Military Uprisings in India Before 1857

Military uprisings in India before the 1857 revolt were critical in shaping the resistance against British colonial rule. These uprisings showcased the discontent among Indian soldiers and the wider populace. They were driven by various factors, including political grievances and socio-economic issues.

Background to Military Discontent

The Indian sepoys faced discrimination within the British Indian Army. They received lower pay and fewer promotions compared to their British counterparts. This inequality encourageed resentment and unrest among the troops. The growing discontent among sepoys set the stage for the larger rebellion of 1857.

Localised Uprisings

Several localized uprisings occurred across India before 1857. While limited in scope, they were in denoting the discontent against British rule. These uprisings were often brutally suppressed, with leaders executed and rebellious regiments disbanded.

Key Uprisings and Their Causes

1. Pahariyas’ Rebellion (1778)
   The Pahariyas in Raj Mahal Hills revolted against British land expansion.
2. Chuar Uprisings (1776)
   The Chuar tribesmen protested against economic hardships imposed by the British.
3. Kol Uprisings (1831)
   Led by Buddho Bhagat, the Kols of Chottanagpur resisted land transfers to outsiders.
4. Ho and Munda Uprisings
   Multiple revolts by Ho tribals and Mundas against British policies and land occupation occurred between 1827 and 1900.
5. Santhal Rebellion (1855-56)
   Led by Sido and Kanhu, the Santhals fought against zamindar exploitation and British rule.
6. Kondh Uprisings (1837-56)
   Chakra Bisnoi led these protests against new taxes and interference in tribal customs.
7. Naikada Movement (1860s)
   This uprising against British and caste Hindu oppression occurred in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
8. Kharwar Rebellion (1870s)
   The Kharwars protested against revenue settlement activities in Bihar.
9. Khonda Dora Campaign (1900)
   Led by Korra Mallaya, this campaign in Visakhapatnam opposed oppression by British authorities.
10. Bhil Revolts (1817-19 and 1913)
    The Bhils resisted Company rule and sought to establish Bhil Raj.
11. Bhuyan and Juang Rebellions (1867-93)
    These uprisings protested the installation of British puppets in local governance.
12. Koya Revolts (1879-80)
    The Koyas resisted police oppression and denial of rights over forest areas.
13. Bastar Revolt (1910)
    This uprising against feudal and forest levies occurred in Jagdalpur.
14. Tana Bhagat Movements (1914-15)
    Led by Jatra Bhagat, this movement among the Mundas and Oraon tribes sought to protect tribal rights.
15. Rampa Revolts (1916-24)
    Alluri Sitarama Raju led these revolts against British interference in Andhra Pradesh.
16. Jharkhand Uprising (1920 onwards)
    This movement in Chottanagpur sought to address tribal grievances against British rule.
17. Forest Satyagrahas (1920s-30s)
    Protests by Chenchu and Karwar tribals against British control over forests.
18. Gond Uprising (1940s)
    This movement aimed to unite believers of Gonddharma.

Northeast Frontier Tribal Movements

Before 1857, several uprisings occurred in the Northeast region of India.

1. Ahoms’ Revolt (1828-33)
   The Ahoms protested against unfulfilled promises by the British after the Burmese War.
2. Khasis’ Revolt (1830s)
   Led by Tirath Singh, this revolt was against British occupation in the Khasi hills.
3. Singphos’ Rebellion (1830s)
   This rebellion saw the murder of a British political agent, leading to severe suppression.

Movements After 1857

Post-1857, several tribal movements emerged, reflecting ongoing discontent.

1. Kukis’ Revolt (1917-19)
   This uprising in Manipur protested British labour recruitment policies during World War I.
2. Revolts in Tripura
   Various protests against tax hikes and settlement of outsiders occurred, including notable leaders like Parikshit Jamatia.
3. Zeliangrong Movement (1920s)
   This movement aimed to protect the Zemi, Liangmei, and Rongmei tribes during Kuki violence.
4. Naga Movement (1905-31)
   Led by Jadonang, this movement sought independence from British rule.
5. Heraka Cult (1930s)
   Gaidinliu led this movement, which aimed for tribal rights and was eventually suppressed.
6. Other Smaller Movements
   Various smaller uprisings occurred, including the revolt of the Syntengs and the Phulaguri peasants’ rebellion.

Impact of Uprisings

These uprisings, though localized, were very important in shaping the narrative leading to the 1857 revolt. They showcased the widespread discontent against British rule. Each uprising reflected unique local grievances but shared a common goal of resisting colonial oppression.