What were the famous revolts in Western India and South India?

Revolts in Western India

(i) Bhil Risings:

The Bhils, an aboriginal tribe, live in the Western Ghats with their strongholds in Khandesh. During 1817-19 the Bhils revolted against their new masters, the English East India Company. The Company’s authorities alleged that the revolts had been encouraged by Peshwa Baji II and his lieutenant Trimbakji Danglia.

Agrarian hardships and fear of the worst under the new regime were their apprehensions. Several British detachments ruthlessly rushed the revolt. However, the Bhils were far from being pacified. Encouraged by the British reverses in the Burman war, the Bhils under their leader Sewram again revolted in 1825. The trouble erupted in 1831 and again in 1846 signifying the popular character of the discontent.

(ii) Koli Risings:

The Kolis, living in the neighbourhood of the Bhils, also resented the imposition of British rule and dismantlement of their forts. The new order of administration set up by the Company caused widespread unemployment. The Kolis rose in rebellion in 1829, in 1839 and once again during 1844-48.

(iii) The Cutch Rebellion:

Anti-British sentiments prevailed in the Cutch and Kathiwar areas. The struggle between the Cutch ruler, Rao Bharmal and the pro-Jhareja chiefs was at the root of the trouble. In 1819 a British force defeated and deposed Rao Bharmal in favour of his infant son.

The actual administration of Cutch was committed to the care of a Council of Regency under the superintendence of the British Resident. The administrative innovations made by the Regency Council coupled with excessive land assessment caused deep resentment. The news of the English reverses in the Burman war emboldened the chiefs to rise in revolt and demand the restoration of Bharmal. Extensive military operations had to be undertaken. The trouble erupted again in 1831. The company’s authorities were compelled to follow a conciliatory policy.

(iv) Waghera Rising:

The Wagheras of Okha Mandal resented the impositions of foreign rule from the very beginning. The exactions of the Gaekwar of Baroda supported by the British Government compelled the Waghera chief to take up arms. The Wagheras carried on inroads into British territory during jg 18-19. A peace treaty was concluded in November 1820.

(v) Surat Salt Agitation:

Surat had a long history of opposition to unpopular measures. The raising of salt duty from 50 paise to one rupee in 1844 caused great discontent among the people. Soon the anti-Government spirit turned into a strong anti-British spirit. Some Europeans were attacked. Faced with a popular movement the Government withdrew the additional salt levy. Similarly in 1848 the Government’s decision to introduce Bengal Standard Weights and Measures had to be withdrawn against the people’s determined bid to resort to boycott and passive resistance.

(vi) Ramosi Risings:

The Ramosis, the hill tribes in the Western Ghats, were not reconciled to British rule and the British pattern of administration. In 1822 their leader Chittur Singh revolted and plundered the country around Satara. There were eruptions again during 1825-26 and the area remained disturbed till 1829. The deposition and banishment of Raja Pratap Singh of Satara in September 1839 caused widespread resentment in the area and a chain of disturbances occurred during 1840-41. Narsingrao Dattatraya Petkar collected a sizable number of troops captured the fort of Badami and hoisted the flag of the Raja of Satara. A superior British force restored order in the area.

(vii) Kolhapur and Savantvadi Revolts:

The hardships caused by administrative reorganisation in the Kolhapur state after 1844 caused deep resentment. The Godkaris were disbanded. Faced with the specter of unemployment the Godkaris rose in revolt and occupied the forts of Samangarh and Bhudargarh. Similarly, the simmering discontent caused a revolt in Savantvadi.

Revolts in South India

(i) The Revolt of the Raja of Vizianagaram:

The East India Company acted in a very high-handed manned after acquisition of the Northern Sarkars in 1765. It demanded a present of three lakhs from the Raja apart from ordering him to disband his troops. On the Raja’s refusal, his estate was annexed. This was a signal for a revolt in which the Raja received full support of his people and his troops. The Raja lost his life in a battle in 1794. Wisdom dawned on the Company’s authorities who offered the estate to the deceased Raja’s son and also reduced the demand for presents.

Similarly the Poligars of Dindigul and Malabar took up arms against the evils of the English land revenue system. During 1801-1805 the Poligars of the Ceded Districts and North Arcot revolted against the Company. Sporadic risings °f the Poligars in the Madras Presidency continued up to 1856.

(ii) Diwani Velu Tampi’s Revolt:

In 1805 Wellesely imposed a subsidiary alliance treaty on the ruler of Travancore. Resentful of the harsh terms imposed on the State, the ruler did not pay the subsidy and fell in arrears. The overbearing attitude of the British Resident caused deep resentment and Diwan Vela Tampi raised the banner of revolt with the support of the Nair battalion. A large British force had to be deployed to meet the situation and restore peace.