MODERN HISTORY - QEP BPSC: TARGET 2024-25

Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR & TEAM

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INDEX
1. HISTORY: MODERN HISTORY - BIHAR
1.1 MAJOR REVOLTS & MOVEMENTS – BPSC PYQs 3
1.2 MAJOR REVOLTS & MOVEMENTS 4-28
1.2.1 TRIBAL REVOLTS: CHARACTERISTICS & FEATURES 4-7
1.2.2 SANTHAL REVOLT 7-10
1.2.3 MUNDA REVOLT 11-16
1.2.4 INDIGO REVOLT 17-18
1.2.5 KISAN SABHA MOVEMENT 19-21
1.2.6 REVOLT OF 1857 22-28

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1.1 MAJOR REVOLTS & MOVEMENTS – BPSC PYQs

TRIBAL REVOLTS: CHARACTERISTICS & FEATURES

• Examine the characteristics of tribal protest in the 19th Century with suitable examples. Give reasons for
their failure. [BPSC-2018]

SANTHAL REVOLT
• Write short notes on Santhal Uprising. [BPSC - 2022]
• What were the causes of the Santhal revolt? What were its course and outcome? [BPSC - 2021]
• Evaluate the causes and results of the Revolt of Santhal [1855-56] in Bihar. [BPSC - 2019]
• Discuss the main causes of the Santhal Uprising. What were its consequences? [BPSC - 2016]
• Discuss the causes and results of the revolt of Santhals [1855-56] in Bihar. [BPSC - 2009]
• Santhal Uprising provides a model of popular armed resistance against British colonialism in India.
Explain. [BPSC - 2002]
• The Santhal Uprising was the first fierce reaction of the tribals against British colonial rule in India.
Elucidate. [BPSC - 2001]

MUNDA REVOLT
• Examine the characteristics of the Birsa movement. [BPSC - 2021]
• The underlying object of the Birsa Movement was internal purification and desire to remove the alien
government. Explain. [BPSC - 2012]
• Birsa provided a new religious leadership to the tribal struggles against the British. Explain. [ BPSC - 2002]
• Write a critique of the Birsa Movement with special reference to its nature and the lesson it left on tribal
administration. [BPSC - 1999]

INDIGO REVOLT

• Write about Indigo Revolt. [BPSC – 2022]

KISAN SABHA MOVEMENT

• Write a note on Swami Sahajanand and the Kisan Sabha Movement. [BPSC - 2019]

REVOLT OF 1857

• What were the causes of the Revolt of 1857? What effect did it have on Bihar? [BPSC - 2020]
• Discuss the contribution of Bihar to the Uprising of 1857 AD. [BPSC - 2018]
• Critically examine the significance of the Revolt of 1857 with special reference to Bihar. [BPSC - 2016]
• Critically examine the role of Kunwar Singh in the revolt of 1857. [BPSC - 2012]
• Discuss the causes of the Outbreak of the revolt of 1857 in Bihar and account for its failure. [BPSC - 2007]
• Evaluate the role of Kunwar Singh in the revolt of 1857. [BPSC - 2001]

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1.2 MAJOR REVOLTS & MOVEMENTS

1.2.1 TRIBAL REVOLTS: CHARACTERISTICS & FEATURES
The tribal movements under British rule were some of the most militant and violent uprisings in India’s history.
According to estimates, there were more than 70 tribal revolts over a period of 170 years, from 1778 to 1948.
• These tribal movements are an example of “History from Below”, which refers to the history that seeks
to take ordinary people as its subjects and concentrate on their experiences and perspectives, rather
than the traditionally stereotypical political history that primarily focuses on the actions of a few "great
men."

CHARACTERISTICS OF TRIBAL MOVEMENTS:

There were several common characteristics between tribal movements, despite being separated by time and
place. These include the following:

Common • Tribal identity was grounded in the solidarity shown within the tribe.
Identity • They felt a close connection with others due to shared space and identity.
• However, this did not mean all outsiders were treated as enemies.
• Non-tribal people living in the villages were not considered outsiders.
• Only moneylenders and traders, seen as extensions of the colonial government, were
viewed as enemies. These uprisings were primarily directed against these groups.
Foreign • A common cause shared by all tribal movements was the resentment against the foreign
Government government's effort to destroy the tribal socio-economic framework.
• The traditional customs and laws of the tribals clashed with the new administrative laws,
creating apprehension among the tribals about preserving their way of life.
Folk Heroes • Many uprisings were led by messiah-like figures who encouraged their followers to rebel
and held out hope that they could end the suffering brought on by the "outsiders," called
"Dikus" by them.
Element of • For instance, the Munda rebellion was led by Birsa Munda, who was also known as Dharti
Revitalization Abba.
• The tribal response included occasional violent outbursts, but also movements of internal
religious and sociocultural reform.
• Such movements of "revitalization," borrowing elements from Christianity or Hinduism
and promising a sudden miraculous entry into a golden age, became increasingly typical
in the period 1860-1920, generally following in the wake of defeated uprisings under
traditional chiefs.
Against • Tribal communities in India had a long-standing relationship with their land and forests.
economic • The arrival of the British colonial administration introduced new land revenue systems
exploitation and forest laws that greatly affected the traditional rights and access of tribal
communities to natural resources like land, forests, and water.
• The British administration sought to increase their control over the land and its resources,
which often led to the displacement and exploitation of tribal communities
• The Santhal Rebellion of 1855-56 was one such uprising where the Santhal tribes people
rebelled against the British colonial administration's oppressive land revenue and forest
policies.

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REASONS FOR TRIBAL REVOLTS IN INDIA:

Conservation of • Tribal people were conservative and protective of their culture, traditions, and
Culture and hierarchical customs.
Traditions • The rise of British colonization clashed with their way of life, causing agitation among
the tribals.
Impact of Settled • Tribals practiced shifting agriculture, hunting, fishing, and relied on forest produce.
Agriculture • The introduction of settled agriculture by non-tribals resulted in the loss of land,
making the tribals landless agricultural laborers on their own land.
Loss of Ownership • Tribals depended on forest produce for their livelihood and had full control over the
of Forest Produce forests before British rule. However, with the changing administrative structure, they
were deprived of their rights to the abundant forest resources.
Forest Control by • In 1864, the government established the Forest Department to control forest
British resources.
• They also monopolized forest land through the Government Forest Act of 1865 and
the Indian Forest Act of 1878.
Interference of • The expansion of colonialism saw Christian missionaries entering tribal areas,
Christian attempting to convert the tribal people.
Missionaries • This sparked resistance, particularly with Birsa Munda starting the Birsait sect in
opposition.
Private Ownership • The tribal system of joint land ownership was replaced by the notion of private
of Land by Non- property.
Tribal Landlords • This led to the emergence of a new class of landlords and zamindars, further exploiting
the tribals.
Introduction of • The British introduced outsiders like moneylenders into tribal areas, resulting in severe
Outsiders exploitation.
• Many tribals became bonded laborers under this new economic system.
Shift from • Tribal society was traditionally egalitarian, but the arrival of outsiders and non-tribals
Egalitarian Society introduced caste and class distinctions, relegating the tribals to the lowest levels of
society.

TRIBAL MOVEMENTS OF THE 19TH CENTURY:

Two types of tribal movements:

• Non-Frontier Tribes: Comprising 89% of the total tribal population, these tribes were primarily located
in Andhra Pradesh, West-Central India, and Central India.
• Frontier Tribes: These tribes resided in the northeastern states, including Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh,
Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.

Bhil Tribe • The Bhil tribe, known for their excellent archery skills, lived in the Western Ghats and
Rebellion (1818- controlled mountain passes between the north and the Deccan.
46) • The rebellion was against British feudalism and imperialism.
Pahariyas • The British expansion into the territory of the martial Pahariyas of the Raj Mahal Hills
Rebellion (1778) led to an uprising in 1778.
• The British were forced to establish peace by declaring their territory as damin-i-koh.
Chuar Uprising • The Chuar tribesmen, who were primarily farmers and hunters, began an uprising due
(1766-1772, 1795- to famine, increased land revenue demands, and economic distress.
1816) • This took place in the Jungle Mahal area of Midnapore and Bankura districts in Bengal.

