Revolt of 1857 in Chhattisgarh | Chhattisgarh State PSC (CGPSC) Preparation: All subjects - CGPSC (Chhattisgarh) PDF Download

Introduction

• The uprising of 1857 in Chhattisgarh, known by various names such as the Indian Mutiny, the Sepoy Mutiny, the Revolt of 1857, the Great Rebellion, the Indian Insurrection, and the First War of Indian Independence, marked a significant turning point in British rule in India. 
• By the mid-19th century, the East India Company had extended its control over substantial parts of India. A century after the Battle of Plassey, widespread discontent with the oppressive British administration culminated in a revolt that profoundly challenged British authority in India. 
• While British accounts labeled it the Sepoy Mutiny, Indian narratives termed it the Revolt of 1857 or the First War of Indian Independence. Preceded by sporadic unrest since the late 18th century, the Revolt of 1857 held deep-rooted causes that instigated this historic event.

Causes of Revolt of 1857 in Chhattisgarh

• Introduction of Enfield rifles with cartridges greased with cow and pig fat sparked protests among Indian Muslim and Hindu soldiers.
• Discrimination prevailed between Indian and British soldiers, with Indians often treated poorly, akin to slaves.
• British policies included heavy taxation on Indian lands and territorial invasions, fueling resentment.
• Fear of Hindu conversion to Christianity through measures like the Subsidiary Alliance and Doctrine of Lapse added to tensions.
• Social reforms imposed by the British also contributed to Indian dissatisfaction.

Revolt of 1857 in Chhattisgarh

• Chhattisgarh played a significant role in the 1857 Revolt. Vir Narain Singh, a respected landlord from Sonakhan, spearheaded the rebellion in the region. In 1856, Singh was apprehended by the British for redistributing grain to the needy during a severe famine. 
• He managed to escape with the aid of British soldiers in Raipur and assembled a force of 500 men in Sonakhan. Facing off against a formidable British army led by Smith, a fierce battle ensued, resulting in Singh's capture and eventual execution on December 10, 1857, marking him as Chhattisgarh's first martyr in the War of Independence. Singh's sacrifice has since been revitalized in the 1980s, symbolizing Chhattisgarhi pride.

Dhruvarao's Revolt

• Bastar played an active role in India's First Freedom Struggle in 1857, being a key part of one of the earliest independence movements. The southern region of Bastar served as the focal point of this movement. 
• The rebellion was led by Dhruvarao, who belonged to the Dorlaon tribe, one of the many Maria tribes found in and around Bastar. Dhruvarao was supported by his fellow tribesmen and people from other tribes in the fight against the oppressive British rule. 
• Bastar emerged as a major center of the revolt, and its contribution to the First Struggle for Freedom is remembered in history.

Surendrasai's Revolt

• Born on January 23, 1809, in the village of Bargaon, located about 30 km north of Sambalpur town in the Kosal region, Surendra Sai was a direct descendant of the fourth Chouhan King of Sambalpur, Madhukar Sai. 
• As such, he was legally entitled to succeed as king after the death of the reigning Maharaja Sai. However, the British government refused to recognize his claim, leading to a rebellion between Surendra Sai, supported by other Zamindars, and the British government. Surendra Sai fought relentlessly against the British for his homeland until his last breath. 
• He spent 20 years fighting and endured 37 years in prison, yet he never surrendered to the British. The people of Sambalpur honored him with the title ‘Veer’ for his heroic efforts to protect Sambalpur from British rule. 
• Veer Surendra Sai passed away on May 23, 1884, in the prison of Asirgarh fort, but he remains forever remembered for his courageous deeds.

Udaipur Princes Revolt

• Udaipur, a princely state in northern Chhattisgarh, saw a rebellion when the East India Company wrongly accused Ruler Kalyan Sai and his brothers Shivraj Singh and Dirajraj Singh of murder in 1852. They were imprisoned in Ranchi Jail, leading to the annexation of Udaipur Riyasat by the British Empire.
• During the Indian Revolt of 1857, the British forces were compelled to retreat from Ranchi, allowing the princes to escape from jail and successfully reclaim their kingdom. The Company's forces were unable to defeat the princes, prompting them to seek assistance from Raigarh's ruler, Devnath Singh, to suppress the revolt in Chhattisgarh.

Magnize Laskar Hanuman Singh Revolt

• The uprising witnessed the Magnize Laskar Hanuman Singh leading a revolt. He served in the Raipur battalion and was hailed as the Mangal Pandey of Chhattisgarh. Inspired by the valor of Veer Narayan Singh, he, along with 17 comrades, assassinated Sergeant Major Cidwell and incited a rebellion within the army camp. 
• However, due to the lack of organization, their efforts ended in failure. While his comrades were captured and executed, Hanuman Singh managed to evade capture.

Reasons for the Failure of the Revolt of 1857 in Chhattisgarh

• Communication challenges hindered the spread of the revolution beyond certain parts of India, a significant factor contributing to its failure.
• The absence of a prominent leader and the lack of central leadership impeded the movement from gaining widespread support across the country.
• Financial constraints and inadequate weaponry among Indian rebels, juxtaposed with the well-equipped British forces, posed a significant disadvantage during the revolt.
• Poor planning and coordination among the rebels weakened their overall effectiveness in challenging British rule.

Effects of the Revolt of 1857 in Chhattisgarh

• In 1876, the East India Company's dominion concluded, transferring authority to Queen Victoria and marking the end of their rule.
• An assurance of improved governance was promised to India following the revolt.
• A declaration was issued advocating for equality, respect, and power distribution, although the reality often fell short of these ideals.
• The controversial Doctrine of Lapse was rescinded as a consequence of the revolt.