Movements that got lost in the run up to independence
To rule India, the British always used the 'divide and rule' policy, gradually interfering in the
country's religious, social, economic, and administrative affairs. Local protests erupted quickly in
such a situation, laying the groundwork for India's first phase of independence in 1857. There were
numerous agitations across the country against this backdrop, and the British were met with stiff
resistance. All of the country's movements and struggles instilled confidence in Indians to fight the
British, and it was on this basis that India fought the freedom struggle and achieved independence
on August 15, 1947.
After years of British slavery, India got freedom on August 15, 1947, but with the condition of losing
a portion of it. The Mountbatten Plan was presented by Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of
India, on June 3, 1947, to divide India into two parts. This event in India's partition is known as the "3
June Plan" or the "Mountbatten Plan." Although there was widespread opposition to the plan, the
All India Congress accepted the British government's plan to partition India on June 15, 1947, in New
Delhi. India gained independence from the British on the basis of this plan, but a large portion of
India was also divided into Pakistan.The dates of June 3rd and 15th will be remembered as the days
that changed India's history and geography, as the partition that followed affected and forced
millions to flee their homes. Partition-era violence is estimated to have killed one million people and
affected 20 million more. The partition resulted in one of the world's largest displacements, with
millions of families forced to flee their ancestral villages, towns, and cities and start a new life as
refugees. As a fitting tribute to all those who lost their lives as a result of the nation's partition and
were displaced from their roots, the central government decided to observe 14 August as a day to
remember their sacrifices every year. In addition, the government designated August 14 as Partition
Vibhishika Memorial Day. On August 15, 1947, India gained independence from British rule, and this
day is celebrated as a joyful and proud occasion for the nation. However, in order to achieve this
freedom, we had to go through a series of movements, struggles, and stages.
There were large-scale movements in the country prior to the 1857 freedom struggle, which was
termed as the "first stage of India's independence." These movements included the Fakir Movement
(1776–77), the Sanyasi Movement, the Padyagar Movement (1801–1805), the Vellore Movement
(1806), the Nayak Movement (1806), the Travancore Movement (1808), the Chero Movement
(1802), the Paikas Movement in Odisha (1821), Kittur's Movement (1824), the Ahom Movement in
Assam (1824), the Pal and Coorg Movements (1832–37), the Gond Movement (1833–57 Some of
these movements are featured in this month's issue in the series of Amrit Mahotsav of
Independence...
When the sannyasis led the nation's revolt against the British
The long-running Sanyasi movement, led by ascetics of the Giri sect had virtually pummelled the
British
"Vande Mataram" is one such proclamation in Indian history that has inspired every individual to
give dedicated respect to their motherland at all times. Thousands of heroes gave their lives for the
sake of the nation during the Indian freedom struggle, hanging themselves from gallows while
chanting "Vande Mataram." Many sons of the motherland were also shot in while chanting "Vande
Mataram,". It became the basic mantra in the freedom struggle. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee first
wrote "Vande Mataram" in his novel "Anand Math," which was inspired by the Bengal famine and
the Sanyasi rebellion. For his brilliant compositions like Vande Mataram, a revolutionary like
Aurobindo Ghosh is reported to have referred to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee as "the sage of
nationalism." The long-running Sanyasi movement, led by ascetics of the Giri sect had virtually
pummelled the British. Sages and ascetics in our country have always done a lot for the people's
interests by moving forward according to the situation of the country, which is why, when the need
arose, they also took up against the British. In such a setting, they not only formed the national
religion, but also rose to prominence as the spokesman for an ancient religion.
The Sanyasi insurrection took place mostly in Bengal and Bihar, because it was here that the British
first set foot. The Ascetics are thought to have led the first insurrection against the British, which
resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. The fact that the British had to use military force to
put down this movement demonstrates how serious it was. In 1770, following the British acquisition
of Bengal, there was a severe famine. Despite this, the British continued to collect taxes rigorously
and began to put limitations on religious movement. The sannyasis were enraged by the British's
brutal policy and resolved to protest.
