The recent visit by the Vice-President to Pandrangi, Andhra Pradesh has brought back into spotlight remarkable figure of Indian history, Alluri Sitarama Raju. Known as the “Hero of the Jungle,” Raju left an indelible mark in the fight against British colonial rule in India.
Who was Alluri Sitarama Raju?
Born in 1897, Alluri Sitarama Raju emerged as a significant revolutionary figure fighting against British Colonial authorities. Hailing from the present-day Andhra Pradesh, Raju developed a strong disposition against the British regime at a young age and eventually chose a monastic life at the age of 18.
Protest Against the Madras Forest Act
Raju’s fierce anti-British sentiments stemmed largely from the unfair 1882 Madras Forest Act that severely curtailed the rights of the tribal communities, also known as Adivasis. This Act imposed stringent restrictions on the movement of the Adivasis within their forest habitats and marked an abrupt halt to their traditional agricultural practice known as ‘podu’ or shifting cultivation.
The Manyam Veerudu
The widespread discontentment and hostility towards the British due to such policies triggered a massive uprising known as the Rampa Rebellion or the Manyam Rebellion of 1922. It is during this revolt that Raju cemented his leadership position among his followers. His daring endeavors earned him the sobriquet “Manyam Veerudu,” a title given by the local villagers, which translates to “Hero of the Jungle.”
Raju’s Armed Resistance and his End
Raju’s armed rebellion was an embodiment of his relentless resistance against British rule. However, this resistance was short-lived as he was captured by the police in 1924. The British authorities executed him publicly by tying him to a tree and shooting him, an act that effectively squashed the armed uprising.
Revolutionary figures like Alluri Sitarama Raju serve as a stark reminder of the tumultuous struggle for freedom that India witnessed. His story resonates with resilience, defiance, and sacrifice in the face of colonial tyranny. The Vice-President’s visit to Raju’s birthplace rekindles the memory of his bravery and his invaluable contribution to India’s fight against colonial rule, reinforcing his legacy as a instrumental figure in India’s quest for independence.
