Civil Uprising Before Revolt of 1957

Civil Uprising Before Revolt of 1957: (Modern Indian History)

Before the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which is also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Indian Independence, there were several civil uprisings and revolts that contributed to the overall discontent and simmering tensions in British-ruled India. These events laid the groundwork for the larger uprising that occurred in 1857.

 

Key Factors for Civil Uprisings before the Revolt of 1857

There were several factors and civil uprisings that contributed to the build-up of discontent and resistance against British colonial rule in India. These uprisings played a crucial role in shaping the sentiments of the Indian population and setting the stage for the larger revolt in 1857.

Some key factors and events leading to civil uprisings were:

 

1.       Economic Exploitation: The British East India Company, which governed much of India on behalf of the British Crown, imposed heavy taxes, land revenue, and other economic policies that led to widespread poverty and hardship among the Indian population. This economic exploitation generated widespread discontent and resistance.

 

2.       Social and Cultural Tensions: The British administration often disrespected Indian social and cultural norms, which created tension and resentment among the Indian people. Additionally, social reforms and missionary activities by the British led to resistance from certain conservative sections of society.

 

 

3.       Discontent among Sepoys: The Indian soldiers in the British East India Company’s army, known as sepoys, were subjected to various grievances, including poor pay, discriminatory practices, and lack of opportunities for promotion. This discontent among the sepoys played a significant role in the uprising.

 

4.       Annexation of Indian States: The British policy of annexation and expansion through various means, such as the Doctrine of Lapse and direct annexations, led to the loss of sovereignty for many princely states. This created a sense of insecurity and anger among the Indian rulers and their subjects.

 

 

5.       Religious and Cultural Factors: The British administration’s lack of understanding and respect for Indian religions and customs led to religious tensions and conflicts. The introduction of new rules and regulations often clashed with deeply ingrained religious practices.

 

6.       Influence of Indian Rebellion Movements: Prior to the 1857 revolt, there were smaller-scale rebellions and uprisings in different parts of India. For instance, the Santhal Rebellion (1855-1856) in present-day Jharkhand, the Vellore Mutiny (1806) in Tamil Nadu, and the Sannyasi Rebellion (1763-1800) in Bengal, among others, demonstrated the Indians’ willingness to resist British authority.

Some notable uprisings that took place:

 

1. Vellore Mutiny (1806 to 1807):

The Vellore Mutiny was an early rebellion against British rule in India. It occurred in 1806 at Vellore Fort in present-day Tamil Nadu. Indian sepoys (native soldiers in the British Indian Army) rose up against their British officers, leading to the deaths of many British soldiers and officers. The sepoy revolted against the interference by the Britisher in their social and religious practice. The rebellion was eventually suppressed, and it highlighted the growing discontent among the Indian soldiers.

 

2. Sannyasi Rebellion (1763-1800):

The Sannyasi Rebellion was a series of uprisings by Indian ascetics (sannyasis) against the British East India Company's presence in Bengal and Bihar. Due to disastrous famine of 1770 & plunderer economic policy of British compelled Sanyasi to fight against colonial rule. The sannyasis, who were joined by peasants and disaffected elements of society, opposed British policies and sought to resist the expansion of British influence. There were marked by equal participation by Hindus and Muslims against British rule. Sometime it also referred to as Fakir rebellion. The important leaders were Manju Shah, Musa Shah, Chirag Ali.

 

3. Paika Rebellion (1817):

The Paika Rebellion was an armed rebellion against the British East India Company's rule in the state of Odisha. Led by the Paikas, a class of landed militia (meaning “foot soldiers”), the rebellion erupted due to oppressive British taxation and land policies. The rebellion was brutally suppressed by the British, but it served as a precursor to later uprisings. The Leaders were Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar, Mukunda Deva.

 

4. Wahhabi Uprising (1824-1831):

The Wahhabi movement in India, inspired by the teachings of Islamic scholars from Arabia, opposed various social and religious practices deemed as un-Islamic. This movement culminated in an armed uprising in the Malabar region of present-day Kerala against the British and Hindu landlords who were perceived as allies of the British. Leaders were Syed Ahmed of Rai Bareilly, influenced by the teachings of Saudi Arabia's Abdul Wahab (1703–87) and Delhi's Shah Waliullah.

 

5. Santhal Rebellion (1855-1856):

The Santhal Rebellion was a significant tribal uprising in the present-day states of Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal. The Santhals, a tribal community, rebelled against the exploitation and oppression by moneylenders and landlords, who were often supported by the British colonial administration. Prominent Leaders were Sido and Kanhu.

 

6. Poligar Rebellions, Kurnool (1799-1805):

They were against the oppressive land revenue system under the British during 1801-06. The suppression was followed by signing of the Carnatic Treaty 1801, whereby the British assumed direct control over Tamil Nadu. Kattabomma Nayak of Panchalamkurichi was considered as the main leader of the rebellion.

 

7. Waghera Rising (1818-1820):

On 1818–1819, the Wagheras made attack into British territory. In November 1820, a peace deal was concluded. Leader was okha Mandal.

 

8. Ahom Revolt (1828):

British promised to leave Assam after the First Burma War (1824–26). Instead of that the British tried to absorb the Ahoms' regions under the Company's rule. Leaders were Gomdhar Kanwar, Maharaja Purandhar Singh Narendra.

 

Kuka Movement (1840):

Kuka movement was converted religious to political movement. and after Kukas called for the removal of the British and the restoration of Sikh control over Punjab, as well as the wearing of handwoven clothing and a boycott of English laws, education, and products. Prominent leader was Bhagat Jawahar Mal.

 

These are just a few examples of the civil uprisings and revolts that occurred before the major rebellion in 1857. Each of these events reflected the growing discontent and resistance against British colonial rule, contributing to the overall sentiment of dissent that eventually erupted in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.