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Civil Uprisings Before 1857 | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year PDF Download

Introduction 

The term "civil" pertains to matters unrelated to defense or the military. The Civil Uprisings predating 1857 primarily denote revolts orchestrated by ousted rulers or their offspring, displaced and destitute zamindars, landlords, and poligars (landed military magnates in South India), as well as former retainers and officials of conquered Indian States. The rack-rented peasants, financially distressed artisans, and demobilized soldiers constituted the core of the rebellions, offering a substantial foundation and formidable force.

Civil Uprisings Before 1857Civil Uprisings Before 1857

Transformation and Rebellions in Colonial India

  • Significant Shift: The aftermath of the 1757 Battle of Plassey marked a pivotal moment.
  • Rapid Ascent: The East India Company swiftly rose in political influence.
  • Dominance: By the late 18th century, British dominance in India was firmly established.
  • Policy Agenda: The Company, compelled by the necessity to institute policies in taxation, law, and administration, initiated a transformative process.
  • Societal Disruption: The implemented policies disrupted the fabric of Indian society.
  • Enduring Impact: This upheaval endured across the British Empire.
  • Culmination: The consequences culminated in the widespread uprising of 1857.

Social Turmoil and Rebellions

  • Disruptive Impact: The East India Company's policies had a detrimental effect on various facets of Indian society—socio-cultural, economic, and political.
  • Urban Elite Prosperity: A new elite in urban centers flourished under British control, enjoying the advantages of economic prosperity.
  • Traditional Sectors Struggle: Conversely, traditional sectors grappled with significant challenges, witnessing a downturn in their livelihoods.
  • Contrasting Fortunes: This stark disparity in fortunes set the stage for a series of rebellions, extending beyond the final years of the British Empire and persisting since its inception.
  • Religious Leaders' Role: Religious leaders played a pivotal role in directing discontent towards political-religious movements, exemplified in the Faqir and Sanyasi uprisings.
  • Complex Movements: These movements, characterized by rituals that challenged British comprehension, were led by religious mendicants, introducing complexity to the socio-political landscape.

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What were the common characteristics of local uprisings?
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Characteristics of Local Uprisings

  • Commonalities in Uprisings: Despite occurring at various times and locations, these uprisings typically mirrored shared conditions.
  • Traditionalist Leadership: The leaders of civil uprisings, often semi-feudal commanders, held a traditional worldview and were considered backward-minded.
  • Restorative Objective: Their primary objective was to revert to earlier forms of government and social relations.
  • Local Origins: These revolutions were rooted in local causes and concerns, originating from specific regions.
  • Localized Repercussions: The consequences of these uprisings were predominantly localized, impacting specific areas rather than having widespread 

Root Causes of Uprisings

Colonial Impact on India:

  • Administrative, Economic, and Land Revenue Changes: Colonial rule brought about rapid transformations in administration, economy, and the land revenue system.
  • Adverse Effects on People: These changes were detrimental to the interests of the people and became a catalyst for civil rebellion in India.
Shift in Zamindar Dynamics:
  • Marginalization of Traditional Zamindars: The traditional zamindars found themselves sidelined by a new class composed of moneylenders and merchants.
  • Loss of Control: Many zamindars lost control over their land and revenue due to colonial policies.
Impact on Artisan Communities:
  • Ruination of Handicraft Industries: The colonial policies had a detrimental impact on Indian handicraft industries, leading to the impoverishment of millions of artisans.
Priestly Class Affected:
  • Dependency on Landed Elite: The priestly class, including priests, pandits, maulvis, and religious preachers, was directly affected by the decline of zamindars and feudal lords.
  • Rebellion of Priestly Classes: The priestly classes, being dependent on the traditional landed elite, also rebelled against colonial rule.
  • Foreign Character and Contemptuous Treatment:
    • Britishers' Foreign Character: The foreign character of the Britishers contributed to civil uprisings.
    • Contemptuous Treatment: The contemptuous treatment of native people by the British also fueled resentment and resistance against colonial rule.

