Nuapada, 4th Oct 2025: Though not widely known across the country, the name of Saliha Garh, located in Nuapada district, holds a significant yet overlooked place in India’s freedom struggle. The sacrifices made by the brave sons of this soil are in no way less than the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Ordinary villagers from this region gave up their lives for the independence of the nation. Just 8 km from the Nuapada district headquarters, the historic village of Saliha holds a proud legacy still remembered by the locals of Nuapada and neighboring Chhattisgarh.
Between 1857 and 1947, many freedom fighters from this land joined the independence movement with full devotion.
🔴 The Massacre of September 30, 1930:
According to eyewitness accounts, on 30th September 1930, British forces opened fire on a peaceful gathering of farmers, much like at Jallianwala Bagh.
The local tribal population, heavily dependent on forests, had been taxed by the British for collecting forest produce and firewood. These oppressive taxes, including the infamous “Chali Nama Tax”, enraged the population.
Under the leadership of freedom fighters like:
Kejudas Baba and Leelabai Chuhuri from Chuhuri,
Ramlala Dewangan from Parkod,
Birbal Sahu of Saliha,
Ghasi Singh Sabar, Vaishakhu Ganda, Kartik Sabar, Khope Tarai, Yaduram Raut, Ahmed Bhai from Tariboda and many others,
people began mobilizing against British rule.
While they were conducting a peaceful meeting, British forces arrived unexpectedly and opened fire, leading to the death of many innocent villagers, including women and children.
🕯️ The Martyrs of Saliha Garh:
Some of the key martyrs who either died immediately or succumbed to injuries later include:
Kejudas Baba (Chuhuri),
Ramlala Dewangan (Parkod),
Rama Sahu (Saliha Garh),
Kendu Kumi (Chanabeda),
Lakshman Das (Godphula),
Ganda Hab (Pagarpani),
Shakharam Sahu (Parshaguda),
Raja Jarama Soura (Chanabeda),
Koladharhin Kurmi (Saliha),
Kartik Sabar (Saliha),
Chetan Raut (Kodomera),
Bhujbal Baghu, Dukalu Gand, Haladhar Gand,
Leelabai, Mahajan Ghasi, Ganesh Puri, Vaishakhu Gand,
Sahu from Jhalbahal, Singh Sabar, Gangaram Patel (Amsena),
Rajaram Sabar (Chanabeda) and others.
Notably, Kejudas Baba and Kartik Sabar were severely injured and imprisoned in Raipur jail.
🌾 Personal Sacrifice:
Ramlala Dewangan, owner of 27 acres of ancestral land, had sold 4 acres to support the freedom movement.
🏛️ Legacy and Commemoration:
To this day, September 30 is observed as “Kranti Diwas” (Revolution Day) in Saliha. A martyrs’ memorial pillar (Shaheed Smruti Stambha) has been erected at the massacre site.
The district administration actively organizes various programs every year to honor these martyrs. In a recent Nuapada District Festival, the ceremonial torch (mashaal) was lit from this sacred ground of martyrdom.
📍 Future Development as a Tourism Site:
Nuapada Collector Madhusudan Das has taken initiative to recognize Saliha Garh on the state tourism map. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared to develop and promote the site. Plans are underway to preserve and promote this forgotten chapter of India’s freedom struggle.
🩸 Saliha Garh: The Jallianwala of Odisha
This “Raktatirtha” (blood-soaked pilgrimage) of Saliha Garh stands as a stark reminder of the brutality of colonial rule and the unflinching courage of local villagers. Yet, this history remains largely unknown in mainstream narratives.