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.