Important Civil Uprisings


The significance of civil uprisings is evident in the diversity of movements across different regions and time periods. Some noteworthy uprisings include the Sanyasi Revolt in Bengal, the Revolt of Moamarias in Assam, and the Paika Rebellion in Odisha. Each uprising had its unique triggers and characteristics, contributing to the complex tapestry of resistance against colonial rule.

Civil Uprisings Before 1857 | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year

Question for Civil Uprisings Before 1857
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What contributed to the emergence of civil uprisings in pre-1857 colonial India?
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Sanyasi Revolt (1763-1800)

Sanyasi RevoltSanyasi Revolt

  • Location and Cause:
    • The Sanyasi Revolt unfolded in Bengal (Eastern India) and was directed against the British administration and revenue policies.
    • Harsh economic measures by the British, coupled with the devastating famine of 1770, compelled the Sanyasis to resist colonial rule.
  • Participants and Diversity:
    • Sanyasis, who renounce worldly desires for spiritual life in Hinduism, played a prominent role in the revolt.
    • The revolt is also sometimes referred to as the Fakir Rebellion due to the equal participation of both Sanyasis (Hindu) and Fakirs (Muslim).
    • Sanyasis and Fakirs traditionally collected alms from local zamindars during their pilgrimages, but British policies, such as increased land taxes and restrictions, hindered this practice.
  • Trigger Events:
    • The Battle of Plassey and Buxar marked turning points, disrupting the traditional practices of collecting alms by zamindars and imposing restrictions on Sanyasis and Fakirs.
  • Composition of Rebels:
    • The rebellion drew support from a diverse group, including small zamindars, rural poor, disbanded soldiers, and a significant number of Sanyasis and Fakirs.
  • Leadership and Persistence:
    • Notable leaders included Majnum Shah, Musa Shah, Chirag Ali, Bhawani Pathak, and Debi Chaudhurani.
    • Governor-General Warren Hastings managed to suppress the revolt after prolonged action, but pockets of resistance continued until 1800.
  • Role of Women:
    • The participation of Debi Chaudhurani highlighted the involvement of women in early resistance against British rule.
  • Literary Depictions:
    • The historical novel "Anandamath" by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay is based on the Sanyasi Revolt, providing a fictionalized account of the events.
    • Another Bengali novel, "Devi Chaudhurani," written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, underscores the importance of women's participation in the struggle against colonial rule.

Revolt in Midnapore and Dhalbhum (1766-74)

Uprisings in Midnapore and DhalbhumUprisings in Midnapore and Dhalbhum
  • The Uprisings in Midnapore transpired after the Britishers took control of Midnapore in 1760.
  • During this period, there were amicable relations between the zamindars and their ryots.
  • The conflict arose when the British introduced a new land revenue system in 1772, leading to tensions between British revenue officials and the ryots.
  • The zamindars of Midnapore initially sided with the ryots against the British revenue policies.
  • However, by the 1800s, zamindars in areas such as Dhalbhum, Raipur, Bagri, Panchet, and Karnagarh, situated in the extensive Jungle Mahals of Midnapore, faced dispossession of their zamindaries.
  • Damodar Singh and Jagannath Dhal emerged as crucial leaders during these uprisings.

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What was the cause of the Velu Thampi Revolt in Travancore?
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Moamaria Insurrection (1796-1799)

Moamaria insurrection of 1769Moamaria insurrection of 1769
  • The Moamaria insurrection of 1769 posed a formidable challenge to the authority of the Ahom monarchs in Assam.
  • The Moamarias were low-caste peasants who adhered to the teachings of Aniruddhadeva (1553–1624), and their growth mirrored that of other North Indian low-caste communities.
  • The uprisings led by the Moamarias had a debilitating effect on the Ahoms, weakening their hold on the territory.
  • Although the Ahom kingdom managed to survive the immediate impact of the uprising, it suffered further blows with a Burmese invasion.
  • Eventually, the Ahom kingdom succumbed to external pressures and fell under the dominion of British authority.

