Uttar Pradesh

• 18 Mar 2025

Memorial of Freedom Fighter Chittu Pandey

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government announced plans to build a memorial in honour of freedom fighter Chittu Pandey in Ballia district. 

Key Points 

• About Chittu Pandey:  
  • He was a great freedom fighter and revolutionary who played  an important role in the Quit India Movement of 1942 . 
  • Due to his bravery and leadership skills he is known as "Lion of Ballia" . 
• Birth:  
  • Chittu Pandey was born on 10 May 1895 in Rattuchak village of Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh . 
• Establishment of independent government: 
  • On August 19, 1942, under Chittu Pandey's leadership, the revolutionaries of Ballia ousted British officials, proclaimed Ballia’s independence, and established a temporary national government.  
    • Chittu Pandey assumed charge as the interim administrator (chief) of this short-lived administration. 
  • This government succeeded in handing over the power to the Collector and releasing all the arrested Congress leaders . 
    • However, after a few days the British army again captured Ballia and arrested Chittu Pandey and other revolutionaries . 
• Demise: 
  • He died on 6 December 1946.

 Quit India Movement 

• About: 
  • On 8th August 1942, Mahatma Gandhi called for an end to British rule and launched the Quit India Movement at the All-India Congress Committee session in Mumbai. 
  • Gandhi gave the call of "Do or Die " in his speech at the Gwalia Tank Maidan, now known as August Kranti Maidan. 
  • Popularly known as the 'Grand Old Lady' of the freedom movement, Aruna Asaf Ali is known for hoisting the Indian flag at Mumbai's Gowalia Tank grounds during the Quit India Movement . 
  • The slogan 'Quit India ' was coined by Yusuf Meherli, a socialist and trade unionist who also served as the mayor of Mumbai. 
• Reasons for movement: 
  • The immediate cause of the movement was the failure of the Cripps Mission.  
  • The British concept of unconditional support from India to the British in the Second World War was not accepted by the Indian National Congress. 
  • Anti-British sentiments and demands for complete independence had gained popularity among the Indian masses. 
• Success of the movement: 
  • Emergence of Future Leaders: 
    • Leaders like Ram Manohar Lohia, JP Narayan, Aruna Asaf Ali, Biju Patnaik, Sucheta Kripalani etc. carried out underground activities who later emerged as prominent leaders. 
  • Participation of women: 
    • Women participated enthusiastically in the movement. Women leaders like Usha Mehta helped set up an underground radio station that created awareness about the movement. 
  • Rise of Nationalism: 
    • The Quit India Movement brought forth a unique feeling of unity and brotherhood in the country. Many students left schools and colleges and people left their jobs. 

Maharishi Dadhichi Kund

Why in News? 

On 10th March 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government announced to make Maharishi Dadhichi Kund a state tourist centre. 

 

Key Points 

• About Dadhichi Kund: 
  • Dadhichi Kund is located in Mishrikh area, about 12 kilometers away from  Naimisharanya . 
    • It is believed that the water from all the pilgrimage places of the world gets mixed in this pond, hence the name of this area is Mishrikh. 
    • This place is associated with Maharishi Dadhichi, who donated his bones to provide the thunderbolt to the gods to kill Vritrasura . 
  • Dadhichi Kund is spread over about 2 acres of land . Near it is a grand temple of Maharishi Dadhichi, in which his statues are installed in various postures. The architecture of the temple and the environment around it make it a calm and spiritual center . 
• Maharishi Dadhichi  
  • He was a great ascetic, a knower of the Vedas and scriptures and a philanthropist sage.  
  • He is believed to be the son of  sage Atharva and mother Shanti . 
  • He spent his entire life in devotion to Shiva and welfare of the people. 
  • When the Gods needed his bones and thunderbolts to kill the demon Vritraasura , he gave up his body by the power of yoga . 
• Naimisharanya: 
  • It is an ancient pilgrimage site located in  Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh . 
  • This place is situated on the banks of river Gomti and is called the place of penance of sages.  
  • According to religious beliefs, 88 thousand sages had performed penance here, due to which it is considered a holy place in Hinduism.