On receiving a cryptic confidential letter from
Oudh,
Awadh, inviting him and other followers to join the brewing rebellion against the British. The letter from the government of Awadh proposed that after regaining power from British, the hill area would be given to the pahadi locals whereas Tarai (plain area) below the hills will be governed by Oudh. Kalu Singh Mahara accepted and began a campaign of local youth named "Krantiveer" which gained wide-spread support in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Skirmishes across the area of Kali, Sui, Gumdesh and adjoining areas, frustrated the British. His militiamen composed mainly of riflemen
Bandukchi ambushed and harassed the British forces on several occasions. He once commanded a group of young fighters and set fire to the British Barracks in Lohaghat, which caused the British army to retreat. In retaliation to which Commissioner Ramsey sent military contingents from Tanakpur and Lohaghat to ambush the freedom fighters. Kalu Mahara and his men fought fiercely against the British in Bastia, but were forced to retreat. Mahara was kept in many jails during this time. While, two other revolutionaries Anand Singh Fartyal and Bishan Singh Karayat were shot by the British. However, in the end the British quashed the rebellion across northern India. But it led Queen Victoria to declare India as no longer a company territory transforming it into what is known as British India. (see
Indian Rebellion of 1857) == Legacy ==