Civil Uprisings in Gorakhpur, Basti, and Bahraich (1781)


  • To fund the war efforts against the Marathas and Mysore, Warren Hastings formulated a plan to engage English officers as ijaradars (revenue farmers) in Awadh.
  • In 1781, a significant uprising unfolded as zamindars and farmers rebelled against the burdensome taxes imposed under this scheme.
  • The opposition was swift and forceful, leading to a situation where all of Hannay's subordinates were either killed or besieged by guerrilla troops aligned with the zamindaris within weeks.
  • The revolt reflected the discontent and resistance among the local population against the perceived oppressive tax policies introduced by the British administration in Awadh.

Revolt of Raja of Vizianagaram (1794)


  • In 1758, an agreement was reached between the English and Ananda Gajapatiraju, the monarch of Vizianagaram, to jointly oust the French from the Northern Circars.
  • Initially, the raja supported this effort, but discontent grew, leading to a revolt against the English, backed by his subjects.
  • By 1793, the English had successfully captured the raja, and he was sentenced to exile with a pension. However, the raja vehemently refused to accept this arrangement.
  • In 1794, a fatal clash occurred at Padmanabham (now in the Andhra Pradesh district of Visakhapatnam), resulting in the death of the raja.
  • Following his demise, the East India Company assumed control of Vizianagaram, consolidating its influence in the region.

Vellore Mutiny (1806-1807)

Vellore MutinyVellore Mutiny
  • The Vellore Mutiny marked the first significant instance of a large-scale rebellion by Indian sepoys against colonial rule.
  • This uprising occurred in Vellore city in South India during the tenure of Governor-General George Barlow in 1806.
  • The sepoy revolt was sparked by opposition to the interference of the British in their social and religious practices.
  • A key trigger was the prohibition of tilaks on the foreheads of Brahmin soldiers, leading to resentment among the sepoys.
  • The rebellion escalated as the sepoys seized control of the Vellore fort and carried out an attack, resulting in the death of nearly 200 British troops.
  • The mutiny was eventually suppressed with the intervention of artillery and cavalry from Arcot.
  • In the aftermath, both the Governor of Madras, Lord William Bentinck, and the Commander-in-Chief at Madras, Sir John Cradock, were recalled from their positions.

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What was the cause of the Velu Thampi Revolt in Travancore?
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Velu Thampi Revolt (1808-1809)

Velu Thampi Dalawa Velu Thampi Dalawa 
  • The Vellu Thampi revolt unfolded in the State of Travancore in 1808, triggered by discontent with the Subsidiary Alliance arrangement imposed by Governor-General Wellesley in 1805.
  • Despite the initial agreement, the East India Company imposed severe conditions on Travancore, leading to widespread resentment in the region.
  • The ruler of Travancore struggled to meet the obligations of the subsidiary, and the British Resident's interference in internal affairs further fueled dissatisfaction.
  • The rebellion was orchestrated by Diwan Vellu Thampi, also known as Dalawa or Prime Minister, who led the resistance against the East India Company with the support of Nair Troops.
  • Despite the Maharaja's initial reluctance, he defected to the company's side, withdrawing support for the rebellion.
  • The Maharaja issued an order for Vellu Thampi's arrest, prompting him to choose suicide to evade capture, leading to the eventual petering out of the revolt.