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Khasi Revolt • The Khasi people, along with other tribes like the Garos, Khamptis, and Singphos,
(1830s) organized under the leadership of Tirath Singh to drive away outsiders, including
Englishmen, Bengalis, and laborers constructing a road between the Brahmaputra
Valley and Sylhet.
Singphos Rebellion • The Singphos in Assam rebelled early in 1830, attacking a British garrison, leading to
(1830s) the death of many soldiers.
• In 1839, there was another uprising, resulting in the death of the British political agent,
Colonel White.
Ramosi Uprisings • The Ramosis, hill tribes from the Western Ghats, opposed the annexation of Maratha
(1822, 1825, 1839) land by the British.
• The loss of their livelihood, as they had worked under the Marathas, triggered their
revolts. Leadership included Chittur Singh in 1822 and 1839.
Ahom's Rebellion • Following the First Burmese War (1820), the British pledged to withdraw from Assam
(1828-33) but attempted to annex Ahom territory, leading to a rebellion, notably led by Gomdhar
Konwar.
Koli Uprising • The Koli people, who were primarily fishermen in the Western Ghats (Gujarat and
(1829) Maharashtra), revolted against the large-scale employment and destruction of Koli
forts in the region.
Kol Rebellion • The Kol tribe, located in Chotanagpur, led an uprising under the leadership of Buddho
(1832) Bagat.
• The cause was the transfer of land from Kol headmen to outsiders, like Sikhs and
Muslim farmers.
Khond Rebellion • The Khonds, a tribe from the hilly tracts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, revolted under
(1837-56) the leadership of Chakra Bisoi.
• They opposed the suppression of human sacrifice, new taxes, and the entry of
zamindars into their areas.
Santhal Uprising or • The Santhal tribe, located between Bhagalpur and Rajmahal Hills in Bihar, revolted
Santhal Hul (1855- against moneylenders, zamindars, and their oppressive practices.
56) • The leaders of this rebellion were Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav.
Kharwar Rebellion • This rebellion was led by the tribals of Bihar under the leadership of Bhagrith Manjhi,
(1870) aimed against revenue settlement activities and exploitation by moneylenders.
Bhuyan and Juang • The Bhuyan and Juang tribes of Keonjhar, Odisha, initiated uprisings against the
Rebellions (1867- installation of a British protégé on the throne after the death of their Raja.
68, 1891-93) • This rebellion saw leadership from figures like Ratna Naik and Dharni Dhar Nayak.
Koya Uprising • The Koya tribes of the Eastern Godavari region revolted against the oppression by
(1879-80) police, moneylenders, new regulations, and denial of their customary rights over forest
areas. Leaders of this movement included Tomma Sora and Raja Annantyar.
Alunda Rebellion • The Munda tribe in the Chotanagpur region started this rebellion in 1899-1900.
or Ulgulan of • Initially a religious movement, it later gathered political momentum to oppose the
Munda (1899- introduction of feudal zamindari systems, exploitation by moneylenders, and forest
1900) contractors.
REASONS FOR THE FAILURE OF TRIBAL REVOLTS

Outdated Arms and • The tribal uprisings were doomed from the start due to the use of primitive weapons,
Ammunition such as bows, arrows, and axes, which were no match for the modernized weapons
and techniques employed by the British.

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Lack of • The tribals lacked a disciplined and trained army, unlike the British forces. They were
Organization mainly agriculturists, weavers, and workers with no prior military knowledge or
training to effectively organize a revolt.
Primitive Arms and • The tribes' reliance on traditional weapons, such as bows and arrows, was ineffective
Ammunition against the advanced firearms and artillery of the British forces.
Lack of Proper • Tribal movements were often driven by emotional and religious sentiments rather
Planning than strategic planning.
• The focus was on immediate, localized issues, rather than a larger, coordinated effort
for national independence.
Lack of Efficient • The tribal uprisings were led by local leaders like Sidhu, Kanhu, and Birsa Munda, who,
Leadership despite their courage and commitment, lacked the national vision and leadership
experience necessary to sustain these movements for a prolonged period.
Absence of Mass • Tribal movements were localized and lacked a sense of unity.
Mobilization • The revolts were unevenly spread across different parts of India, making it difficult to
garner widespread mass support for their cause.
Lack of • Poor communication systems hindered the ability of tribal leaders to share ideas,
Communication coordinate strategies, and unify efforts. As a result, these revolts gradually lost
momentum over time.

1.2.2 THE SANTHAL UPRISING (1855-56)

The Santhal uprising was a rebellion in present-day Jharkhand, Eastern India against both the British East India
Company (EIC) and the zamindari system by the Santhals that began on June 30, 1855 Santhals were the
agricultural people settled in the Rajmahal Hills of Bihar. The uprising is also called “Hul” which in the local
language means a liberation movement. It was one of India's most notable, fierce, and significant tribal
uprisings.

BACKGROUND:
• Great Famine: The Santhals who originally spread over regions of present-day Bihar and West Bengal
were relocated by the Britishers in the Rajmahal hill region between 1790 and 1810 following the great
Bengal Famine of 1770 which had killed between 7 to 10 million people and had affected 30 million.
• Demand for agricultural labor: The reason behind the relocation of the Santhal people was the demand
for agricultural labor following the depletion of the population in permanent settlement zones of
Rajmahal and Jungle Mahal hills.
• Damin-i-Koh: sponsored by the British and local landlords, Santhal people entered the area and began
clearing the jungles. They were employed as agricultural laborers or got land on lease. The region in
which the Santhals were relocated came to be known as ‘Damin-i-koh’ (Skirts of hills). Sahibganj, Pakur
and Godda districts of today's Jharkhand comprised the hilly areas of Damin-i-Koh.
- The Damin region soon became a center of Santhal's socio-cultural life and attracted Santhals from
neighboring districts. However, non-tribals from adjoining areas started to settle in the Damin-i -
koh and began to oppress and exploit the Santhals and other tribal groups of the region.
• Initiation of rebellion: The Santhal rebellion began on June 30, 1855 and went on for almost six months
before it was finally suppressed by January 3, 1856, leaving over 15,000 Santhals dead and over 10,000
of their villages destroyed.

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• Local leaders: This great insurrection known as the 'Hul', was led by four brothers, namely Sidhu, Kanhu,
Chand, and Bhairav Murmu of village Bhagnadih of Sahibganj district, who hailed from the Santhal clan
Murmu Dharak
- The brothers Sidhu and Kanhu spread the word about their plan through uniquely folded sal leaves,
a communication system called Dharwak, mobilized 10,000 people, and declared a rebellion. Their
brothers, Chand and Bairab, and sister Phulo and Jhano Murmu joined forces. With Phulo and
Jhano joining the rebellion, more women took up arms against the British.
- It began as a revolt against exploitation by Indian ‘upper' caste zamindars, moneylenders,
merchants, and darogas (police officials), collectively known as 'dikus), who had come to dominate
the economic sphere of Santhal life.

CAUSES OF THE SANTHAL UPRISING:

• High Rent: Zamindars and landlords imposed exorbitant rents on the Santhal peasants.
Those working in indigo plantations were forced to work long hours for extremely low
wages.
• Exorbitant Interest Rates: Moneylenders charged very high interest rates, adding to the
Santhals' economic burden.
• Outsiders (Dikus): The Santhals began referring to the moneylenders and other exploiters
Economic as "dikus," meaning outsiders. This term was also used for Bengalis operating businesses
Causes in Santhal territories, highlighting their role in exploitation.
• Organized Extortion: An extortion network involving the police, courts, and zamindars
subjected the Santhals to heavy taxes and levies. Besides losing their property, they
endured mistreatment and abuse.
• Barter System and Debt Trap: The Santhals relied on a barter system for trade but faced
difficulties paying cash rents. As a result, they borrowed money from moneylenders at
high interest rates, leading to an inescapable debt cycle.
Bonded Labor • Two forms of bonded labor, Kamioti and Harwahi, emerged in Santhal regions. Under
these systems, borrowers were forced to work for the lender until the debt was repaid,
often under harsh conditions.
Loss of Forest • The British forest policies limited the Santhals' control over forest resources, a key part of
Resources their livelihood, causing significant discontent.
Land revenue • Disruption of Traditional Systems: The introduction of the Permanent Settlement (1973)
settlement by Lord Cornwallis in areas like Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa granted landlords hereditary
rights over land, causing the Santhals to lose control over their ancestral lands. This change
ended their traditional tribal systems and political structures.
Socio-Political • Loss of Political Autonomy: The British intervention undermined the Santhals' traditional
Causes governance structures, like the Manjhi System and Parha Panchayat system, which were
integral to their community's decision-making process.
• European Oppression: In Bihar, European railroad workers were involved in numerous
acts of oppression, including the abduction of Santhal women, murder, and other
atrocities, fueling resentment.
Christian • The work of Christian missionaries, supported by the Charter Act of 1813, further
Missionaries' disrupted the Santhals' traditional beliefs and practices, contributing to cultural and
Influence religious tension within the community.

