Note for Aspirants: This material is prepared based on historical excerpts focusing on the Garhjat States, British administrative evolution, the popular Prajamandal Movement, and the integration of states in 1948. These topics are frequent in the OPSC History Optional Main Examination.
1. British Relations with the Feudatory States
By the time of the merger in 1948-49, there were twenty-six Feudatory States (also known as Princely or Garhjat States) in Odisha. These were historically divided into groups: the states of central Odisha (like Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj), states transferred from the Central Provinces in 1905 (Patna, Kalahandi, Sonepur, Bamanda, Rairakhol), and states transferred from Chhotanagpur (Gangpur and Bonai).
Evolution of British Policy
- Policy of Non-Interference (1803–1813): Initially, the British followed a policy of No-interference in the internal affairs of the states. Regulation XII of 1805 exempted nineteen states from British administrative laws.
- Superintendent of Tributary Mahals (1814): A significant administrative shift occurred with the creation of the office of the Superintendent of the Tributary Mahals in 1814. The first Superintendent was Edward Impey. While internal justice was left to the Chiefs, serious offences (capital punishment) required reference to the Superintendent. The British began to intervene in cases of "political nature," such as feuds or oppression, leading to the annexation of Banki (1840) and Angul (1847).
- Post-1857 Policy (Sanads): The Revolt of 1857 brought a conciliatory policy. The British Crown conferred Sanads on Chiefs in 1862, granting them the hereditary title of Raja and the right of adoption. Chiefs of Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar received the title of 'Maharaja' for their loyalty during the revolt.
- The Era of Political Agents (1906): To curb growing national consciousness and ensure welfare, the post of Political Agent was created in 1906 under the Commissioner of Odisha. L.C.B. Cobden-Ramsay was appointed as the first Political Agent.
2. The Prajamandal Movement
The Prajamandal Movement was a popular uprising against the feudal tyranny of the Princely State rulers, supported by the All-India Congress Party. It aimed to establish representative government and end economic exploitation.
Causes of the Rebellion
The primary cause was the unbearable economic exploitation and oppression by the Kings. The people were subjected to various obnoxious taxes and forced labor systems:
- Bethi: Forced labor without wages for palace construction or road work.
- Begari: Forced free transport of goods for royal officers.
- Magan: Mandatory contributions during royal ceremonies (weddings, funerals) or purchases .
- Rasad: Free food provisions for king's officers during tours.
- Bheti: Gifts offered to the king during audiences.
Organization and Key Events
The movement gained structure with the formation of the Orissa Garajat State People's Association in 1931 at Cuttack. Sarangadhar Das (known as the leader of the movement) and other Congress leaders provided direction.
Major Uprisings:
- Nilgiri (1938): The first organized Prajamandal was formed here. Under leaders like Kailash Chandra Mohanty and Banamali Das, people demanded the abolition of unjust taxes. The King eventually conceded demands after intervention by Harekrushna Mahatab.
- Dhenkanal (1938): A massive rally faced police atrocities. A 12-year-old boy, Baji Rout, was killed in police firing. The state police and British forces resorted to violence, but the movement forced the British to withdraw the King's powers in 1939 .
- Talcher (1939): Known for the famous exodus where people fled the state to take refuge in British-ruled Angul to escape the King's barbaric torture (caning, humiliation). Peace was restored via the Hessene-Mahatab Agreement.
- Ranpur (1939): A turning point occurred when the British Political Agent, Major Bazelgette, was killed by an angry mob on January 5, 1939. This led to ruthless repression; Raghunath Mohanty and Dibakar Parida were martyred (hanged) for the incident.
- Gangapur: A tribal revolt led by Nirmal Munda against tax increases led to unprovoked British firing, killing many innocent tribals.
3. The Merger of Princely States (1947-1949)
The integration of the states into Odisha was a complex process spearheaded by Harekrushna Mahatab and Sardar Patel (the Iron Man of India).
The Process of Integration
- Initial Resistance: Mahatab convened a meeting in October 1947 at Sambalpur, but the Kings rejected the merger proposal, fearing loss of privileges. They formed the Eastern Zone Native States Association to resist integration.
- The Nilgiri Crisis (Trigger): The King of Nilgiri attempted to use tribals to attack non-adivasis to terrorize the Prajamandal. Mahatab used this breakdown of law and order to intervene. With Sardar Patel's permission, the Odisha Government took over the administration of Nilgiri on 14 November 1947. This set the precedent.
- The Cuttack Conference (December 1947): Sardar Patel visited Cuttack and met with the rulers of A, B, and C category states. He used diplomatic pressure, warning them that "in independent India there was no scope left for the native princely states".
- Final Agreement: On 23 December 1947, under the Extra Provincial Jurisdiction Act, the administration was transferred. The merger became operational on 1 January 1948. Initially, 24 states merged.
Specific Cases and Aftermath
- Mayurbhanj: Initially remained separate as it had formed a constitutional government. It merged with India in October 1948 and was handed over to Odisha in 1949.
- Sareikela and Kharasuan: Despite being Oriya-speaking tracts, these two states were merged with Bihar. This caused a rebellion which was crushed, and these territories remained permanently detached from Odisha.
Conclusion
The merger ended centuries of monarchical tyranny and allowed the people of the Garajat states to join the democratic mainstream. It unified Odisha administratively and economically, unlocking the mineral resources of the hilly tracts for development.
