Tirot Sing also known as U Tirot Sing Syiem was born in the year 1802 and died in 17th July 1835. He was a legendary fighter from northeast India and especially very famous among the Khasi community as he was one of the chiefs of the Khasi people in the early 19th century ; he fought bravely with the British and he will always remain a hero in the heart of the people.
U Tirot Sing was a Khasi chief and he was one of the greatest freedom fighters of the country. He belonged to the Syiemlieh clan and was the Syiem or king of Nongkhlaw, a region in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya.
He organized the Khasi warriors during his battles with the British; he was an inspiring leader for not only his warriors but for every individual of the region and the Country. His contribution to the state and the country will always remain indebted.
He mastered the art of guerrilla warfare. He designated his warriors and garrisoned them in various caves.
In the year 1826, the British had concluded the Treaty of Yandabu. The Surma valley partly in Assam and partly in Bangladesh was also occupied by the British. The British political agent David Scott took permission from Tirot Singh to make a way and connect the two regions through Nongkhlaw for better transportation and prudent purposes.
Tirot Sing accepted the proposal but before giving his consent he consulted with the dorbar (village administration meeting or unit administration meeting) for discussion. He agreed to their proposal because the British assured him to give control over the dwar (passes) through Assam and free trade.
The British brutally betrayed the trust of Tirot Sing and imposed a ban over his entry. Their intention was suspected by Tirot Sing that these are the only strategy of the British to capture and to take control; he further issued notice to the Britishers to vacate the area. The British merely ignored their notice and continued to proceed.
On April 4, 1829, Tirot Sing and his warriors attacked the British force and killed two Britishers. The British on the contrary with a huge army and modern ammunition attacked back. Tirot Sing and his fearless fighters fought zestfully and fearlessly with the British. The British were shattered despite their immense power. In this Anglo- Khasi War the Khasis lacked modern ammunition they fought with handmade swords, shields, bows and arrows courageously.
Tirot Sing later resorted the guerrilla activity which dragged nearly four years. U Tirot Sing sustained a bullet injury and hid inside a cave. In 1833 he was betrayed and captured by the British. Later he was shifted to Dhaka’s (Bangladesh) custody. And during that time they also offered him to set free from custody if he is willing to rules under the British control but he refuse by saying his famous lines or last message which was translated ‘It is better to die as a real King than a ruler who rules in the hands of others.’ And breathed his last under their custody.
Tirot Singh no longer remains an unsung hero because his bravery and contribution to the country are remembered every year on his death anniversary as a mark of tribute on the 17th of July. This day remains a regional holiday for the state of Meghalaya, this holiday honours Tirot Sing.
U Tirot Sing Memorial is made in Mairang town at a distance of 45 kms from Shillong as a mark of respect and tribute to the brave soul. His bravely and sacrifice will never go unnoticed and he will remain in the heart of every Indian forever.