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SIGNIFICANCE AND CONSEQUENCES OF THE UPRISING:

• Organized movement: The depressed and distraught Santhals waged guerrilla war against the British in
a well-organized and charismatic way.
- It was successful in bringing together about 60,000 people in a short period who donned traditional
Armor like arrows and bows.
- The warehouses and storehouses were set on fire, and all forms of communication were cut off.
• Growth of Revolutionary Nationalism: This uprising helped the Santhal tribes feel more united. It was
viewed as the start of bigger conflicts aimed at releasing the populace from tyrannical British rule. This
movement produced a sense of nationalism that helped people get ready for subsequent wars like the
Revolt of 1857.
• Tribal identity: The Santhal revolt gave rise to the contemporary Santhal identity. The tribal people were
also encouraged to defend their traditions and culture against alterations and destruction of any kind.
- It also led to the formation of the Santhal Parganas and the passing of the Santhal Pargana Tenancy
Act, 1876, which forbade the transfer of Adivasi land to non-Adivasis. This gave the tribes some
protection from the oppressive British Rule.
- The regular police force was abolished and the village headman was vested with the duty of keeping
peace and order.
• Movement for liberation: The rebellion, apart from acting against oppression and exploitation, was also
inspired by the political project of building and establishing an independent Santhal Raj.
- In the course of the rebellion, the Santhal people developed their infrastructure of governance.
- The leaders of the rebellion appointed themselves as governors of the region and many Santhals
were appointed in the capacity of darogas, subordinate officers, and naibs.

CONSEQUENCES:
• Unfortunately, the revolt was brutally put down after the brothers Sidhu and Kanhu were taken into
custody and hanged at Bhognadih while Chand and Bhairav were killed in the Battle of Maheshpur. The
Santhals were suppressed, and in 1856 the movement was put to an end.
• The day of rebellion, June 30, is honored by the Santhal community with great reverence and fervor in
memory of the thousands of Santhal martyrs who gave their lives with their illustrious commanders in
their valiant but unsuccessful endeavor to overthrow the zamindars and British agents.

NATURE OF THE REBELLION:

1. Political Conscious Rebellion:
• The rebellions were conscious of political sources of oppression that's why they targeted
Zamindars, their houses, moneylenders, and British state machinery.
• It was a political action and not a crime because they were open and public. They gave ample
warnings.
• According to Shekhar Bandopadhyay the spread of rebellion depends on the rebels' perception of
space and ethnic boundaries. Santhals battled for their fatherland. They had a clear consciousness
of their space and boundary.
• Santhal ceremonies incorporated a new system of resistance. The destruction of their traditional
practices gave a new meaning to their traditional hunting activities. So, they used bow and arrow
which also has a political meaning.
2. Pre-Political: According to D.N. Dhanagare the rebellion was "pre-political" because of their lack of
organization, program, and ideology.

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3. Peasant rebellion: According to Ranajit Guha, in his book "Elementary Aspects of Peasant Insurgency
in Colonial India", the Santhal uprising was peasant rebellion He argues that it was a movement to
counteract colonialism. This rebellion was supported by the lower class, oppressed by Zamindars and
Sahukars.

Scholars have diverse opinions on the nature of the rebellion. Some Scholars think that it was merely a religious
uprising against the Christian missionaries. Nationalist historians tried to accumulate tribal movements to
project the pre-history of modern India. In the final analysis, the movement was anti-feudal and anti-colonial.
This rebellion had an everlasting impact on the history of India.

REASONS FOR THE FAILURE OF THE REVOLT:

• Technological Backwardness: The Santhals' use of traditional weapons like bows, arrows, and spears
was no match for the British forces' advanced weaponry, including guns and cannons.
• Inability to Sustain the Revolt: The Santhal uprising lacked resources, preparation, and strategic plans
to maintain the revolt for an extended period.
• Absence of Mass Support: The rebellion faced a lack of mass support, with local zamindars and the
Nawab of Murshidabad siding with the British, even using war elephants to destroy Santhal huts.
• Oppression by British Rulers and Zamindars: The brutal repression by the British and zamindars,
including hangings and life imprisonments, crushed the revolt and dampened the Santhal morale.
• Lack of Effective Communication: Poor infrastructure and communication systems hindered
coordination, making it difficult for the Santhal rebels to share strategies and maintain unity.

CONCLUSION:
The Santhal Rebellion marked the first major tribal uprising in India, incited by British policies and missionary
activities that challenged the traditional beliefs and code of conduct of the Santhal people. Through organization
and appropriation of religious symbols, the Santhals warned Zamindars, Mahajans, and the British and rebelled
against their oppression. Although the rebellion ultimately failed, it continued to impact other tribal and national
movements, revealing a political awareness of exploitation and space.

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1.2.3 MUNDA REVOLT/MOVEMENT

The Birsa Munda movement was a tribal revolt that took place in the late 19th century in the state of Jharkhand.
The movement was named after its leader, Birsa Munda, who was a tribal hero and religious leader of the
Munda tribe. The movement aimed to resist British colonialism and the exploitation of tribal communities by
moneylenders, landlords, and the colonial administration.

BACKGROUND:
Munda tribes followed settled agriculture They Considered themselves descendants of the original settlers, who
had cleared the land first. So, they considered that the land belonged to them. However, the coming of the
Britishers changed their traditional relationship with lands. This led to the rise of rebellion under Birsa Munda
in 1899-1900.

MAJOR CAUSES OF THE REBELLION

Destruction of • The Kuntkari system was a traditional land system of Mundas that was eroded and
Traditional system displaced by the Britishers.
• Under this system, the Munda community was divided into clans or Kuntus, and each Kuntu
was responsible for the cultivation and management of a specific area of land.
• The Kuntkari system was based on the principles of communal ownership and distribution
of resources.
- The land was considered to be the common property of the Kuntu, and it was
cultivated collectively by the members of the Kuntu.
- The produce was distributed among the members of the Kuntu based on their needs
and the amount of labour they had contributed to the cultivation.
- The Kuntkari system also had a system of collective decision-making and governance.
The Kuntu had a headman or leader, who was responsible for managing the affairs of
the Kuntu and resolving disputes.
- The headman was chosen by consensus among the members of the Kuntu and was
accountable to them.
- The Kuntkari system was closely linked to Munda's animist belief system, which
emphasized the importance of harmony and balance in the natural world. The
Mundas believed that the Kuntkari system was essential for maintaining ecological
balance and sustainable use of natural resources.
The emergence of • The Hindu landlords and Zamindars were powerful landowners who controlled large tracts
Hindu Landlords of land. They were given the right to collect revenue from the land and were responsible
and Zamindars for ensuring that the land was productive. They were called dikus outsiders) by the tribes.
• They were also given the right to enforce laws on their lands, and they had the power to
punish those who broke these laws. As a result, the Munda people, who had traditionally
lived off the land, were forced to pay tribute to these landlords to continue living on their
ancestral lands.
• The Munda people were also subjected to various forms of exploitation and oppression,
including long working hours, low wages, physical and sexual abuse, and taxes and fees
imposed by the landlords. They were forced to do bethbegari which means forced labour.

