An Irishman’s rebellion against the British, set in brick

Jahaj Kothi—originally known as “George Kothi” — the residence of George Thomas, an Irishman, stands today as a quiet yet striking testament to defiance against the British Empire. It honours a man who charted his own course and established an independent state in this region.

Spread across approximately eight kanals in the interiors of Hisar town, the bungalow comprises five rooms and a verandah. These rooms have now been converted into five galleries showcasing artefacts. According to historians, the structure was built in 1796 as a private residence by Thomas, who is remembered as a mercenary-turned-ruler of Hansi and surrounding areas.

Dr Mahender Singh, professor of history at DN College, Hisar, stated that George Thomas arrived in India around 1781–82 as a soldier in the British Army, but “his ambition quickly outgrew his uniform”.

“After leaving British service, he lent his military expertise to various Indian powers, including the Poligars of South India, Begum Samru of Sardhana, and later, the Maratha commander Apa Khande Rao.

“For a brief period, he even allied with the Delhi Sultanate. By 1796, seizing an opportunity during a period of great political turmoil following the decline of the Mughal Empire, Thomas declared himself an independent ruler, establishing his capital at Hansi, a town that still bears traces of the fort he commissioned,” Dr Singh added.

He noted that while Thomas’s reign lasted only until 1802, his legacy survives through structures such as Jahaj Kothi. “Known for his robust build and military prowess, Thomas held power until he was eventually defeated by the combined forces of the British, French and Marathas,” he said. “According to historical accounts, he fled from Jahaj Kothi overnight to avoid capture and reportedly died during his journey back the same year, marking a dramatic end to his rebellion.”

Though his capital at Hansi fell, the residence he built in Hisar remains largely intact. The building was later taken over by the Haryana Department of Archaeology, which declared it a protected monument in 2009. It was subsequently developed into a regional archaeological museum housing 193 artefacts, many of which were recovered from prominent Harappan sites such as Rakhigarhi, Kunal and Banawali.

Museum staff shared that the collection includes terracotta figures, painted pottery and rare sculptures such as the Horned Deity pot from Banawali, as well as symbolic motifs like peacocks from Kunal. The museum also houses Gurjara-Pratihara sculptures dating from the 8th to 11th centuries CE, depicting deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, Surya and Mahishasura Mardini, along with architectural fragments from ancient temples.

The site holds great potential as a destination for archaeology enthusiasts and heritage tourists. However, its somewhat secluded location, away from key public points like the bus stand and railway station, has kept it largely off the radar for general visitors. A nominal entry fee of Rs 25 for adults and Rs 10 for children is currently levied.

Banani Bhatacharya, Deputy Director of the State Archaeology Department, said renovation plans are in progress to revitalise the monument as a cultural venue. “Although occasional heritage events are already held here, the building’s historical aura and central location make it an ideal space for regular exhibitions, lectures and cultural programmes,” she said.