should have cross-checked the facts. I urge the Odisha Education Minister to intervene promptly and set the record straight,” he said.
He stressed that maintaining historical accuracy in school textbooks is essential to properly honour Odisha’s freedom fighters and educate the next generation.
The Tribal Hero
Madho Singh, a legendary tribal leader from Ghess in Odisha’s Bargarh district, played a key role in uniting local tribal communities against British colonial rule during India’s independence struggle. He inherited the zamindari of 20 villages from his father, Arjun Singh Bariha, and was driven to resistance by British exploitation, particularly the unjust punishment of his son-in-law, Narayan Singh.
In the 1857 uprising, he organised and funded a tribal army, leading effective guerrilla attacks, including the capture of Singoda Ghat that disrupted British reinforcements. The British eventually suppressed the revolt with brutal force. In 1858, after his four sons died defending tribal positions, Madho Singh was captured and executed on December 31 in Ghess.
Today, he is remembered as a symbol of courage, grassroots resistance, tribal rights, and cultural preservation. To honour his legacy, the Odisha government has launched the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme to support tribal children’s education from upper primary level and reduce high dropout rates.
