Targeting OPSC History Optional: Topics covering Resistance Movements in Odisha, The Revolt of 1857, and Tribal Uprisings.
1. Background and Causes of the Revolt
A. Dynastic Dispute and British Interference
The conflict originated from succession issues within the Chauhan dynasty of Sambalpur. After the death of Maharaja Sai in 1827, the British nominated his widow, Rani Mohan Kumari, to the throne. This was challenged by Surendra Sai, a descendant of the fourth Raja of the dynasty, who had popular support but was rejected by British authorities.
Due to unrest, the British removed the Queen in 1833 and installed Narayan Singh, an old man, as the king. This act caused great discontent. Following early skirmishes, Surendra Sai, his brother Udanta, and uncle Balarama were captured in 1840 and sent to Hazaribagh jail.
B. The Doctrine of Lapse (1849)
The immediate political trigger was the death of Raja Narayan Singh in 1849 without a male heir. Lord Dalhousie applied the Doctrine of Lapse, annexing Sambalpur directly to the British territory.
C. Socio-Economic Grievances
British administration brought economic hardship. Revenue settlements increased the burden on the people, and villages were settled in favor of Europeans rather than natives. The tyrannical revenue extraction created enemies among the Gonds, Binjhals, feudal chiefs, and the business community.
2. Course of the Revolt
A. Impact of the Great Revolt of 1857
The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 served as a catalyst. Mutineers broke open the Hazaribagh jail in August 1857, liberating Surendra Sai and Udanta. They returned to Sambalpur, welcomed by the people. Despite attempts at negotiation where Surendra Sai demanded recognition as King, the British rejected his claim, leading him to declare an open revolt on 1 November 1857.
B. Strategy and Warfare
Surendra Sai organized a formidable resistance utilizing guerrilla warfare.
- Tribal Support: He was supported by tribal Zamindars of Ghens, Kolabira, and others. He stationed supporters at strategic locations like Jharghati and Khinda.
- Disrupting Communications: The rebels cut off the postal road from Cuttack to Nagpur and Sambalpur to Burma, paralyzing British administration.
- Key Battles:
- Jujumura (Nov 1857): Rebels killed Dr. Moore, a medical officer.
- Kudopali (Dec 1857): Captain E.G. Wood attacked rebels; while 53 rebels died, Surendra Sai escaped.
- Paharasirgida (Feb 1858): The rebels shot and killed Captain Woodbridge.
3. British Repression vs. Conciliation
A. Repressive Phase (Colonel Forster)
Colonel Forster arrived in March 1858 and adopted ruthless measures. He court-martialed suspects and confiscated the estates of rebellious Zamindars (e.g., Kolabira, Bheden), rewarding loyalists like Rai Rup Singh Bahadur. Surendra Sai was forced to flee to the Central Provinces.
B. Conciliatory Phase (Major Impey)
In 1861, Major H.B. Impey became Deputy Commissioner and adopted a policy of amnesty. He restored confiscated estates to Zamindars, leading many rebels to surrender. Although Surendra Sai initially refused, the "proclamation of amnesty" isolated him as his support base surrendered.
4. Surrender and Betrayal
On 16 May 1862, Surendra Sai surrendered to Major Impey on the guarantee of a free pardon and a pension. However, after Impey's death, the new administration under Major A.B. Cumberledge revived hostilities.
Based on police reports accusing Sai of planning a new war, Cumberledge arrested Surendra Sai and his family in 1864.
5. Trial and Final Days
Although the Judicial Commissioner, John Scarlett Campbell, reversed the guilty verdict of the Sessions Court citing lack of evidence, the British government utilized Regulation III of 1818 to detain them indefinitely. Surendra Sai was imprisoned in the Asirgarh fort, where he died on 28 February 1884.
6. Significance and Results
- End of Chauhan Rule: The revolt failed to restore the Chauhan dynasty; Sambalpur remained under British control.
- Administrative Changes: In 1864, Sambalpur was transferred to the Central Provinces. Due to linguistic and cultural difficulties, it was re-transferred to the Odisha Division in 1905.
- Nature of Revolt: It was a mass uprising involving Zamindars, common people, and tribals. It is characterized as an anti-British resistance movement where the tribal bulk played a dominant role.
