Mains Daily Question
March 12, 2024
Q2. Many tribal leaders in southern and central India fought bravely against the British Raj. Substantiate with suitable examples. (10M, 150W)
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Approach to the answer: Understanding the question: The question talks about the southern and central India tribal leaders and their revolts against the British Raj. Here, we must divide the question in two segments, in first enlist major central India’s tribal revolts whereas in the second, enlist southern India’s tribal revolts with examples. Introduction: We can introduce the answer by either stating the historical context which led to these tribal revolts, or we can also mention some prominent tribal revolts with their significance. Body: The directive used in the question is ‘Substantiate’, thus, we have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. Hence, mentioning examples like the names of prominent leaders becomes important. Conclusion: We can conclude by either summarizing the arguments of the body section or by stating the final outcome/impact of these revolts like if they failed or succeeded. |
Answer:
The tribals resided for centuries in the forests of India. The advent of Britishers and their continued expansion in forests, brought them in conflict with the tribals. The resentment against the imposition of laws by the ‘foreign government’ too fueled the tribal revolts across India.
Major Central India’s Tribal Leaders Against British:
- Chuar Uprisings (1776): It was against rise in demands and economic privation by the British. It took place in Midnapore district and Bankura district of Bengal. Jagannath Singh, the zamindar of Ghatsila, Shyam Ganjan of Dhadka, Subla Singh of Kaliapal and Dubraj, Durjan Singh was the zamindar of Raipur were some of the prominent leaders of the rebellion.
- Kol Mutiny (1831): It was against expansion of British rule on Kol’s lands and transfer of their lands to outsiders. It covered Ranchi, Singhbhum, Hazaribagh, Palamau and the western parts of Manbhum. Buddho Bhaga led the revolt.
- Ho and Munda Uprisings (1820-1837 and 1860-1920): The 1827 Ho revolt was led by Raja Parahat against the occupation of Singhbhum by the British. The 1831 revolt by the Ho tribals and the Mundas against the newly introduced farming revenue policy. The Ulgulan uprising, supported by Birsa Munda (1860-1920) against introduction of feudal, zamindari tenures and exploitation by moneylenders and forest contractors.
- Santhal Rebellion (1855-56): It was led by Sido and Kanhu and covered the regions of Bihar. It was against the practices of zamindars and moneylenders; the rebellion later turned anti-British and was suppressed.
South India’s Tribal Leaders Against British:
- Kondh Uprisings (1837-56 and 1914): It was led by Chakra Bisnoi and covered hilly regions extending from Tamil Nadu to Bengal and Orissa. It was against interference in tribal customs and imposition of new taxes.
- Koya Revolts (1803-1880): It was led by the Koyas and the Khonda Sara Chiefs i.e., Tomma Sora in 1879-80 and Raja Anantayyar in 1886 (eastern Godavari region Andhra Pradesh). It was against oppression by police, moneylenders, new regulations and denial of their rights over forest areas.
- Bhil Revolts (1817-1913): The Bhils lived in the Western Ghats and revolted against Company rule in 1817-19, as they had to face famine, economic distress and misgovernment. Govind Guru helped the Bhils of south Rajasthan (Banswara, Sunth states) to organize themselves to fight for a Bhil Raj by 1913.
- Rampa Revolts (1916-24): It was led by Alluri Sitarama Raju of the Koyas and occurred in the Rampa region of Andhra Pradesh. It was against British interference and capture and execution of Raju in 1924.
The tribal revolts were led by messiah-like figures who encouraged their people to revolt, however, the uprisings were doomed from the beginning, given the outdated arms they fought with as against the modern weapons and techniques used by their opponents.
