Empire rides back: A British student retraces 1857 commander’s journey

“As a student in England I was fascinated by the whole event. I am taking the same route, which General Anson took to reach Delhi,” he said when The Sunday Express caught up with him on the Grand Trunk Road (NH-1) near Panipat.

“Despite it being a momentous event in the histories of both nations, there is very little awareness in England and India about the 1857 rebellion. Whatever, little knowledge is there, in turn is breeding unnecessary ill will. My idea is to create awareness and help people come over this feeling of hatred. All countries have their histories. We cannot undo it and should instead take lessons so that mistakes of the past are not repeated,” said Brias.

That is not all. Unlike General Anson, who was part of the British monarchy who wanted to rule India, Brias is here to win the hearts of the countrymen – at the end of his journey that would end at the Flagstaff tower in Delhi he is going to donate a sum to the Railway Children Organisation, a charity that works for the betterment of the poor children and orphans working at railway stations.

Along the way Brias has been stopping to meet the villagers and interact with them and the locals have gifted him food, turbans and other mementos. He hopes to finish the journey in about eight days. Brias has ensured that his symbolism remains intact – he chose the Marwari horse. “Marwari horse was the symbol of Indian royal families. When the British came here as traders they saw that this indigenous horse epitomised India. So they sought to dilute its significance by introducing foreign breeds from Poland and Australia.

Since then the significance of Marwari declined gradually,” said Sunaina Joshi of Dundlod Fort, the company, which has provided him the horses.

But surely, the journey on horseback in this sultry summer heat could be treacherous for some one who is used to cooler climatic conditions in Edinburgh. Brias is least bothered. “It is hot and we take enough rest. As I have been meeting so many people along the way that also helps me get regular rests. There are enough motels and rest houses where we spend the night.” Brias said.