I. Introduction to Resistance Movements
Unlike other parts of India, the British occupation of Odisha was immediately followed by sharp public reaction. The 19th century witnessed resistance from common people, landholders, Zamindars, and Feudatory Chiefs due to a strong dislike for the new rule, the oppressive revenue system, high rent, and threats to traditional privileges.
II. The Khurda Rising (1804)
This was the first resistance movement in the country, making Jayi Rajguru the first martyr of India.
1. Causes of the Conflict
- Deceit regarding the Mahals: The Raja of Khurda, Mukundadeva-II, had ceded the Mahals of Lambai, Rahang, and Puri to the Marathas in exchange for military help. After the British conquest in 1803, the Raja expected the restoration of these four Parganas, but Colonel Harcourt categorically denied this restoration,.
- Financial Disputes: Harcourt had assured a payment of Rupees one lakh to the Raja for safe passage during the conquest but deferred the payment of the balance Rs. 30,000 indefinitely.
- Refusal of Demands: The Regent, Jayi Rajguru, requested the restoration of the Parganas and a reduction of the annual Peshkash (tribute), both of which were rejected by the British, who instead demanded the dismissal of Rajguru.
2. Course of the Rebellion
- Alliances: Jayi Rajguru formed an alliance with the Chiefs of Kujang and Kanika. The Raja of Kanika seized British storehouses and raised an army under a Maratha Commander.
- British Counter-Measures: The British adopted a "conciliatory" approach initially due to the ongoing war with the Marathas but later launched a military offensive.
- Military Action: British forces under Captain Hickland defeated the Raja’s force on 22 November 1804. The fort of Khurda was besieged, and the Raja was captured on 3 January 1805.
3. Results and Consequences
- The King, Mukundadeva-II, was arrested and retained the title of Maharaja but without a kingdom, with his headquarters fixed at Puri,.
- The Regent, Jayi Rajguru, was hanged.
- The estate of Khurda was confiscated and brought under direct (Khas) management of the British.
- This direct management and the hanging of Rajguru prepared the ground for the future Paik Rebellion.
III. The Paik Rebellion (1817)
The Paik Rebellion was an armed uprising of the Paiks (traditional militia) under the leadership of Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar Mahapatra Bhramarabara Ray.
1. Causes of the Rebellion
- Faulty Revenue Policy: Short-term land revenue settlements and over-assessments hit Zamindars and Ryots hard. Zamindars lost their estates due to strict payment rules and natural calamities.
- Salt Monopoly: The British deprived local Zamindars and people of their traditional rights to manufacture salt, leading to a price rise caused by the import of Liverpool salt. People were imprisoned for violating salt laws, which was considered a social stigma.
- Currency System: The introduction of Sicca Rupees to replace the traditional Cowrie currency caused immense difficulty for villagers and revenue payers.
- Administrative Alienation: The administration was dominated by Bengali clerks (Amlas) who exploited the ignorance of the Odia people, making fair justice impossible.
- Immediate Cause (The Spark): Buxi Jagabandhu was dispossessed of his hereditary Jagir, Quilla Rorung, and four parganas through the intrigues of Krishna Chandra Singh. Reduced to beggary and threatened with arrest, Buxi became rebellious.
2. Course of the Rebellion
- Outbreak: The rebellion began on 29 March 1817, when Kandhs from Ghumsur joined the Paiks of Khurda.
- Spread: Rebels attacked the police station at Banapur, looted the treasury, and killed government officials. The rebellion spread to Lembai, Pipli, and Puri, where the priests welcomed Buxi.
- Proclamation: The rebels proclaimed Raja Mukundadeva as their ruler.
- Guerilla Warfare: Unable to face the British in open battle, Buxi and his followers, including Krushnachandra Bhramarabara Rai, took to the jungles.
- Surrender: After years of resistance and the capture of his family, Buxi negotiated through Waz Mohammed and surrendered on 27 May 1825. He lived as a state prisoner in Cuttack until his death in 1829.
3. Consequences and Administrative Reforms
- Employment of Odias: The British began employing Odias in government services to bridge the gap between the administration and the people.
- Judicial Reforms: Judges were instructed to visit interior villages with Odia Amlas to redress grievances directly.
- Economic Relief: The price of salt was reduced, and more salt was made available. Some estates were restored to their original proprietors.
- Temple Management: The son of the deposed King, Ramachandradeva III, was given the management of the Jagannath Temple and an annual pension, winning the sentiment of the people.
IV. Conclusion
The resistance movements of 19th century Odisha were significant events. The Khurda rising provided the first martyr, Jayi Rajguru, while the Paik Rebellion forced the British to overhaul their administrative structure. The rebellion led to the recognition of economic maladies and judicial corruption, resulting in reforms that integrated the Odia people into the governance structure.
