The tomb of the 1863-64 uprising participants in Minevichi village

The large uprising of 1863-1864 led by Kastus Kalinovsky covered a huge territory resisting the tsarist Russia that took possession of Poland, the North-Western Country (Belarus was called so at the time) and Volyn. The uprising began spontaneously and ended only in 1864 when rebellions suffered a crushing defeat. The major role was assigned to polish nobility holding the view of reestablishment of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1772. The uprising of Kastus Kalinovsky pursued several objectives; its participants were divided into several different wings. The “Belye” wing included well-to-do farmers and the middle class willing to achieve their objectives by means of diplomatic negotiations with the tsarist Russia and being patronized by colleagues in the Western world. The “Krasnye” wing was presented by more progressive participants of the uprising including unwealthy nobility, townsmen and students of contemporary views. Students of the Gory-Gorki Agricultural institute contributed significantly to the preparation and further development of the uprising.

According to statistic data, the uprising numbered almost eighty thousand participants that appeared to be powerless in an unequal struggle with the mighty and well-prepared Russian army that even after some time, but suppressed the rebellion. The ideological inspirer Kastus Kalinovsky had a hard fate; his closest associate split him on to the tsarist gendarmerie. At first, Kalinovsky had to be shot down. But as General Muravyov charged with suppressing the revolt was a cruel and principal person, he ordered to string him up in the town square Lukishki in Vilno.

The tomb of the 1863-64 uprising participants is situated in the picturesque pine forest in the north-eastern part of Minevichi village on the bank of the majestic Neman. At first glance at the tomb, you understand that it is regularly visited and cared of. The tomb is tidied up, there are a lot of icon lamps and bunches of flowers on it. Here is a massive granite stone with a majestic cross, and the tomb is fenced. The same site is described in the novel by Eliza Ozheshko “Above the Neman” which tells about forty heroes of the uprising buried in that area. Now the data about the dyed rebellions are written not only in the fabulous novel but also on the granite stone installed with the assistance of the Poles in the 90s of the last century. There are the words “GLORIA VICTIS” on the stone, they can be translated as “Glory to the Conquered”. It is thought that during the uprising its participants were particularly active in the territory of Mazanovo village, and the tomb in Minevichi village is in two minutes’ drive from Mazanovo.

The tomb of the 1863-64 uprising participants of Minevichi village is widely known, visited and popular among admirers of the mighty personality of Kanstantsin Kalinouski, curious tourists and countrymen honoring the history of their native land.