Significance Of Civil Rebellions

1.    The civil rebellions established the tradition of struggle against British rule in India. It was a humble beginning of freedom struggle; however it is difficult to use the word freedom struggle.

2     The revolt of 1857 was climax or culmination of hundred year process. The process led by civil rebellion climaxed into the great revolt of 1857.

3.    The civil rebellions provided source of inspiration to coming generation. Their sacrifice filled the sense of nationalism among people fighting in the freedom struggle. They also inspired for organized struggle against British rule in India.

4.    The civil rebellion represents “History from Below”. The History of modern India is actually history of Aristocratic section of society. There has not been recording of struggle done by poor peasants, tribes, and artisans for the nation. But civil rebellion recalls the history of such people, what we call history from below.

Some important civil rebellions

1.    Sanyasi rebellion – (1763-1820) – Sanyasi rebellion occured in Bengal. The immediate cause was the pilgrimages to holy places stopped by British. During this time, Bengal was going through severe famine, which created acute conditions for people. The Hindu Naga Sadhus, who were earlier part of army of Nawab of Oudh, Bengal and Rajputs led the revolt against British. They raided English factories, and installations. Although, the revolt was suppressed by the British, yet it left a long lasting impression. The famous novel Anandmath (Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay) is based on this rebellion.

2.    Paika Rebellion — (1817-1825) — Paikas were essentially the peasant militias of the Gajapati rulers of Odisha who rendered military service to the king during times of war while taking up cultivation during times of peace. They unfurled the banner of rebellion against the British under the leadership of Baxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhara as early as 1817 to throw off the British yoke.  Rulers of Khurda were traditionally the custodians of Jagannath Temple and ruled as the deputy of lord Jagannath on earth. They symbolised the political and cultural freedom of the people of Odisha. The British, having established their sway over Bengal Province and Madras Province to the north and south of Odisha, occupied it in 1803.The Gajapati King of Odisha Mukunda Deva-ll was a minor then and initial resistance by Jai Rajguru, the custodian of Mukunda Deva-II, was put down brutally and Jai Rajguru was torn apart alive. A few years later, it was the Paikas under Baxi Jagabandhu, the hereditary chief of the militia army of the Gajapati King, who rose in rebellion, taking support of tribals and other sections of society. The British were initially taken aback and then tried to regain lost ground but faced stiff resistance from the rebelling Paikas. Widespread suppression followed with many killed and imprisoned. Many more were tortured. Some rebels fought a guerilla war till 1819 but were captured and killed. Baxi Jagabandhu was finally arrested in 1825 and died in captivity in 1829.

3.    Ramosi uprising – (1822 –26) – People of Ramosi community once served in lower ranks in Maratha army. They also constituted a farming community in Satara region of Maharashtra. They revolted in Satara under the leadership of Chittur Singh against heavy land revenue and harsh methods of revenue collection. Another important leader of Ramosi rebellion was Umaji who provided leadership to revolt during famine conditions in Satara.

4.    Revolt of Velu Thampi – (1808-09) – Velu Thampi was Diwan of Travancore (Kerla). He rose into revolt against British as he was sacked from Diwanship. British also imposed heavy financial burden over Travancore state under subsidiary alliance. He mobilized people against British and posed challenge to British. However revolt was suppressed and Velu Thampi died in action.

5.    Revolt of Kittur Chinnamma – (1824-29) – In 1824, The Kittur (Karnataka) chief died without a natural heir and the British refused to recognize adopted son as heir to the throne of Kittur and took over the administration of Kittur in their own hands. Chinnamma, the widow of deceased chief led the revolt against British. She mobilized the people of Kittur state and killed the collector of Dharwar. She also declared the independence of Kittur. The revolt was suppressed and later Chinnamma died in prison.

6.    Satara Revolt – (1840-41) – British deposed the king of Satara- Raja Partap Singh. There was general anger among the people. Dhar Rao, provided the leadership to the revolt. British faced lot of difficulties to suppress the revolt.

7.    Bundela rebellion – This revolt was led by Landlord of Sagar region (Madhya Pradesh). It was a outburst against government’s economic policies associated with landlords and zamindars. People killed many police officers and civil officers and began to plunder the town. British resorted to violence to suppress the revolt.

8.    Gadkari Uprising – 1844 – Gadkari community people were hereditary servants of Marathas. During British rule, it was an important farming community in Maharashtra. They resorted to violence against British arbitrary methods of land revenue collection. They were also angry because of govt policy to put their land under supervision of Mamlatdars. British could suppress this revolt after great efforts.

9.    Sawantwadi Revolt – Sawantwadis were followers of a Maratha leader Sawant. He led the revolt along with another Maratha leader Anna Sahib against British political and economic policies. They formed a huge force and captured the forts, British adopted suppressive measures which forced them to flee to Goa. They created turmoil even in Goa. British had to impose martial law and inflicted severe punishment against Sawantwadies.