ARCHETYPES OF SACRIFICE AND RESILIENCE: UNVEILING MEMORIALS AND MONUMENTS HONOURING MARTYRS OF PEASANT REVOLTS

Abstract

The Indian independence movement witnessed many peasant revolts, which played an important role in shaping the social and political aspects of the region. The memorials are often erected to remind people about their struggles and sacrifices faced by the peasant community in their fight against injustice.  The contemporary English dictionary states that "Martyrs" indicates a person who sacrifices their life for great value or principle. Joyce Apsel stated that "Martyr" describes individuals targeted by racism and killed fighting for racial equality" (Joyce Apsel 2019:109). The martyrs of the peasant revolts indicate the individuals who fought against the inequalities and unethical rules that oppressed the poorer people of the region. Various memorials and monuments are constructed across different regions to commemorate the sacrifices of the martyrs. The general English dictionary defines monuments and memorials as one that honors a person who has died or serves as a reminder of an event in which many died. The most common memorials include statues, parks, sculptures, homes, fountains, etc. These memorials serve as a tribute to the martyrs and act as a collective memory.