Farmers, landlords, and minor chieftains all backed the Sanyasis in their fight against the British, and
they launched the movement together. The independence heroes declared the country as their
mother and themselves as their children, demonstrating their commitment to the country. They
were guerrilla warfare expert. They used to plunder the government treasury and donate the looted
funds to the underprivileged. The fact that these agitators took away the bunglows of Britishers and
killed many of them provided evidence of their impact. 'Hindu-Muslim unity' was one of the
movement's most prominent elements. The British had to use all of their resources to put down the
insurrection, and after a long struggle, Governor General of Bengal Warren Hastings was able to do
it.
Palayakarrars: The first to declare war on the British
This movement was led by Veerapandiya Kattabomman also called Kattabom Nayakan, a
Palayakarrar or Polygar, and was centred in Tamil Nadu between 1801 and 1805.
Before the first war of independence against the British in India in 1857, the Palayakarrar or Polygar
in South India waged war against the British and refused to align with the sovereignty of the British
East India Company. This movement was led by Veerapandiya Kattabomman also called Kattabom
Nayakan, a Palayakarrar or Polygar, and was centred in Tamil Nadu between 1801 and 1805. The
Palayakarrars are known as the overlords of the southern forts who refused to accept the British's
oppressive policies. Not only that, but they also refused to pay revenue. This irked the British. And
thus a fight began with Palayakarrar. The Palayakarrars, led by Kattabom Nayakan, fought valiantly
against the British and shook their army. The agitators in this movement also killed a large number
of Britishers. They also robbed them and damaged their property. He was popular with the people
but a disappointment to the British. The British used all of their force to suppress the movement and
caught Kattbom by deception. The British allegedly hanged Kattbom Nayakan in front of them to
intimidate the public. After his death, the movement weakened and was completely suppressed by
the British in 1806.
The Chero movement Heartburn for British rule
In 1800 AD, the Chero tribe, led by Bhushan Singh, revolted against the British over high taxation and
the re-acquisition of pattas.
The Chero tribe of Palamu in Jharkhand state revolted against the British in 1800 AD over high
taxation and the re-acquisition of pattas. This rebellion was led by Bhushan Singh. It is said that the
British wanted to capture Palamu's fort in 1700 AD, but could not do so for a long time. Later, the
British managed to capture it and appointed a ruler of their choice. Discontent began to grow in the
minds of the locals against that king gradually. The Chero openly revolted against the British in 1800.
The Chero rebels eluded the British for many years. The Chero rebellion is thought to have shattered
the backbone of British rule. The Palamu and Chero tribes had previously agitated against the British,
but this time they put up a strong front. The British made every effort to put down the rebellion, but
were not successful. Bhushan Singh was eventually apprehended by the British and executed in
1802. Colonel Jones put an end to the rebellion. Despite the suppression of the revolt, discontent
stayed, and the British were occasionally challenged. As a result of this rebellion, the British
government set up the Zamindari Police Force in 1809 to maintain peace and order in Chotanagpur.
The British seized Palamu Pargana and handed over governance to Raja Ghanshyam Singh of
Bhardev under the guise of an auction. In 1817, a revolt against the British conspiracy was carried
out with tribal cooperation, but it was also suppressed. The British rewarded Ghanshyam Singh for
his assistance in suppressing the Chero rebellion.
"The agony of the country's partition will never be forgotten. Thousands of our sisters and brothers
were displaced and some died as a result of hatred and violence. In honour of those people's
struggle and sacrifice, August 14th has been designated as " Vibhajan Vibhishika Memorial Day." This
day of #PartitionHorrorsRemembranceDay will not only inspire us to rid ourselves of the poisons of
discrimination, animosity, and ill-will, but it will also strengthen unity, social harmony, and human
sensibilities."
- Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
