Uttar Pradesh as Independent State and British Rule | Course for UPPSC Preparation - UPPSC (UP) PDF Download

The British dominated the Modern History of Uttar Pradesh, marked by various movements during their rule, notably starting with the 'Revolt of 1857' in Meerut Cantonment. Several other movements against British Rule also occurred during this period.

Uttar Pradesh during the era of Independence and British Rule witnessed the establishment of five independent states after Aurangzeb's death until 1757:

• Pathan Sardar Najib Khan ruled the North region of Meerut and Bareilly.
• Rahmat Khan governed Rohilkhand (Rohil Pradesh of Meerut and Doab).
• Nawabs of Farrukhabad ruled the Central Doab regions.
• Nawabs of Awadh ruled Faizabad and Lucknow regions.
• Marathas ruled the Bundelkhand region.

Key events in Northern India, such as the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) and the Battle of Buxar (1764), played a crucial role in modern history. The British triumphed in the battles against Marathas, Jats, Rajputs, Nawab of Awadh Shuja-ud-Daula, and Nawab of Bengal Mir Qasim. The British continued their dominance, defeating Marathas in Rohilkhand (1773) and Rohil Sardar Rahmat Khan in Shahjahanpur (1774). In 1803, Lord Lake conquered Aligarh, Agra, and Delhi, and in 1856, Awadh was annexed into the British Empire.
The development of nationalism in Uttar Pradesh after the Revolt of 1857 saw significant events:

• The Radhaswami Movement began in 1861 by Shiv Dayal Saheb.
• Bhartendu Harishchandra published Kavi Vachan Sudha (1867) and Harishchandra Magazine (1872).
• In 1867, a Madarasa was established in Deoband, Saharanpur, by Mummad Qasim Nanautavi and Rashid Ahmad, leading to the Deoband Movement or Darul Uloom and Jihad against the British.
• Sir Syed Ahmed Khan founded the Aligarh Muslim Anglo Oriental College in 1875 and published Tehzeeb-ul-Ikhlaq and Loyal Muhammadans of India.
• Annie Besant established the Central Hindu School in 1898 at Banaras, which later developed into Banaras Hindu University in 1916 under Madan Mohan Malaviya.