Ramosi Revolt (1822-29)


  • The Ramosis were hill tribes residing in the Western Ghats, and they rebelled against the British administration and rule.
  • Initially, the Ramosis were employed by the Maratha administration. However, their means of livelihood were disrupted when the British annexed the Maratha territories.
  • The Ramosi Uprising occurred in 1822 under the leadership of Chittur Singh at Satara in Maharashtra. During this revolt, they plundered the area around Satara.
  • In 1825-26, another wave of rebellion took place under the leadership of Umaji Naik of Poona and his supporter Bapu Trimbakji Sawant.
  • The disturbance persisted until 1829, reflecting sustained opposition to British rule.
  • To quell the rebellion, the British adopted a pacifist policy toward the Ramosis, even recruiting some of them into the hill police. This approach aimed at neutralizing the opposition and maintaining control in the region.

Satara Revolt (1840)


The Satara Revolt emerged as a sequel to the earlier Ramosi uprising, taking place in the Satara region of Maharashtra.
  • Spanning from 1839 to 1841, the disturbance was triggered by the deposition of Raja Partap Singh of Satara by the British government.
  • The British dismissed Ruler Partap Singh due to non-payment of revenue, leading to widespread discontent among the people of Satara.
  • The residents of Satara revolted against the perceived oppressive actions of the British authorities.
  • Key leaders of the Satara revolt included Dhar Rao Pawar and Narsing Dattatreya Pettkar, who played significant roles in organizing and leading the resistance.
  • Despite the efforts of the leaders and the people, the British ultimately managed to suppress the rebellion and maintain control in the Satara region.

Gadkari Revolt (1844)

  • The Gadkaris belonged to the hereditary military class stationed in the Maratha Forts in the Savantvadi district of Maharashtra.
  • In 1844, following administrative reorganization in the Kolhapur state, the Gadkaris were disbanded and left unemployed.
  • The disenfranchisement and unemployment prompted the Gadkaris to revolt against the British administration in the Kolhapur region of Maharashtra.
  • An important leader of this revolt was Daji Krishna Pandit, who played a significant role in organizing and leading the resistance.
  • In response to the uprising, the British authorities took measures to bring the region under control. This involved the introduction of several laws and policies to curb the unrest and assert their dominance.

Question for Civil Uprisings Before 1857
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What was the cause of the Velu Thampi Revolt in Travancore?
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Significance and Complexities of Uprisings

  • Local Grievances as Catalysts:

    • Rebellions often found their roots in specific local grievances.
    • These issues, such as oppressive land revenue demands and corruption, served as catalysts for resistance.

  • Evolution into Broader Movement:

    • What began as protests against specific problems evolved into movements with broader objectives.
    • Rebels demonstrated an awareness of their adversaries beyond local issues.

  • Resistance against British Raj:

    • The overarching theme of the rebellions extended beyond immediate concerns to encompass opposition against the entire British Raj.
    • The rebels aimed to challenge colonial dominance and assert their autonomy.

  • Labeling Attempts by Governing Class:

    • Despite attempts by the ruling class to dismiss these uprisings as law and order issues or criminal activities, they were rooted in deeper sentiments.

  • Deeper Desire for Idealized Pasts:

    • Rebels were driven by a profound desire to recover their idealized pasts.
    • The past symbolized an era free from exploitation and injustice.

  • Collective Pursuit for Freedom:

    • The resistance represented a collective pursuit of freedom from colonial exploitation.
    • Rebels sought to restore values associated with their idealized past.

Challenges and Outcomes of UprisingsCivil Uprisings Before 1857 | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year

  • Limited Alternatives to Social Structure:

    • The uprisings, despite garnering significant support, often originated from a semi-feudal opposition that lacked viable alternatives to the prevailing social structure.
    • The limitations of these movements were evident in the absence of comprehensive plans for societal restructuring.

  • Concessions by the Administration:

    • Concessions made by the colonial administration pacified individuals who were less resistant.
    • This pacification emphasized the diverse nature and complexities inherent in these movements, as not all rebels shared identical objectives or levels of resistance.

  • Highlighting Diversity and Complexities:

    • The diversity within the rebellions became apparent through the concessions, showcasing the varying motivations and grievances of different groups.
    • The complexities of these movements reflected the multifaceted nature of discontent under colonial rule.