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• Additionally, the landlords outlawed or discouraged many of the Munda people's traditional
practices and beliefs, leading to a loss of cultural identity and a sense of dislocation.
Christian • The arrival of Christian missionaries had a significant impact on the Munda people's
missionaries traditional practices and beliefs. With the spread of Christianity, many Munda people began
to convert which led to a fracture in the unity of the Munda people.
• The missionaries encouraged the Munda people to abandon their traditional animistic
beliefs and adopt Christianity, which caused a loss of cultural identity and a sense of
dislocation among the Munda people.
Forest Laws and • The change in the forest law had a considerable effect on tribal lives. The British extended
their impact their control over all forests and declared that forests were state property.
• In these forests people were not allowed to move freely, practice jhum cultivation, collect
fruits, or hunt animals.
• Many tribal groups reacted against the colonial forest laws. They disobeyed the new rules,
continued with practices that were declared illegal, and at times rose in open rebellion.
The Monetization • The monetization of the economy leads to the commodification of land, displacement, and
of economy the imposition of new taxes and fees.
• The Munda people were also forced to participate in the cash economy, which led to a loss
of traditional livelihoods and a sense of dislocation.
• These factors contributed to the rise of the Munda Rebellion, as the people saw it as a way
to resist the encroachment of outside forces on their traditional way of life and regain
control over their land and lives.
Dikus and • Dikus had established themselves as landlords, moneylenders, and traders, and they used
Britishers formed their power and influence to extract resources and labour from the Mundas. They often
an alliance charged exorbitant interest rates on loans and forced the Mundas to work as bonded
labourers to pay off their debts.
• The British colonial authorities also worked closely with dikus to implement their policies in
the region. They appointed dikus as intermediaries between the colonial administration
and the Munda people, giving them greater power and control over the Mundas.
• The British authorities also relied on the dikus to provide labour for their mining and
plantation operations, which further increased their power and wealth at the expense of
the Mundas.
• All these factors contributed to the exploitation and marginalization of the Munda people,
who saw their traditional way of life being threatened by the collaboration between dikus
and the British colonial authorities.
Famines • The region was hit by a series of famines in 1896-97 and 1900. The famines were caused by
factors such as crop failure, lack of rainfall, and the spread of disease among livestock. The
British colonial administration did little to alleviate the suffering of the local people during
these famines, exacerbating the sense of discontent among the Mundas.
• The famines resulted in large-scale displacement and migration of the Munda people, who
were forced to look for alternative means of livelihood. This created a sense of insecurity

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and instability among the Mundas, which made them more susceptible to rebelling against
the British.
BIRSA MUNDA
• His Life: Birsa was born in a family of Mundas - a tribal group that lived in Chottanagpur. He was born in the mid-
1870s and grew up in poverty around the forests of Bohonda.
• Influence: He was influenced by tales of past Munda uprisings and leaders who urged people to revolt against
dikus' oppression. Birsa attended a local missionary school and was influenced by the idea of regaining lost rights
by becoming a good Christian.
• His ideas: He later turned against both missionaries and Hindu landlords, seeing them as outside forces ruining
the Munda way of life.
- Birsa urged his followers to recover their glorious past, referring to a golden age in which the Mundas lived
an honest life and cultivated their land.
- His movement aimed to reform tribal society, encouraging people to give up drinking liquor, clean their
villages, and stop believing in witchcraft and sorcery.
- Birsa propagated that there is only one god for Mundas i.e. Singh Bonga, Birsa declared himself as the
ambassador of Singh Bonga.
• Political aim: The political aim of the movement was to drive out missionaries, moneylenders, Hindu landlords,
and the government and set up a Munda Rawith Birsa at its head.
• Leadership: Birsa Munda's leadership was based on his deep understanding of the traditions and beliefs of his
people. He drew on the rich cultural heritage of the Mundas and used it to inspire his followers to resist British
colonial rule.
- He emphasized the importance of tribal unity and solidarity, and he called for the revival of the traditional
practices and beliefs of his people.
• Role in the Movement: As the movement spread British officials decided to act. They arrested Birsa in 1895,
convicted him on charges of rioting, and jailed him for two years.
- When Birsa was released in 1897 he began touring the villages to gather support. He used traditional
symbols and language to rouse people, urging them to destroy "Ravana" (dikus and the Europeans) and
establish a kingdom under his leadership.
- Birsa's followers began targeting the symbols of dikus and European power. They attacked police stations
and churches and raided the property of moneylenders and zamindars. They raised the white flag as a
symbol of Birsa Raj.
- In 1900 Birsa died of cholera and the movement faded out.
• His Legacy: Birsa Munda's legacy is profound and far-reaching. He provided a new religious leadership to the
tribal struggles against the British, and he inspired a generation of tribal leaders to fight for their rights and their
autonomy.
- His vision and his courage continue to inspire people to this day, and his ideas and his beliefs have become
an integral part of the cultural heritage of the region.
- Birsa Munda's legacy can be seen in the struggles of the tribal communities in India today. His legacy can
also be seen in the cultural heritage of the region, which has been enriched by the contributions of the
Mundas and other tribal communities.

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PHASE/COURSE OF THE MOVEMENT:

Phase 1 • The early phase of the Birsa Munda movement is typically considered to have begun around
(1890-1894) 1890 and lasted until 1894.
• During this period, Birsa Munda emerged as a leader among the Munda tribal community
in the Chota Nagpur region of present-day Jharkhand, India.
• During this phase, Birsa began to preach a message of resistance against the British colonial
administration and the landlords who were exploiting the tribal communities.
• He called for a return to traditional Munda values and practices and advocated for the
protection of tribal land and resources.
• Birsa Munda also began to organize the Mundas into a united front.
• He held meetings and gatherings where he preached his message and encouraged the
Mundas to resist colonial authority.
• He also began to establish connections with other tribal communities in the region, laying
the groundwork for a broader movement for tribal rights and self-determination.
Phase II • During this phase of the movement, Birsa Munda and his followers intensified their
(1895-1897) resistance against the British and the landlords. He gathered and united a group of 6,000
members of the community.
• They attacked the symbols of colonial power, such as police stations and courts, and also
targeted the symbols of the landlords' authority, such as their houses and granaries.
• Birsa Munda called for a boycott of the landlords and their agents and asked the tribes to
refuse to pay taxes and work for them.
• Birsa Munda also called for a social and religious revolution among the tribes.
• He urged them to reject the Hindu caste system and the Christian missionaries' attempts
to convert them to Christianity.
• He emphasized the need for the Adivasis to preserve their indigenous identity and culture
and to revive their traditional beliefs and practices.
• However, the movement was brutally suppressed by the colonial authorities.
• Birsa Munda was arrested on 24th August 1895.
Phase III • The last phase was marked by the continuation of the resistance by the Adivasis against
(1898-1900) the British colonial administration.
• Birsa Munda was released from jail in 1898 on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of
Queen Victoria. After, the release he began touring the villages to gather support.
• During this phase, the movement was led by Birsa Munda's younger brother, Komaram
Bheem.
- Komaram Bheem and his followers continued to carry out attacks on the symbols of
colonial power, such as the police stations and courts, and also targeted the symbols
of the landlords' authority, such as their houses and granaries.
- They also carried out raids on the government treasuries to procure arms and
ammunition for the movement.
• The movement spread in the Khunti, Gumla, and Ranchi regions. However, the movement
was eventually crushed by the British colonial administration under Deputy Commissioner,
Street Field.
• Birsa Munda was arrested on 3rd February 1900 and he eventually died on 30th June 1900
due to dysentery. Komaram Bheem was also arrested in 1900 and was imprisoned until his
death in 1919.

