Nana Saheb's Leadership During the 1857 Revolt

The question asks to identify a specific freedom fighter who played a crucial role during the Indian Revolt of 1857. The clues provided are that this leader proclaimed himself the Peshwa, gathered armed forces, successfully expelled the British garrison from a city, and was the adopted son of the late Peshwa Baji Rao II.

Understanding the Context of 1857

The Revolt of 1857 was a significant uprising against the rule of the British East India Company. Many Indian rulers, soldiers, and common people participated, driven by various grievances. Leaders emerged in different regions, each contributing to the widespread rebellion.

Analyzing the Key Clues

Let's break down the specific characteristics mentioned in the question:

• Adopted Son of Peshwa Baji Rao: This points to a direct lineage or connection to the Maratha Peshwa dynasty.
• Proclaimed Himself Peshwa: This signifies an ambition to restore the Maratha empire's former glory and leadership.
• Gathered Armed Forces: Indicates military leadership and the ability to mobilize troops.
• Expelled the British Garrison: Shows direct and successful military action against British forces.

Identifying the Correct Leader

Considering the options provided and the clues:

• Kunwar Singh: A prominent leader of the revolt, known for his role in Bihar, but not directly associated with the title of Peshwa or being Baji Rao's adopted son.
• Mangal Pandey: Known for firing the first shot that is often considered the start of the revolt, but he was a sepoy and not a ruler or Peshwa claimant.
• Tantia Tope: A loyal and capable general who fought alongside Nana Saheb, but Nana Saheb was the overall leader and claimant to the Peshwa title in Kanpur.
• Nana Saheb: He perfectly matches all the descriptions. Nana Saheb was the adopted son of the last Peshwa, Baji Rao II. After the British refused to grant him his father's pension and titles, he became a leading figure in the Kanpur region during the 1857 revolt. He rallied forces, proclaimed himself Peshwa, and drove out the British from Kanpur.

Therefore, the leader described in the question is Nana Saheb.