  • Limited Goals and Outdated Weaponry:

    • Despite having limited goals and relying on outdated weaponry, the rebels effectively conveyed the unpopularity of colonial rule.
    • Their resistance resonated despite the inherent challenges, emphasizing the strength of their collective discontent.

  • Underscoring Unpopularity of Colonial Rule:

    • The effectiveness of the rebels, despite their limitations, underscored the widespread unpopularity of colonial rule.
    • The uprisings served as powerful expressions of the desire for change, even within the constraints of the existing socio-political landscape.

Conclusion: Resistance and Colonial Policies


In pre-colonial India, protests against rulers and officials were common, driven by issues such as high land revenue demands and corrupt practices. However, the advent of colonial power and its policies had a more devastating impact on the Indian population. Colonial laws and the judiciary protected the collaboration between the government and local elites—landlords, merchants, and moneylenders. Faced with limited alternatives, those who felt marginalized and oppressed turned to armed resistance as a means of self-preservation.

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FAQs on Civil Uprisings Before 1857 - SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year

1. What were the root causes of the uprisings in colonial India?
Ans. The root causes of the uprisings in colonial India were widespread economic exploitation, social discrimination, high taxation, agrarian distress, and the imposition of new laws and policies by the colonial rulers.
2. What were the characteristics of the local uprisings in colonial India?
Ans. The local uprisings in colonial India were characterized by the participation of peasants, artisans, and lower-caste individuals. They often took the form of armed rebellions, protests, and acts of sabotage against the oppressive colonial regime.
3. Can you provide an example of a significant rebellion in colonial India?
Ans. One example of a significant rebellion in colonial India was the Sanyasi Revolt, which took place between 1763 and 1800. It was led by Sanyasi ascetics and was a response to the economic and social grievances faced by the local population.
4. What were the reasons behind the Civil Uprisings in Gorakhpur, Basti, and Bahraich in 1781?
Ans. The Civil Uprisings in Gorakhpur, Basti, and Bahraich in 1781 were primarily triggered by the oppressive land revenue policies of the British East India Company. The local population, mainly consisting of peasants and zamindars, rose up against the excessive taxation and exploitation.
5. What was the significance of the Revolt of Raja of Vizianagaram in 1794?
Ans. The Revolt of Raja of Vizianagaram in 1794 was significant as it highlighted the resistance of the princely states against the British rule. Raja of Vizianagaram, along with other local rulers, revolted against the British interference in their internal affairs, asserting their autonomy and sovereignty.
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Document Description: Civil Uprisings Before 1857 for SSC CGL 2024 is part of SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year preparation. The notes and questions for Civil Uprisings Before 1857 have been prepared according to the SSC CGL exam syllabus. Information about Civil Uprisings Before 1857 covers topics like Introduction , Transformation and Rebellions in Colonial India, Social Turmoil and Rebellions, Characteristics of Local Uprisings, Root Causes of Uprisings, Sanyasi Revolt (1763-1800), Revolt in Midnapore and Dhalbhum (1766-74), Moamaria Insurrection (1796-1799), Civil Uprisings in Gorakhpur, Basti, and Bahraich (1781), Revolt of Raja of Vizianagaram (1794), Vellore Mutiny (1806-1807), Velu Thampi Revolt (1808-1809), Ramosi Revolt (1822-29), Satara Revolt (1840), Gadkari Revolt (1844), Significance and Complexities of Uprisings, Challenges and Outcomes of Uprisings and Civil Uprisings Before 1857 Example, for SSC CGL 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Civil Uprisings Before 1857.
Introduction of Civil Uprisings Before 1857 in English is available as part of our SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year for SSC CGL & Civil Uprisings Before 1857 in Hindi for SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year course. Download more important topics related with notes, lectures and mock test series for SSC CGL Exam by signing up for free. SSC CGL: Civil Uprisings Before 1857 | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year
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