Uncovering the Legacy of Uda Devi Pasi

Uda Devi Pasi: The Forgotten Dalit Warrior of 1857

1. Who was Uda Devi Pasi and why is she significant?

Uda Devi Pasi was a courageous Dalit woman freedom fighter from the Pasi community who played a vital role in the Revolt of 1857. Despite belonging to a historically marginalized group, she defied caste, gender, and colonial hierarchies by taking up arms against the British. Her legacy stands as a symbol of grassroots resistance, courage, and equality.

2. When and where was Uda Devi born?

She was born on June 30, 1830, in Ujariyaon village, which is now part of Gomti Nagar in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

3. What inspired her to join the freedom struggle?

Her husband, Makka Pasi, served as a soldier in the army of Begum Hazrat Mahal and was killed while fighting British forces. This personal loss, combined with the larger 1857 uprising, inspired Uda Devi to seek justice and avenge her husband’s death — transforming her grief into revolutionary determination.

4. How did she contribute during the 1857 revolt?

Uda Devi displayed remarkable bravery and strategy during the Battle of Sikandar Bagh in November 1857. She climbed a pipal tree and took a sniper position, from where she shot down several British soldiers with precise aim using a musket. Her guerrilla-style tactics made her one of the earliest known women snipers in Indian history.

5. How did the British react to her actions?

British accounts, especially those by soldier William Forbes-Mitchell, reveal their shock upon discovering that a woman had killed multiple troops from a treetop position. Uda Devi had created a sniper’s nest equipped with ammunition and backup weapons, showcasing her tactical intelligence and military acumen.

6. How is Uda Devi remembered today?

Uda Devi is revered as one of the “Dalit Veeranganas” — the women warriors from India’s Dalit communities who fought against British colonialism. Her martyrdom on November 16 is commemorated annually by the Pasi community, especially in Pilibhit and across Uttar Pradesh, through cultural events and public gatherings.

7. Has the government recognised her contribution?

Yes. In 2021, the Government of Uttar Pradesh announced that a women’s battalion in the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) would be named after her, ensuring her legacy is honored in India’s institutional and historical memory.

8. What does Uda Devi’s story teach us?

Uda Devi’s life reminds us that courage and patriotism often arise from the margins of society. Her story challenges traditional narratives of heroism and underscores that true bravery knows no caste, class, or gender. She remains an enduring symbol of resistance, equality, and empowerment.