2016 - 200th Birth Anniversary of Tatya Tope | Commemorative Coin

The 5th commemorative coin for the year 2016 was released to celebrate the 200th Birth Anniversary of Tatya Tope. This marked the first occasion on which a coin with a denomination of ₹200 was released.

Ramachandra Pandurang Tope, better known as Tatya Tope (1814 – 18 April 1859), emerged as a prominent leader and general during the Rebellion of 1857. Initially an ally of Nana Sahib of Bithur, Tatya Tope played a key role in the Gwalior contingent, orchestrating strategic moves against the British.

After the reoccupation of Kanpur by the British, Tatya Tope supported Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, capturing Gwalior. However, defeats at Ranod and Sikar compelled him to abandon the campaign. His execution by the British Government occurred in Shivpuri on 18 April 1859.

Tatya Tope was closely associated with Nana Sahib and served as his general during the Siege of Cawnpore in 1857. Following the British retreat to Allahabad, Tatya Tope continued his resistance. In a tragic incident at Bibighar, captives were killed after failed bargaining attempts. Tatya Tope later sought to recapture Cawnpore but faced defeat in the Second Battle of Cawnpore under Colin Campbell.

After losing Gwalior, Tatya Tope fled to Rajputana, rallying forces but facing subsequent defeats. He sought refuge in the jungles of Paron, where betrayal by his trusted friend, Man Singh, led to his capture on 7 April 1859. Tried by a military court, Tatya Tope maintained loyalty to the Peshwa, facing execution on 18 April 1859 at Shivpuri.

Release Function: