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16 Jul

People's Resistance Against British Before 1857

Master Summary Table (Part 1: 1763–1805)

Uprising / Revolt (Year)Region • Governor-General / Viceroy • Leaders & Major ParticipantsMain CausesOutcome
Sanyasi–Fakir Revolt (1763–1800)Region: Bengal & Bihar (especially Eastern Bengal). Governor-General: Warren Hastings (1773–1785) played the major role in suppression. Leaders: Majnu Shah (Majnum Shah), Musa Shah, Chirag Ali, Bhawani Pathak, Debi Chaudhurani. Major Participants: Hindu Sanyasis, Muslim Fakirs, dispossessed zamindars, evicted peasants, disbanded soldiers, rural poor.Great Bengal Famine (1770), harsh Company revenue policies, economic exploitation, dispossession of peasants and zamindars, attack on traditional livelihood.Company factories and treasuries were repeatedly attacked. After prolonged military operations, Warren Hastings suppressed the revolt. It became one of the earliest organised anti-British movements and inspired later resistance.
Revolt in Midnapore & Dhalbhum (1766–1774)Region: Midnapore, Dhalbhum, Jungle Mahals (Bengal). Governor: Robert Clive (till 1767), Harry Verelst (1767–1769), John Cartier (1769–1772), Warren Hastings (from 1772). Leaders: Damodar Singh, Jagannath Dhal. Participants: Zamindars, Talukdars, Ryots (peasants).Introduction of new land revenue system (1772), dispossession of zamindars, interference in traditional land relations, excessive revenue demand.British gradually confiscated zamindaris of Jungle Mahal chiefs by the early nineteenth century. Revolt was suppressed but demonstrated close unity between zamindars and peasants.
Moamaria Revolt (1769–1799)Region: Assam (Rangpur, Jorhat, Bhatiapar). Governor-General: Warren Hastings, Cornwallis, John Shore. Leaders: Moamaria Mahants, Krishnanarayan (King of Darrang), burkandazes. Participants: Low-caste Moamaria peasants, followers of Aniruddhadeva.Oppression by Ahom rulers, social discrimination, peasant grievances, challenge to Ahom authority.Ahom kingdom was seriously weakened and sought British assistance. Internal weakness later facilitated Burmese invasion and eventual British occupation.
Pahariyas' Rebellion (1778)Region: Rajmahal Hills. Governor-General: Warren Hastings. Leaders: Tribal chiefs of the Pahariyas. Participants: Martial Pahariya tribes.British expansion into tribal territory and interference in traditional autonomy.British declared the area as Damni-kol and adopted conciliatory measures to restore peace.
Civil Uprising in Gorakhpur, Basti & Bahraich (1781)Region: Gorakhpur, Bahraich, Basti (Awadh). Governor-General: Warren Hastings. Leaders: Local zamindars. Participants: Zamindars, cultivators, guerrilla bands.Oppressive revenue collection by Major Alexander Hannay, excessive taxation, exploitation under Ijara system.Hannay's officials were killed or besieged. Though rebellion was suppressed, Hannay was dismissed and his revenue contract cancelled.
Revolt of Raja of Vizianagaram (1794)Region: Vizianagaram, Northern Circars (Andhra Pradesh). Governor-General: Sir John Shore. Leader: Raja Vijayaramaraju (Viziaram Raju). Participants: Subjects of Vizianagaram.Heavy tribute demand (₹3 lakh), order to disband army, British violation of earlier treaty.Raja was killed in the Battle of Padmanabham (1794). British annexed Vizianagaram but later restored the estate to his son with reduced tribute demand.
Major Chuar Uprising (1795–1816) (Major phase under Durjan Singh in 1798)Region: Jungle Mahals (Midnapore, Bankura, Manbhum). Governor-General: Sir John Shore and Lord Wellesley. Leaders: Durjan Singh, Madhab Singh, Raja Mohan Singh, Lachman Singh, Jagannath Singh, Shyam Ganjan, Subla Singh. Participants: Chuar tribes, dispossessed zamindars, peasants.Famine, increased land revenue, confiscation of estates, economic distress, displacement under British regulations.Revolt was brutally suppressed after repeated campaigns. Demonstrated strong tribal-zamindari resistance against Company rule.
Revolt of Dhundia Wagh (1799–1800)Region: Bednur, Mysore & Maratha frontier. Governor-General: Lord Wellesley. Leader: Dhundia Wagh. Participants: Former Mysore soldiers, anti-British chiefs, Maratha supporters.Collapse of Mysore after Tipu Sultan's death, anti-British sentiment, attempt to establish independent authority.Dhundia was killed by British forces under Arthur Wellesley (1800). Revolt ended but he became a popular anti-British figure.
Resistance of Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (1793–1797; 1800–1805)Region: Kottayam, Wayanad, Malabar (Kerala). Governor-General: Lord Wellesley. Leader: Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja. Participants: Nairs, Mappilas, Pathans, peasants, former Mysore soldiers.British violation of Kottayam's independence, excessive taxation, dispute over Wayanad, loss of traditional authority.Long guerrilla resistance continued until Pazhassi Raja was killed in 1805. One of the finest examples of guerrilla warfare against the British.
Civil Rebellion of Awadh (1799)Region: Benares & Awadh. Governor-General: Lord Wellesley. Leader: Wazir Ali Khan. Participants: Wazir Ali's followers and soldiers.Deposition from Awadh throne, British interference in succession, political humiliation.Famous Massacre of Benares occurred. Revolt failed, Wazir Ali was captured and imprisoned in Fort William, Calcutta.
Uprising in Ganjam & Gumsur (1800–1804; later 1835–1837)Region: Ganjam (Odisha). Governor-General: Lord Wellesley. Leaders: Strikara Bhanj, Dhananjaya Bhanj, Jagannath Deo, Jlani Deo. Participants: Zamindars and followers.Refusal to pay revenue, British interference in zamindari administration, excessive arrears.British captured Jagannath Deo and later suppressed repeated rebellions. Gumsur Zamindari was eventually forfeited after later phases.
Palamau Uprising (1800–1802)Region: Palamau (Jharkhand). Governor-General: Lord Wellesley. Leader: Bhukhan Singh (Chero chief). Participants: Chero tribes and local supporters.Agrarian crisis, feudal conflicts, British expansion.Colonel Jones suppressed the rebellion after prolonged operations. Bhukhan Singh died in 1802.
Poligars' Revolt (1795–1805)Region: Tinnevelly, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Madurai, North Arcot (Tamil Nadu). Governor-General: Lord Wellesley. Leaders: Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Oomathurai, Marudhu Pandian, Subramania Pillai, Soundara Pandian. Participants: Poligars (Palayakkarars), peasants, local militia.Heavy taxation, British interference in hereditary rights, loss of political autonomy, abolition of traditional authority.Kattabomman was captured and executed after betrayal by Ettappan. Marudhu brothers were defeated. Panjalankurichi fort was destroyed. By 1805, revolt ended and Company gained complete control over the Carnatic.

Years Covered in Part 1

  • 1763–1800 – Sanyasi–Fakir Revolt
  • 1766–1774 – Midnapore & Dhalbhum Revolt
  • 1769–1799 – Moamaria Revolt
  • 1778 – Pahariyas' Rebellion
  • 1781 – Gorakhpur–Basti–Bahraich Uprising
  • 1794 – Vizianagaram Revolt (Battle of Padmanabham)
  • 1795–1816 – Chuar Uprising (Major phase begins)
  • 1795–1805 – Poligars' Revolt
  • 1799 – Wazir Ali Rebellion
  • 1799–1800 – Dhundia Wagh Revolt
  • 1793–1805 – Pazhassi Raja Resistance
  • 1800–1804 – Ganjam & Gumsur Uprising (First Phase)
  • 1800–1802 – Palamau Uprising


People's Resistance Against British Before 1857 (Part 2)

Chronological Table (1769–1799)

Revolt / Uprising (Year)Region • Governor-General / Viceroy • Leaders & ParticipantsMain CausesOutcome
Moamaria Revolt (1769–1799)Assam (Ahom Kingdom) • British intervention period; later under Warren Hastings (1773–1785) and Lord Cornwallis (1786–1793)Leaders: Moamaria followers of Aniruddhadeva; later Krishnanarayan (King of Darrang)Participants: Low-caste peasants, Moamaria sect followers, BurkandazesRevolt against Ahom rulers; social oppression of low-caste followers; later political instability weakened Ahom kingdom.Greatly weakened Ahom power. Ahom rulers sought British assistance. Eventually Assam became vulnerable to Burmese invasion and later British control.
Civil Uprisings in Gorakhpur, Basti & Bahraich (1781)Awadh (Present Uttar Pradesh)Warren Hastings (1773–1785)Leader: Local zamindars • Participants: Zamindars, cultivators, guerrilla groupsOppression by Major Alexander Hannay, excessive revenue demand, exploitative revenue farming (Izaradari).Rebellion suppressed. Hannay dismissed and his revenue contract cancelled.
Revolt of Raja of Vizianagaram (1794)Northern Circars (Andhra Pradesh)Lord Cornwallis (1786–1793) (preceding administration); conflict continued under Sir John Shore (1793–1798)Leader: Vijayarama Raju (Viziaramaraju)Participants: Subjects of VizianagaramCompany violated earlier treaty, demanded heavy tribute (₹3 lakh), ordered disbanding of army.Raja died fighting at Battle of Padmanabham (1794). Vizianagaram annexed by Company. Estate later restored to Raja's son with reduced tribute.
Resistance of Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (1793–1797; 1800–1805)Kottayam & Wayanad, Malabar (Kerala)Sir John Shore (1793–1798) and Lord Wellesley (1798–1805)Leader: Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (Kerala Simham)Participants: Nairs, peasants, Mappilas, Pathans, former soldiers of Tipu SultanBritish interference after Third Anglo-Mysore War; excessive land revenue; appointment of puppet ruler; dispute over Wayanad.Guerrilla warfare continued for years. Pazhassi Raja was killed in 1805 at Mavila Todu. British established control over Malabar.
Poligar Revolt – First Phase (1795–1799)Tinneveli, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Madurai, North Arcot (Tamil Nadu)Sir John Shore (1793–1798) and Lord Wellesley (1798–1805)Leader: Veerapandiya Kattabomman NayakanParticipants: Poligars (Palayakkarars), local peasantsBritish assumption of Carnatic administration; revenue disputes; loss of traditional autonomy; heavy taxation.Kattabomman defeated after betrayal by Ettappan, captured and executed. Estates confiscated. Second phase of revolt began in 1801.
Civil Rebellion in Awadh / Wazir Ali Revolt (1799)Benares & AwadhLord Wellesley (1798–1805)Leader: Wazir Ali KhanParticipants: Supporters of former Nawab, armed followersRemoval from throne by the British; pension arrangement; resentment against British interference in Awadh.Massacre of Benares (1799) occurred. Revolt crushed by General Erskine. Wazir Ali surrendered and was imprisoned in Fort William, Calcutta.
Revolt of Dhundia Wagh (1799–1800)Bednur & Mysore region (Karnataka)Lord Wellesley (1798–1805)Leader: Dhundia WaghParticipants: Anti-British elements, former Mysore soldiers, Maratha supportersCollapse of Mysore after Tipu Sultan's death; anti-British resistance; attempt to establish independent authority.Dhundia Wagh killed in 1800 by British forces under Arthur Wellesley. Revolt suppressed.

Important Years Covered in this Part

  • 1769 – Moamaria Revolt begins.
  • 1781 – Gorakhpur–Basti–Bahraich uprising against Hannay.
  • 1793 – British intervention in Kottayam; resistance of Pazhassi Raja intensifies.
  • 1794 – Battle of Padmanabham; Raja of Vizianagaram killed.
  • 1795 – First Phase of Poligar Revolt begins.
  • 1797 – Temporary peace with Pazhassi Raja.
  • 1798 – Lord Wellesley becomes Governor-General.
  • 1799 – Wazir Ali Revolt (Massacre of Benares); Fall of Seringapatam; Dhundia Wagh begins resistance.


People's Resistance Against British Before 1857 (Part 3)

Chronological Table (1800–1809)

Revolt / Uprising (Year)Region • Governor-General • Leaders & ParticipantsMain CausesOutcome
Uprisings in Ganjam & Gumsur – First Phase (1800)Ganjam & Gumsur (Present Odisha)Lord Wellesley (1798–1805)Leaders: Strikara Bhanj, Jagannath Deo, Jlani DeoParticipants: Zamindars, local followersRefusal to pay excessive land revenue; opposition to British revenue administration; oppressive Collector Snodgrass.British replaced the corrupt collector. Jagannath Deo captured (1804). Some districts restored to Strikara Bhanj. Revolt continued intermittently.
Uprisings in Palamau (1800–1802)Palamau (Present Jharkhand)Lord Wellesley (1798–1805)Leader: Bhukhan Singh (Chero Chief)Participants: Chero tribes and local supportersAgrarian and feudal crisis; resistance against British expansion and interference.British military under Colonel Jones campaigned for nearly two years. Bhukhan Singh died in 1802 and revolt subsided.
Revolt of Dhundia Wagh (1799–1800)Bednur & Mysore Region (Karnataka)Lord Wellesley (1798–1805)Leader: Dhundia WaghParticipants: Former Mysore soldiers, Maratha supporters, anti-British elementsAttempt to establish independent rule after the fall of Tipu Sultan; anti-British resistance.Dhundia Wagh was defeated and killed by Arthur Wellesley in September 1800.
Resistance of Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja – Second Phase (1800–1805)Kottayam & Wayanad (Kerala)Lord Wellesley (1798–1805)Leader: Kerala Varma Pazhassi RajaParticipants: Nairs, peasants, Mappilas, Pathans, former soldiers of Tipu SultanBritish occupation of Wayanad; excessive taxation; denial of Kottayam's independence; British interference in local administration.Prolonged guerrilla warfare. Pazhassi Raja was killed in 1805 at Mavila Todu, ending organised resistance.
Poligar Revolt – Second Phase (1801–1805)Tamil Nadu (Tinneveli, Sivaganga, Madurai, Ramanathapuram, North Arcot)Lord Wellesley (1798–1805)Leaders: Oomathurai, Maruthu Pandian, other Poligar chiefs • Participants: Escaped Poligars, local peasants, Marudhu brothers' supportersConfiscation of estates; suppression after Kattabomman's execution; British revenue policies; loss of hereditary authority.British recaptured forts including Tuticorin. Fort of Panjalankurichi was destroyed, rebel leaders executed or imprisoned. Carnatic administration permanently transferred to the Company.
Koya Revolt (1803)Eastern Godavari Region (Andhra Pradesh)Lord Wellesley (1798–1805)Leaders: Local Koya chiefs • Participants: Koya tribes and Khonda Sara chiefsOppression by police and moneylenders; interference in tribal customs and forests.Revolt suppressed but tribal unrest continued through the nineteenth century.
Diwan Velu Thampi's Revolt (1808–1809)Travancore (Kerala)Lord Minto I (1807–1813)Leader: Velu Thampi DalawaParticipants: Nair troops, sections of Travancore populationHeavy subsidy under Subsidiary Alliance; British interference in Travancore administration; misconduct of British Resident.Kundara Proclamation called for armed resistance. British suppressed the revolt. Velu Thampi committed suicide to avoid capture.
Disturbances in Bundelkhand (1808–1812)Bundelkhand (Present Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh)Lord Minto I (1807–1813)Leaders: Lakshman Dawa, Darya Singh, Gopal SinghParticipants: Bundela chiefs, fort commanders, local followersBritish annexation after Second Anglo-Maratha War; attempts to seize forts; resistance by hereditary chiefs.Successive rebellions suppressed. British later adopted Ikarnamahs (contractual agreements) to bind Bundela chiefs to Company rule.
Uprising in Bhiwani (1809)Bhiwani (Present Haryana)Lord Minto I (1807–1813)Leaders: Local Jat chiefs • Participants: Jat communityResistance against British authority and administration.Strong British military force with artillery suppressed the uprising.

Important Years Covered in this Part

  • 1800 – Ganjam–Gumsur uprising; Palamau uprising; Dhundia Wagh killed.
  • 1801 – Second Phase of Poligar Revolt begins.
  • 1803 – Koya Revolt; British expansion after Second Anglo-Maratha War influences Bundelkhand resistance.
  • 1805 – Death of Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja; Poligar Revolt effectively crushed.
  • 1807 – Lord Minto I becomes Governor-General.
  • 1808 – Velu Thampi's Revolt begins; Bundelkhand disturbances intensify.
  • 1809 – Kundara Proclamation; Velu Thampi dies; Bhiwani Jat uprising.


People's Resistance Against British Before 1857 (Part 4)

Chronological Table (1810–1819)

Revolt / Uprising (Year)Region • Governor-General • Leaders & ParticipantsMain CausesOutcome
House Tax Agitation (1810)Benares (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)Lord Minto I (1807–1813)Participants: Artisans, petty shopkeepers, urban poor, prosperous urban citizensOpposition to the newly imposed House Tax by the colonial government.Strong public resistance forced the government to face widespread agitation. It became an important example of an early urban protest against British taxation.
Parlakimedi Outbreak (1813–1834)Parlakimedi (Present Odisha)Lord Minto I (1807–1813), Lord Hastings (1813–1823)Leaders: Narayan Deo, Gajapathi DeoParticipants: Zamindars and their supportersBritish interference in zamindari administration after acquiring Ganjam; resistance against loss of authority and revenue control.British military suppressed the revolt. George Russell was appointed Commissioner (1832), and by 1834 the region was pacified.
Uprisings in Ganjam & Gumsur (1815)Ganjam (Odisha)Lord Hastings (1813–1823)Leader: Dhananjaya BhanjParticipants: Zamindars and local supportersContinued refusal to accept British authority and revenue demands.Dhananjaya Bhanj surrendered in June 1815. Strikara Bhanj was later restored as Zamindar through compromise.
Rising at Bareilly (1816)Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh)Lord Hastings (1813–1823)Leader: Mufti Muhammad AiwazParticipants: Muslim citizens from Bareilly, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur and RampurImposition of Police Tax; police brutality while collecting tax; religious sentiments after injury to a woman during tax collection.More than 300 rebels were killed. Uprising brutally suppressed through heavy military action.
Kutch (Cutch) Rebellion (1816–1832)Kutch (Gujarat)Lord Hastings (1813–1823)Leader: Rao Bharamal IIParticipants: Local chiefs, Arab & African troops, Kutch nobilityBritish interference in succession disputes; administrative changes; excessive land assessment; demand for restoration of Bharamal II.Bharamal II was deposed. British installed his infant son under a Regency Council. Continued resistance forced the British to adopt a conciliatory policy.
Upsurge in Hathras (1817)Hathras & Mursan (Present Uttar Pradesh)Lord Hastings (1813–1823)Leaders: Dayaram, Bhagwant SinghParticipants: Talukdars and their followersIncreasing land revenue demand; failure to pay arrears; British military intervention against local chiefs.After a siege of over 15 days, Hathras Fort fell. Dayaram surrendered and received a pension. Bhagwant Singh also submitted.
Paika Rebellion (1817–1818)Khurda & OdishaLord Hastings (1813–1823)Leaders: Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar, Mukunda Deva II, Dinabandhu SantraParticipants: Paikas, Khonds, peasants, zamindars, Raja of Nayagarh, priests of PuriAbolition of Paikas' rent-free land grants; dethronement of Raja of Khurda; high land revenue; salt tax; abolition of cowrie currency; loss of hereditary privileges.Initial successes forced Company retreat. British later suppressed the revolt. Jagabandhu surrendered in 1825 (some accounts say captured). Government granted revenue remissions, reduced assessments, fixed settlements, and suspended sale of estates in some cases.
Bhil Revolt – First Phase (1817–1819)Khandesh, Dhar, Malwa & Western GhatsLord Hastings (1813–1823)Participants: Bhil tribesFamine, economic hardship, misgovernment and British expansion.British combined military action with conciliatory measures. Revolt suppressed but Bhil resistance continued in later years.
Waghera Rising (1818–1820)Okha Mandal (Gujarat)Lord Hastings (1813–1823)Leaders: Waghera chiefsResentment against British authority and oppression by the Gaekwad of Baroda supported by the British.British negotiated a Peace Treaty (1820) after military operations.
Paika Guerrilla Resistance Continues (1818)OdishaLord Hastings (1813–1823)Leader: Bakshi JagabandhuContinued resistance after suppression of the main rebellion.Guerrilla warfare continued until Jagabandhu's eventual surrender in 1825.
Kutch Rebellion Intensifies (1819)Kutch (Gujarat)Lord Hastings (1813–1823)Leader: Rao Bharamal IIBritish intervention in internal politics; deposition of Bharamal II.Bharamal II deposed; Regency established under British Resident. Continued unrest until 1832.

Important Years Covered in this Part

  • 1810 – House Tax Agitation at Benares.
  • 1813 – Parlakimedi Outbreak begins; Lord Hastings becomes Governor-General.
  • 1815 – Dhananjaya Bhanj surrenders in Ganjam.
  • 1816 – Bareilly Rising; Kutch Rebellion begins.
  • 1817 – Paika Rebellion; Hathras Uprising; Bhil Revolt begins.
  • 1818 – Paika guerrilla resistance continues; Waghera Rising; British consolidate control after Third Anglo-Maratha War.
  • 1819 – Rao Bharamal II deposed during Kutch Rebellion.
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