LUCKNOW, Nov. 17 -- Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday alleged that Marxist historians and previous governments deliberately ignored the role of Dalit, Pasi and Adivasi (tribal) communities in India's freedom struggle, keeping their contributions out of mainstream history books. He was speaking at an event here after the unveiling of the statue of Uda Devi Pasi, remembered for her heroics in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, on her martyrdom day at Pasi Crossing in Ashiyana, Lucknow, along with chief minister Yogi Adityanath. Addressing the gathering, Singh said that in history books, the contribution of only a select few families in the freedom struggle has been narrated. Dalit, Adivasi (tribal) and Pasi leaders were largely neglected, he added. Singh also criticised the previous government for overlooking the role of Pasi leaders in the freedom struggle. "CM Yogi Adityanath has given recognition and honour to such leaders of the freedom struggle," Singh said. On the occasion, Singh listed the contributions of various Pasi leaders in the freedom movement. Earlier, addressing the gathering, CM Yogi Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh was the focal point of the 1857 freedom struggle, where Pasi leaders including Uda Devi, had played an important role. Adityanath also informed the gathering about steps taken by his government to educate students on the history and contribution of the Pasi community in the freedom struggle. "A separate book in primary schools has been introduced, which carries details of leaders of the Pasi and other communities who were neglected till date," the CM said. He also pointed out that three female battalions of the PAC have been formed in the state. All of them are named after female Pasi leaders, including Uda Devi. Uda Devi Pasi was a heroic Dalit woman freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against the British East India Company. She served in the women's battalion of Wajid Ali Shah and later under Begum Hazrat Mahal. Uda Devi is known for her bravery during the Battle of Sikandar Bagh in Lucknow on November 16, 1857. A monument of Maharaja Bijli Pasi is also being constructed in the state capital, the CM informed. Maharaja Bijli Pasi was a 12th-century warrior king of the Pasi community, known for establishing a fort in Lucknow and for being a contemporary of rulers like Prithviraj Chauhan.It may be noted that 'Bijli Pasi Qila' (fort) is a historical monument located in Lucknow. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak also shared his views on the occasion....