Class 10 Social Science History Chapter 3 Anti- British Rising and Peasant Revolts in Assam || SEBA

Chapter 3: Anti-British Rising and Peasant Revolts in Assam 1.Background: British Colonial Rule in Assam Impact of the British Land Revenue System: The British introduced a cash-based land revenue system, replacing the previous system where taxes were collected in kind. This created a money economy and forced peasants to pay taxes in cash, which they often lacked, leading to widespread debt and poverty. Emergence of Mahajans:As peasants needed cash, they took loans from moneylenders (Mahajans), who were mostly Bengali or Marwari outsiders. These Mahajans charged high interest rates, further impoverishing the rural Assamese population. Impact on Traditional Industries: British policies favored imported goods, harming local industries like Assamese silk (Paat and Muga). This led to economic distress among artisans and small traders. Social Dislocation: The British gave administrative jobs to Bengali and Marwari outsiders, sidelining the Assamese elite. Slavery was abolished in 1843, causing a labor shortage for the local aristocracy, who lost both social status and economic privilege. 2. The Revolt of 1857 in Assam Maniram Dewan’s Conspiracy: Maniram Dewan, a former noble in the Ahom court, planned a revolt to overthrow British rule and restore the Ahom monarchy. He conspired with Kandarpeswar Singha, the grandson of a former Ahom king. Failure and Aftermath: The conspiracy was discovered, and Maniram Dewan was arrested, later hanged in 1858. The revolt failed due to lack of mass support, early discovery, and the absence of a strong local leadership base. Increased British Repression: After 1857, the British increased taxes (Stamp Duty, Income Tax) and brought in more stringent laws to prevent further rebellions. 3. Peasant Revolts (Raijmel) Causes: The main trigger was economic hardship—high taxes, exploitation by Mahajans, and the introduction of a cash economy. Peasants, unable to pay rent, were evicted from their land, leading to loss of livelihood. -Raijmel (People’s Assembly):Peasants organized assemblies (Raijmel) to discuss their grievances and resist British policies. These were democratic forums where decisions were taken collectively. Major Peasant Uprisings: Phulaguri Dhawa (1861): In Nagaon district, peasants revolted against the British ban on poppy cultivation, a major cash crop. The uprising turned violent; British officials were attacked, and the revolt was brutally suppressed. Rangia, Lachima, Patharughat (1893–94): In Kamrup and Darrang districts, peasants protested against high land revenue. At Patharughat, a peaceful protest turned violent when British troops opened fire, killing many peasants. Response: The British dismissed these uprisings as “riots,” but they reflected the growing discontent and resistance among Assam’s rural population. 4.Tribal Revolts Jaintia Revolt (1861–63): Led by Ukiang Nongbah, the Jaintia people resisted British taxation and interference. The revolt was crushed after Ukiang Nongbah was captured and hanged. North Cachar Revolt (1881–82): Sambhudhan Kachari led a rebellion in Maibang against British policies affecting the tribal communities. It was suppressed after a year. Nagas and Others: There were numerous, smaller tribal uprisings across the region, all resisting changes brought by British rule. 5.Long-term Impact and Significance Sense of Unity and Resistance: Though these revolts were mostly suppressed, they created a sense of unity among Assam’s peasants and tribes, paving the way for future political movements. Inspiration for Later Movements: The tradition of popular assemblies (Raijmel) and organized protest influenced later nationalist movements in Assam. Economic and Social Legacy: The chapter highlights how British economic policies led to rural distress, debt, and social dislocation, which became recurring themes in Assam’s history during colonial rule. that's all thanks