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IMPACT ON BRITISH ADMINISTRATION:

• Creation of a Separate Tribal Belt: The British government recognized the distinct cultural and social
identity of the Adivasis, establishing separate tribal belts for their administration.
• Introduction of Land Laws:
- In 1905, Khunti and Gumla were declared sub-divisions.
- The Tenancy Act of 1903 was passed, recognizing the Khuntkati system.
- The Chotanagpur Tenancy Act of 1908 was introduced to protect Adivasi land rights, preventing
non-tribals from acquiring land in tribal areas and ensuring compensation for eviction.
• Changes in the Administrative System:
- Administrative changes were implemented to address the needs of the Adivasis.
- Special officers were appointed to oversee tribal areas, and new laws were enacted to tackle issues
like bonded labor and exploitation by landlords.
• Restrictions on Christian Missionaries:
- The British imposed restrictions on Christian missionaries, who were accused of exploiting and
forcibly converting Adivasis to Christianity.
- Laws were introduced to regulate missionary activities and protect the cultural and religious
practices of the Adivasis.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MOVEMENT:

Assertion of Tribal • Played a significant role in the assertion of Adivasi identity and resistance against
Identity the cultural and religious assimilation imposed by the colonial administration and
the landlords.
• The movement emphasized the need for Adivasis to revive their traditional beliefs
and practices, rejecting the Hindu caste system and the Christian missionaries'
attempts to convert them.
Challenging Dominant • The revolt challenged the dominant narrative of Indian nationalism, focused on
Indian Nationalism Hindu and Muslim communities, overlooking the unique struggles of the Adivasis.
• The movement highlighted the Adivasi communities' history and their ongoing
battles against colonialism and exploitation.
Inspiration to Other • The revolt inspired other Adivasi uprisings in the region, such as the Tana Bhagat
Tribal Movements movement, which continued to resist the colonial administration and landlords'
authority.
• These movements contributed to the wider Adivasi movement for self-
determination and autonomy.
Historical and • The revolt holds significant historical and cultural importance as a unique moment
Cultural Significance of resistance and assertion of Adivasi identity.
• It has inspired literature, music, and cultural expressions that continue to shape the
cultural and artistic landscape of the region.
• The movement is also remembered for Birsa Munda's leadership, who is celebrated
as a hero and symbol of Adivasi resistance.
Inspired National • Birsa's name was evoked by the Indian National Congress and Forward Bloc to
Movement garner the support of Birsaites during the national movement.

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RELIGIOUS CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MOVEMENT:

• Syncretic Religious Belief: Birsa Munda blended traditional Adivasi beliefs with Christian and Hindu
elements, incorporating Singh Bonga as a central figure while adapting aspects of other religions.
• Anti-Christian Sentiment: Although incorporating some Christian elements, Birsa expressed strong
opposition to missionaries, accusing them of exploiting Adivasis and forcing conversions. He also
opposed the use of alcohol, associated with missionaries.
• Millenarian Beliefs: Birsa Munda held millenarian views, believing in the arrival of a utopian society free
of British rule, where Adivasis would live in peace and prosperity, with Singh Bonga playing a central
role.
• Revival of Traditional Adivasi Practices: The movement aimed to revive traditional Adivasi practices,
advocating for a return to their agricultural practices and the preservation of their languages and culture.
• Ritualistic Practices: The movement involved ritualistic activities, including the use of sacred water,
specific clothing during ceremonies, and prayer meetings with traditional singing and dancing.

LIMITATIONS OF THE MOVEMENT

• Lack of Clear Goals: The movement lacked clear objectives and a defined plan, making it difficult to
achieve its full potential despite widespread mobilization.
• Limited Geographical Scope: The rebellion was mainly confined to the Chhota Nagpur Plateau,
restricting its reach and impact to other regions of India.
• Lack of Organizational Structure: Despite Birsa Munda's leadership, the movement lacked a solid
organizational structure, hindering long-term coordination and sustainability.

CONCLUSION:
The Birsa Munda movement played a significant role in shaping the political and social consciousness of tribal
communities in India, and its legacy continues to inspire contemporary social and political movements in the
country. The significance of his legacy can be assessed from the fact that the state of Jharkhand was created on
his birth date i.e., 15th November. He continued to inspire tribal movements all around the globe.

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1.2.4 INDIGO REVOLT (1859-60):

Indigo, as a natural dye for textiles, became one of the most important cash crops for British traders in the 18th
& 19th century which resulted in an increased production of indigo in Bihar and Bengal. With increased demand,
the Britishers started an extremely oppressive system to gain more profit.
• It was against this injustice and exploitation that the Indigo rebellion took place in Bengal in 1859 as a
peasant movement and subsequent uprising of indigo farmers against the planters who had forced them
to grow indigo under terms that were greatly unfavorable to the farmers.

BACKGROUND:
• The indigo plant grows primarily in the tropics and as early as the thirteenth century, Indian indigo was
being used by cloth manufacturers in Italy, France and Britain to dye cloth. The Indian indigo was
preferred as it produced a rich blue color, whereas the dye from the woad plant (a similar plant which
grows in Europe) was pale and dull.
• With the advent of industrialization cotton production expanded exponentially in Britain creating an
enormous new demand for cloth dyes. Due to the increased demand indigo planting became more
profitable and as a result the Britishers encouraged indigo production in Bengal and Bihar.
• From the last decades of the eighteenth century, indigo cultivation in Bengal expanded rapidly and
Bengal indigo came to dominate the world market. In 1788 only about 30% of the indigo imported into
Britain was from India. By 1810, the proportion had gone up to 95%.

REASONS FOR THE REVOLT:

• There were two main systems of indigo cultivation “nij and ryoti”:
- Nij cultivation: The planter produced indigo in lands that he directly controlled. This was done on
less than 25% of the land producing indigo.
- Ryoti system: The majority of the indigo cultivation was done under the ryoti system under which
the planters forced the ryots to sign a contract (satta) for growing indigo. It was against this system
that farmers rose in revolt.
✓ Under the agreement the peasants were forced to sign a contract after which they got cash
advances at low rates of interest to produce indigo on 1/4th of their lands. At times even the
village headmen were pressured to sign the contract on behalf of the ryots.
✓ Peasants who were initially tempted by the loans soon realized how harsh the system was. The
price they got for the indigo they produced was very low and the cycle of loans never ended.
✓ The planters intimidated the peasants through kidnappings, illegal confinements, flogging,
attacks on women and children, seizure of cattle, burning and demolition of houses and
destruction of crops. For this purpose, the planters hired or maintained a band of lathiyals.
✓ The peasants had nowhere to complain as the planters acted hand-in-glove with the European
magistrates, thinning the chances of any legal respite from fraudulent & exploitative contracts
via legal means.
• Another setback of indigo plantation was that it impacted the fertility of the soil. The planters usually
insisted that indigo be cultivated on the best soils in which peasants preferred to cultivate rice. The
indigo plant has deep roots and it exhausted the soil rapidly. After an indigo harvest the land could not
be sown with rice.
• Such conditions led to the resistance by Indigo-cultivators in Bengal in 1859 which was termed as Indigo
revolt.

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EVENTS/SPREAD OF THE REVOLT:

• The beginning of the revolt took place in Nadia district of Bengal in 1859 led by the peasants Digambar
Biswas and Bishnu Biswas. They decided not to grow indigo under duress and resisted the physical
pressure of the planters and their lathiyals (retainers) backed by police and the courts. They also
organized a counter force against the planters' attacks.
• Later, the revolt spread in the regions of Burdwan, Khulna, Birbhum, Pabna, Narail, and Murshidabad.
• The planters tried methods like evictions and enhanced rents. The ryots replied by going on a rent strike
by refusing to pay the enhanced rents and by physically resisting the attempts to evict them.
• Women also turned up to fight with pots, pans and kitchen implements. Those who worked for the
planters were socially boycotted, and the gomasthas - agents of planters - who came to collect rent
were beaten up
• Gradually, they learned to use the legal machinery and initiated legal action supported by fund
collection. They also used social boycott as a weapon to compel the planters' servants to leave them.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE REVOLT:

• The Bengali intelligentsia played a significant role by supporting the peasants' cause through
newspaper campaigns, organization of mass meetings, preparing memoranda on peasants' grievances
and supporting them in legal battles.
1. Newspapers like the 'Hindoo Patriot' under Harish Chandra Mukherjee and reports of journalists
like Sisir Kumar Ghosh publicized and defended the cause of peasants while exposing the
exploitation of Indigo planters.
2. Neel Darpan, a play by Din Bandu Mitra became famous for vividly portraying the oppression of
the planters
3. The Christian Missionaries also reacted positively towards peasants' demands and raised their
voice in support.
4. The revolt was largely non-violent and it also acted as a precursor to Gandhi's non-violent
satyagraha in Champaran later on.
5. Another significant feature of the revolt was Hindu Muslim unity.

AFTERMATH OF THE REVOLT:

The revolt had a significant impact and it was a success as the government appointed an indigo commission to
inquire into the problem of indigo cultivation.
• Based on its recommendations, the Government issued a notification in November 1860 that the ryots
could not be compelled to grow indigo and that it would ensure that all disputes were settled by legal
means.
• Along with this the demand for natural indigo collapsed worldwide at the end of the 19th century due
to the development of artificial blue dye. As a result, the indigo cultivation was virtually wiped out from
Bengal by the end of 1860.

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1.2.5 KISAN SABHA MOVEMENT IN BIHAR:

The Kisan Sabha Movement in Bihar was a significant peasant uprising that played a crucial role in the agrarian
struggles of colonial India. Emerging in the early 20th century, the movement sought to challenge the
exploitative zamindari system, excessive rents, and feudal oppression faced by the tenant farmers. It gained
momentum under the leadership of Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, who founded the Bihar Provincial Kisan
Sabha (BPKS) in 1929 to unify peasants against landlords and British policies.

• Early Mobilization (1922): Mohammad Zubair and Sri Krishna Singh organized a Kisan Sabha in Munger,
initiating efforts to address peasant issues.
• Formation of Bihar Provincial Kisan Sabha (1929): Swami Sahajanand Saraswati established the BPKS
to unite peasants against zamindari exploitation.
• Zamindars' Counteraction: In response, zamindars formed the United Political Party to suppress the
peasant movement.
- Establishment of Bihar Kisan Sabha (1933): Further strengthening the peasant movement, the
Bihar Kisan Sabha was formed.
- Inception of All India Kisan Sabha (1936): At the Lucknow session of the Indian National Congress,
the AIKS was founded, with Swami Sahajanand Saraswati as President and N.G. Ranga as Secretary.
- Launch of 'Hunkar' Weekly (1940): Pandit Yamuna Karjee and Rahul Sankrityayan started the Hindi
weekly 'Hunkar', serving as the voice of the agrarian movement in Bihar.
• Kisan Manifesto (1936: The movement presented a Kisan Manifesto, demanding:
- Abolition of Zamindari
- Reduction of land revenue and rent
- Fair wages and rights for agricultural laborers
- Protection against forced evictions.
• Impact of the Kisan Sabha Movement
- Strengthened Peasant Consciousness: The movement politicized peasants, making them aware of
their rights. It broke the fear of zamindars and encouraged direct resistance.
- Influence on National Politics: The movement aligned itself with Congress and socialist leaders,
influencing policies on agrarian reform. The Congress Ministries (1937-39) introduced some
tenancy reforms under pressure from Kisan Sabha leaders.
- Legislative and Social Reforms: The movement paved the way for land reforms post-independence,
leading to the Abolition of Zamindari (1950s). It also influenced the First Five-Year Plan’s focus on
agrarian issues.
- National Influence: The initiatives in Bihar inspired similar peasant movements across India,
contributing to the broader struggle for farmers' rights.
- Legacy of Leadership: Leaders like Swami Sahajanand Saraswati became symbols of peasant
resistance, influencing future agrarian movements in the country.
• Limitations:
- Elite Leadership and Limited Representation: Many leaders came from upper castes, and the
participation of Dalit and tribal peasants was limited.
- Internal Divisions: Differences arose between moderate Congress-aligned leaders and radical
socialist-communist factions.
- Repression by the British and Zamindars: Many protests were violently suppressed, and leaders
faced arrests.

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DARBHANGA RAJ AGITATION (1919-1920)

• Leadership: Led by Swami Vidyanand, this movement protested against the excessive land revenue
and harsh treatment of tenants by the Darbhanga Raj (a powerful zamindari estate).
• Causes: Peasants were burdened with high taxes and unfair treatment under the zamindari system.
• Protests & Demands: Peasants organized mass protests demanding lower taxes and fair treatment.
• Outcome & Impact: This movement contributed to the larger nationalist struggle and strengthened
the idea of peasant rights.

Impacts of Peasant Movements in Bihar

Political • Rise of Mass Movements: The Champaran Satyagraha was India's first major Civil
Impact Disobedience Movement, demonstrating the power of nonviolent resistance and mobilizing
peasants in the freedom struggle.
• Peasant Representation in Politics: The movements forced the Indian National Congress (INC)
to take up peasant issues.
- This led to the formation of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) in 1936, with Swami Sahajanand
Saraswati as its first president.
• End of Zamindari System: These struggles-built momentum for land reforms, which eventually
led to the abolition of the zamindari system after independence.
• Expansion of Gandhian Leadership: The Champaran Satyagraha established Gandhi as a
national leader and strengthened his position within the Congress.
Economic • Abolition of Tinkathia System: The Champaran movement successfully ended the oppressive
Impact Tinkathia system, where peasants were forced to grow indigo instead of food crops.
• Increased Awareness of Land Reforms: The peasant movements highlighted issues of high
land revenue, forced labor, and exploitative tenancy, pushing future governments to adopt
pro-tenant policies.
• Decline of European Indigo Planters: The pressure from these movements weakened the
economic power of European planters in Bihar, forcing them to switch to other crops or leave
the region.
• End of Zamindari System & Agrarian Reforms: Strengthened the demand for abolition of
zamindari and feudal exploitation.
- Laid the foundation for the Zamindari Abolition Act (1950s) and agrarian reforms.
Social Impact • Empowerment of Peasants: The movements raised consciousness among peasants about
their rights and encouraged them to challenge landlords and British policies.
• Reduction in Exploitation: The abolition of exploitative systems like forced cultivation of
indigo and excessive land rents improved the condition of farmers.
• Strengthening of Peasant Unity: The struggles brought together different caste and religious
groups, strengthening the sense of collective resistance.
• Emergence of Peasant Leaders: Leaders like Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, Rajendra Prasad,
and others emerged from Bihar’s peasant movements and played key roles in India’s freedom
struggle.
National and • Foundation for Future Agrarian Reforms: The Bihar peasant struggles set a precedent for
Long-Term future land reforms, including abolition of zamindari (1950s) and tenancy protection laws.
Impact • Inspiration for Other Movements: The success of the Bihar peasant movements inspired
similar struggles across India.
- Example- The Telangana Peasant Revolt (1946-51) and Tebhaga Movement in Bengal
(1946-47).

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• Integration of Rural India into Nationalism: The movements helped bridge the gap between
urban elite leaders and rural masses, making Indian nationalism a truly mass-based movement.
Legacy in • Continued struggles for land redistribution and agrarian justice.
post- • Inspired later movements, including Naxalite uprisings and peasant-led political movements.
Independence • Created a lasting impact on Bihar’s agrarian and political landscape.
Bihar

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1.2.6 REVOLT OF 1857:

The Revolt of 1857 was a widespread uprising against British rule in India, driven by political, social, economic,
and military grievances. It marked a significant challenge to colonial authority, uniting diverse sections of society
in a struggle for autonomy and resistance.

CAUSES OF REVOLT OF 1857

Political • Doctrine of Lapse: Led to the annexation of Satara, Nagpur, Jaitpur, Sambalpur, and Udaipur
Causes under British expansion policies.
− Other methods included indirect subordination (subsidiary alliance), war and
annexation, and direct annexation.
• Annexation of Jhansi: Rani Lakshmi Bai’s adopted son was not allowed to rule, leading to the
British takeover under the Doctrine of Lapse.
• Annexation of Awadh: Lord Dalhousie annexed Awadh citing bad administration, displacing
hundreds of lords, officials, and soldiers, turning the region into a center of discontent.
Socio- • Religious Conflict: The spread of Christianity and Western education clashed with Hindu and
Religious Muslim beliefs.
Causes • Inheritance Law Change: The 1850 amendment to the Hindu Law of Inheritance allowed
Hindu converts to Christianity to inherit ancestral property.
• Social Reforms: Legalizing widow remarriage and abolishing practices like sati and female
infanticide disrupted the traditional social hierarchy.
• Technological Skepticism: The introduction of railways and telegraphs was met with distrust
and suspicion.
Economic • Peasant Debt: Exploitative land revenue policies pushed peasants into debt, often leading to
Causes the loss of ancestral land.
• Zamindar Discontent: The East India Company’s heavy taxation and rigid revenue collection
methods angered zamindars.
• Agrarian Distress: Systems like Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari worsened
rural hardships.
• Industrial Decline: The influx of British machine-made goods devastated indigenous
industries, particularly textiles.
• Unfair Trade Policies: The "One-Way Free Trade" policy imposed high export taxes on Indian
goods while allowing British imports duty-free.
Military • Peasant Connection: Most sepoys came from peasant backgrounds and shared their
Causes hardships and grievances.
• Racial Discrimination: Despite forming over 87% of British troops in India, Indian sepoys
were treated as inferior to their British counterparts.
• Unequal Pay: Indian sepoys received lower wages than British soldiers, even when holding
the same ranks.
• Forced Deployment: Sepoys were required to serve in distant locations without additional
allowances (Bhatta).
• Religious Violation: The General Services Enlistment Act of 1856 forced sepoys to serve
overseas, violating their religious beliefs.
• Enfield Rifle Controversy: The replacement of the Brown Bess musket with the Enfield rifle
sparked unrest due to religious concerns.
Immediate • Cartridge Controversy: A rumor spread that the new Enfield rifle cartridges were greased
Causes with pig and cow fat. Since sepoys had to bite the cartridge paper before loading, this deeply
offended both Hindu and Muslim soldiers.

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 MODERN HISTORY - QEP BPSC: TARGET 2024-25
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• Mangal Pandey’s Revolt: On March 29, 1857, Mangal Pandey, a sepoy at Barrackpore,
refused to fire the cartridge and revolted, killing British officers Hugeson and Baugh.
• Meerut Uprising: The rebellion that began in Barrackpore escalated into a full-fledged revolt
on May 10, 1857, in Meerut, rapidly spreading across the country.
• British Retraction, But Too Late: Although the British later withdrew the controversial
cartridges, the damage was already done, and unrest had spread nationwide.

SPREAD OF THE REOVOLT

AREA LEADERS AND COURSE OF REVOLT EFFECTS

Delhi Bahadur Shah II and General Bakht Khan • The Rebellion was put down as a
• The real command was held under the direction of strong and determined opponent
General Bakht Khan, an ordinary subedar of artillery who planned its every move and
in the British army who had led the Bareilly troops could not be defeated by pure
uprising and brought them to Delhi. bravery.
• The nominal and symbolic leadership belonged to • The aged Emperor Bahadur Shah
Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. was taken prisoner and exiled to
• The British occupied Delhi under John Nicholson in Rangoon, where he died in 1862.
September 1857. Bakht Khan, who represented the • The Royal Princes were captured
plebeian and popular element there, moved to and butchered on the spot.
Lucknow and continued to fight the British until he
was killed in battle on May 13, 1859.
Lucknow Begum Hazrat Mahal, Birjis Qadir, Ahmadullah • The revolt at Lucknow was
and • Lucknow: The revolt at Lucknow was led by the Begum suppressed by Colin Campbell, and
Faizabad of Avadh, Begum Hazrat Mahal, who had proclaimed Begum Hazrat Mahal escaped to
her young son, Birjis Qadir, as the Nawab of Avadh. Nepal.
• Faizabad: Maulavi Ahmadullah of Faizabad was • Maulavi Ahmadullah also led the
another outstanding leader of the Revolt and was a rebellion in Rohilkhand, where he
native of Madras, where he had started preaching was treacherously killed by the Raja
armed rebellion. of Puwain, who received Rs 50,000
• Maulavi Ahmadullah relocated to Faizabad in January as a reward from the British.
1857 and engaged in a fierce battle there with a

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 MODERN HISTORY - QEP BPSC: TARGET 2024-25
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company of British soldiers assigned to prevent him

from preaching insurrection.
Kanpur Nana Sahib, Rao Sahib, Tantia Tope, Azimullah Khan • At Kanpur, Nana Sahib was defeated.
• The last Peshwa, Baji Rao II's adopted son, Nana • He resisted capitulation until the very
Sahib, led the revolt. end and fled to Nepal in the early
• With the assistance of sepoys, Nana Sahib drove the months of 1859, never to be seen or
English out of Kanpur and anointed himself as Peshwa, heard from again.
also proclaiming himself to be Bahadur Shah’s
governor while recognizing Bahadur Shah as the
Emperor of India.
• One of Nana Sahib’s closest supporters, Tantia Tope,
bore the bulk of the responsibility of fighting on his
behalf.
• Tantia Tope gained immortal acclaim for his
patriotism, tenacious combat, and deft guerrilla
tactics.
• Azimullah, also known as Krantidoot Azimullah Khan,
was another devoted adherent and Nana Sahib’s top
political counsel. He was an authority on political spin.
Jhansi Rani Laxmi Bai • On June 17, 1858, Rani Laxmibai of
• One of India’s most illustrious and courageous leaders Jhansi perished in combat.
of the revolt. She joined the rebels after the British • Her bravery was even acknowledged
refused to recognize her adopted son as the heir to by her opponent, General Hugh
Jhansi’s throne and annexed her state. Rose, who led the British forces
• The British-loyal Maharaja Sindhia attempted to against her and, on her death, said:
oppose the Rani, but the majority of his forces turned - "Here lay the woman who was
on him. the only man among the rebels."
• The Rani eventually took Gwalior with the aid of • Tantia Tope fled to the forests of
Tantia Tope and her dependable Afghan guards. Central India, where he engaged in
ruthless and clever guerrilla warfare.
• He was betrayed by a zamindar
friend, taken prisoner while dozing
off, and, following a hasty trial, was
executed on April 18, 1859.
Arrah, Babu Kunwar Singh and Amar Singh • Kunwar Singh fought the British army
Bihar • The main commander of the Rebellion in Bihar was close to Arrah while hastily returning
Kunwar Singh, a disgruntled zamindar of Jagdishpur home. But this ended up being his
near Arrah. final battle.
• Despite being close to 80 years old, Kunwar Singh was • He had been wounded in the battle
undoubtedly the greatest military commander and and had died. In his ancestral home
leader of the Rebellion. in the village of Jagdishpur, he passed
• Kunwar Singh fought alongside the British in Bihar later away on April 26, 1858.
joining Nana Sahib's army. He also engaged in battle in
Avadh and Central India.

BIHAR’S ROLE IN THE REVOLT OF 1857:

The uprising of 1857 was a landmark event in British-ruled India, igniting nationalist sentiments across regions
like Rajputana in the west and Punjab in the north. Bihar, too, played a crucial role in the rebellion.

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 MODERN HISTORY - QEP BPSC: TARGET 2024-25
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• Spark of Rebellion in Rohini

- The first major uprising in Bihar occurred in Rohini village, Deoghar.
- On June 12, 1857, soldiers revolted, killing Adjutant Sir Norman Lesslie and injuring Dr. Grant and
Commandant Major McDonald.
- Anti-British rebels Amanat Ali, Salamat Ali, and Sheikh Haroon were hanged on July 16, 1857, in
Joradih, Rohini.
- The rebellion quickly spread to the 5th Battalion of Bhagalpur, which joined the movement and
advanced to Bounsi, where the 32nd Native Infantry was stationed.
• Patna Uprising and Execution of Pir Ali
- On July 3, 1857, bookseller Pir Ali and his associates assassinated Dr. Lyell, Deputy Opium Agent, in
Patna.
- Pir Ali and his companions were captured and executed on July 7, 1857.
- Danapur Mutiny and Expansion of the Revolt
- Three regiments stationed at Danapur revolted on July 25, 1857.
- They crossed the Son River into Shahabad to join a larger movement against British rule.
• Siege of Arrah (1857)
- Rebels under Kunwar Singh besieged the British garrison in Arrah.
- The British eventually regained control with reinforcements.

KUNWAR SINGH AND HIS ROLE IN THE REVOLT OF 1857:

Early Life and • Born in 1777, in Jagdishpur, Shahabad (now Bhojpur), Bihar.
Background • Son of Shahabzada Singh and Panchratan Devi.
• Had strong familial support from brothers Amar Singh and Ritnarain Singh, nephews Nishan
Singh and Jai Krishna Singh, and commander-in-chief Hari Kishan Singh.
Leadership in the • One of the most prominent leaders of the 1857 revolt in Bihar.
Revolt • Built an arsenal in Jagdishpur, stockpiling weapons and food for an army of 20,000 men.
• Inspired other leaders in Chhotanagpur, Santhal Parganas, and Bihar to join the resistance.
• Led multiple successful attacks using guerrilla warfare tactics.
• Forged alliances with Tatya Tope and Nana Saheb, giving the revolt a pan-Indian character.
Major Battles • Siege of Arrah (July 26, 1857)
and Strategic • Joined by sepoys from Danapur (7th, 8th, and 40th regiments of Bengal Native Infantry).
Movements • Besieged British forces in Arrah, but the arrival of Major General Vincent Eyre led to defeat
at the Battle of Bibiganj (August 3, 1857).
• British forces captured Jagdishpur, destroyed his arsenal, and temples, but Kunwar Singh
continued the resistance.
Expansion of • Extended operations beyond Bihar to Mirzapur, Rewa, Banda, Kanpur, Lucknow, and
Operations Gwalior.
(August 1857 - • Attempted to capture Rewa but was repelled by Lt. Osborne.
March 1858) • Participated in the Siege of Kanpur with Nana Saheb’s forces, later moving to Kalpi and
Azamgarh.
• Awarded a robe of honor, a firman for Azamgarh, and 12,000 rupees by the Shah of Awadh.
• Maintained control of Azamgarh against repeated British offensives.
Final Campaign • Defeated British forces under Brigadier Douglas while crossing the Ganga to retake
and Martyrdom Jagdishpur (April 21, 1858).
(April 1858) • Wounded in battle, he cut off his injured arm and offered it to the Ganga, symbolizing his
unyielding spirit.

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 MODERN HISTORY - QEP BPSC: TARGET 2024-25
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• Successfully recaptured Jagdishpur Fort after defeating Captain Le Grand’s forces (April 23,
1858).
• Succumbed to injuries and passed away in April, 1858.
Legacy and • His brother Amar Singh continued the rebellion, leading a parallel administration in
Continued Shahabad under Hare Kishan Singh.
Resistance • Adopted guerrilla tactics, which confounded the British.
• Joined rebel forces in Nepal Terai in October 1859.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF KUNWAR SINGH’S CONTRIBUTION
Strengths:
• Leadership and Influence: Kunwar Singh was regarded as a natural leader by rebels in Bihar, commanding the
loyalty of his family and local zamindars.
• Guerrilla Warfare Strategy: He effectively used guerrilla tactics to keep his forces mobilized and outmaneuver
the British.
• Inspiration to Regional Leaders: His resistance efforts motivated leaders in Chhotanagpur, Santhal Parganas,
and other parts of Bihar.
• Tactical Mobility: He avoided static positions and continuously moved across key regions like Mirzapur, Rewa,
Banda, Lucknow, and Kanpur.
• Efforts for a United Revolt: He sought alliances with leaders like Tatya Tope and Nana Saheb to give the
rebellion a pan-Indian character.
Limitations:
• Feudal Leadership: Historians like Judith Brown and Eric Stokes argue that the revolt had a feudal and elitist
character.
• Personal Motivations: Some suggest he was partly driven by the loss of his estates.
• Limited Forces: Led only about 1,200 trained sepoys, making it difficult to sustain a large-scale rebellion.
• Lack of Societal Vision: The movement lacked a long-term alternative to British rule and relied on traditional
warfare.
• Violent Methods: Like other leaders of the time, he was unaware of non-violent resistance strategies.

CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVOLT OF 1857:

1. Political Consequences:
• End of Company Rule: The Government of India Act, 1858, ended the rule of the East India Company
and brought India under direct British Crown control.
• Establishment of British Raj: A Viceroy replaced the Governor-General as the Crown’s representative,
while princely states remained under indirect British rule.
• Secretary of State for India: The Pitt’s India Act (1784) was repealed, and the British Parliament created
the "India House," led by the Secretary of State for India.
2. Military Consequences: Reorganization of the Army - The Peel Commission (1857) recommended military
reforms, increasing the number of British soldiers and recruiting from loyal groups like Sikhs and Gurkhas.
3. Administrative Strategies: Policy of Divide and Rule - The British strategically fostered religious, regional,
and social divisions to prevent unity and future revolts.
4. End of the Mughal Dynasty: The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah II, was exiled, marking the formal
collapse of the Mughal dynasty.
5. Economic Impact: Heavy taxation and tariffs were imposed to recover British losses, further straining India's
economy.
6. Social and Cultural Divide: The revolt deepened the divide between the British and Indians, increasing racial
discrimination and mistrust.

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7. Impact on Nationalism: Rise of Nationalism - Despite its failure, the revolt sowed the seeds of nationalism
and inspired future independence movements.
• Hindu-Muslim Unity: The rebellion showcased strong Hindu-Muslim cooperation, uniting communities
in resistance against British rule.
8. Educational Reforms: The British expanded education to create a class of educated Indians loyal to the
colonial administration.

VIEWS ON THE REVOLT:

NATIONALIST PERSPECTIVE COLONIAL PERSPECTIVE

• Symbol of Indian Unity: Seen as a symbol of unity • Sepoy Mutiny: Often referred to as the Sepoy
among Indians against British rule, transcending Mutiny, portraying it as a mutiny by sepoys rather
regional and cultural differences. than a widespread uprising against British rule.
• Awakening of Nationalism: Considered a key event • Law and Order Issue: Viewed primarily as a law-and-
that awakened nationalist sentiments and the desire order problem that needed to be quelled to maintain
for independence from British colonial rule. British control and stability in India.
• Inspiration for Freedom Fighters: The leaders and • Failure of Indian Leadership: Portrayed Indian
participants are revered as inspirations for future leaders as self-serving and incapable of providing
freedom fighters in India's struggle for effective leadership, emphasizing divisions within
independence. Indian society.
• Anti-Imperialist Stand: Viewed as a strong anti- • Necessity of British Rule: Reinforced the belief in the
imperialist stand by Indians, highlighting their necessity of British rule in India, portraying
resistance against British imperialism and themselves as a civilizing force that brought order
exploitation and progress.
• Struggle for Rights: Seen as a struggle for basic rights • Religious Factors: Characterized as a result of
and dignity, including the right to self-rule, which religious fanaticism, citing the cartridge controversy
were denied under British colonial rule. as an example of irrational behavior.
• Catalyst for Freedom Movement: Considered a • Martial Races Theory: Strengthened the belief in the
catalyst for the organized freedom movement in martial races theory, categorizing certain Indian
India, leading to future movements against British communities as naturally martial and others as
rule. inherently inferior.
• Revival of Indian Identity: It was seen as a revival and • Divide and Rule Policy: Used as a justification for the
reaffirmation of Indian identity, culture, and divide and rule policy, emphasizing the need to
traditions, which were suppressed under British rule. maintain divisions among different communities.
• Demand for Social Reform: It raised voices against • Reassertion of British Power: Seen as a reassertion
social evils like caste discrimination and widow of British power and authority in India,
remarriage, advocating for social reform. demonstrating their ability to quell dissent.
• Legacy of Resistance: The legacy of the revolt is seen • Reforms and Modernization: Highlighted the
in subsequent independence movements, serving as reforms and modernization efforts that followed,
an inspiration for future struggles against portraying British rule as beneficial for India's
colonialism. development.

Nature INTERPRETATION DETAILS AND SCHOLARS

of the Sir John Seeley: Viewed as a localized military uprising without broader national
Sepoy Mutiny
Revolt support. Reflects British perspective minimizing the political aspect.

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V.D. Savarkar: Termed it the First War of Independence, emphasizing its

National Uprising
significance as a unified struggle against British rule.
Lack of National R.C. Majumdar: Critiques the idea of it being a national revolt, pointing out limited
Character geographical spread and participation.
Political S.N. Sen: Acknowledges the political motives behind the revolt, while noting its
Rebellion failure to encompass all Indian communities.
Eric Stokes, Percival Spear: Highlighted the multifaceted nature of the revolt, from
Diverse Views
military grievances to broader societal discontent.
Marxist Interpretation: Seen as a response by feudal elements against colonial
Feudal Reaction
policies threatening their traditional standings.

GOOD GOVERNANCE ACT OF 1858:

The Good Governance Act of 1858, formally known as the Government of India Act 1858, was a significant piece
of legislation that marked the beginning of direct British rule in India.
• Transfer of Power: The Act transferred the powers and territories held by the East India Company to
the British Crown. The British government assumed direct control over India.
• Establishment of Secretary of State for India: The Act created the position of Secretary of State for India,
who was a member of the British cabinet and responsible for overseeing Indian affairs.
• Abolition of Company's Rule: The Act abolished the East India Company's rule and dissolved its
administrative and military functions.
• Expansion of Legislative Councils: The act expanded the powers of the legislative councils in India,
allowing for increased Indian representation and participation in the legislative process.
• Introduction of Uniform Legal System: The act introduced a uniform legal system in India, based on
English law, to ensure consistency and fairness in the administration of justice.

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