Anti-British Revolt in Assam

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Questions and Answers

What was a significant consequence of the East India Company’s revenue system in Assam during the 19th century?

Improvement in the living conditions of peasants

Strengthening of local governance structures

Implementation of a barter system for tax payments

Increased tax collection focus disregarding peasant welfare (correct)

Who was a prominent figure involved in the rebellion against British rule in Assam?

Gomdhar Konwar

Piyoli Phukan

Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Maniram Dewan (correct)

Which of the following events is associated with the anti-British uprising in Assam?

Revolt of 1857 (correct)

French Revolution

Mutiny of 1857 in British India

American Revolution

What characterized the administrative system prior to British rule regarding revenue collection in Assam?

Revenue collection through barter and goods Signup and view all the answers

What was a common outcome for uprisings against British rule in Assam during the 19th century?

Failures due to British administrative power Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of the British revenue system for Assamese peasants?

Increased vulnerability to money lenders Signup and view all the answers

What did Anandaram Dhekial Phukan emphasize in his application regarding the British revenue?

The fixed revenue was too high for peasants Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events occurred in some areas of Kamrup and Darrang in 1851 due to dire circumstances?

Parents selling their children for food Signup and view all the answers

What evidence showcases the increase in revenue collection in Assam from 1832-33 to 1882-83?

Revenue collection nearly quadrupled Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant change in the economic system imposed by the British in Assam?

Introduction of a cash economy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary issue with the text in the image?

The text is out of focus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following might contribute to the text being unreadable?

The angle at which the photo was taken Signup and view all the answers

What could potentially improve the readability of the text from the image?

Taking a clearer picture Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely cause of the text being difficult to read?

The image is blurry Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the text?

It is difficult to read because it is out of focus. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the primary instigator of the revolt against the British in Assam?

Maniram Dewan Signup and view all the answers

What was Maniram Dewan doing in Calcutta when the mutiny was declared?

Filing an application to the British government Signup and view all the answers

Who was the Ahom prince decided to lead the soldiers in the revolt?

Kandarpeswar Singha Signup and view all the answers

Which group of people responded to Maniram Dewan's call for revolt?

Elites of Assam Signup and view all the answers

In collaboration with whom did Maniram Dewan plan to drive the British out of Assam?

Madhu Mallik Signup and view all the answers

What was one effect of the British establishing tea gardens in Upper Assam?

Tax burdens shifted to local peasants Signup and view all the answers

How did the British administration impact the cottage industry in Upper Assam?

It contributed to the deterioration of the industry Signup and view all the answers

What led to the recruitment of educated Bengalis in the British administration?

The lack of education among the Ahom elite Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the British stopping slavery in Assam in 1843?

Loss of positions for the Ahom aristocracy Signup and view all the answers

Which leader was NOT associated with the Revolt of 1857?

Mahatma Gandhi Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main effects of British rule on the common people in Assam?

Taking away excess land from the common people Signup and view all the answers

What method did the British use to exert control over Indian kingdoms?

Subsidiary Alliance and the Doctrine of Lapse Signup and view all the answers

During which event did the common people of Assam join the revolt against British domination?

The 1857 Sepoy Mutiny Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the British tax policies in Assam?

Resentment and overall dissatisfaction Signup and view all the answers

Which leader was NOT associated with the 1857 Revolt in India?

Mahatma Gandhi Signup and view all the answers

What was a direct action taken by the British government against the lands in Assam?

Fixing revenue on remaining lands Signup and view all the answers

How did the introduction of tea gardens impact the common people of Assam?

It created job opportunities for freed slaves but exploited the poor Signup and view all the answers

How did the common people perceive the British administration along with Bengali immigrants?

As a form of domination Signup and view all the answers

What action did Maniram Dewan take to challenge British rule in Assam?

He planned an armed revolt. Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately led to Maniram Dewan's arrest?

His letters being intercepted. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary reason for the failure of the revolt led by Maniram Dewan?

Limited geographical support and preparation. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the primary supporters of Maniram Dewan's revolt?

Local nobles and Ahom loyalists. Signup and view all the answers

How did the British respond to Dewan's application to restore the Ahom king?

They declared him a conspirator. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the 1857 revolt for the British government in Assam?

It led to the transfer of control from the East India Company to the British government. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary reason for the uprisings of the common people in the 19th century Assam?

The British government's mismanagement and increased taxation. Signup and view all the answers

What were Raij Mels in Assam during the peasant revolts?

Political organizations formed to resist British rule. Signup and view all the answers

What burden did the British government impose on the common people after the revolt of 1857?

Increased taxes to stabilize the government finances. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor played a role in the common people's suffering during the British rule in Assam?

Natural disasters and epidemics unmanaged by the British. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main reasons for the increase in taxes in Assam between 1854 and 1870?

To pay off the deficit from suppressing the Revolt of 1857 Signup and view all the answers

Which tax was imposed in Assam in 1860 specifically for the use of grazing land?

Grazing Tax Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Raij Mel play during the peasant revolts in Assam?

They educated peasants about political issues Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the British taxes imposed on the peasants in Assam?

Widespread dissatisfaction leading to revolts Signup and view all the answers

What action did the British government take concerning rivers in Assam where gold and fish were found?

Auctioned them for exploitation Signup and view all the answers

What position did Maniram Dewan hold when he initially started working with the British government?

Revenue Book Keeper Signup and view all the answers

Why did Maniram Dewan resign from his position at the Assam Tea Company?

He wanted to start his own tea garden. Signup and view all the answers

What realization did Maniram Dewan come to regarding the British domination in Assam?

Change would only happen with the restoration of the Ahom Monarchy. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant request made by Maniram Dewan to Chief Justice Moffat Mills?

To reinstate Ahom Prince Kandarpeswar Singha. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main reasons for the failure of Maniram Dewan's rebellion?

His supporters were too few and lacked organization. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Maniram Dewan refuse the pension offered by the British?

He was loyal to the Ahom Monarchy. Signup and view all the answers

What tragic event happened to Maniram Dewan on 26 February 1858?

He was arrested. Signup and view all the answers

What hindered Maniram Dewan's efforts to ignite a rebellion in Assam?

Lack of support from local leaders. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the impact of Captain Holroyd on Maniram Dewan's life?

He deprived Dewan's family of their traditional revenue. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Maniram Dewan's correspondence with the English government?

They ignored his requests. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anti-British Uprising in Assam

By the 1830s and 1840s, the East India Company solidified its control over Assam, effectively suppressing local uprisings.
Significant rebellions included those led by Gomdhar Konwar and Piyoli Phukan, both of which failed against British authority.
The introduction of a revenue collection system focused heavily on taxes without consideration for the struggles of local peasants.

Assamese Peasants and the British Revenue System

The British revenue system transitioned Assam to a cash economy, fostering discontent among peasants.
Mahajans (moneylenders) emerged, exploiting villagers with exorbitant interest rates for loans needed to pay land revenue.
Revenue statistics showed dramatic increases in tax collection, highlighting the growing financial burden on peasants:
- Kamrup: From ₹1,10,181 (1832-33) to ₹2,95,996 (1882-83)
- Nowgong: From ₹41,306 (1832-33) to ₹1,57,795 (1882-83)

Economic Impact on Assamese Society

High land revenue led to severe hardships, pushing vulnerable families into debt and starvation.
In 1851, desperate parents in Kamrup and Darrang reportedly sold their children for food due to famine.
The British administration neglected agricultural development, worsening conditions during severe weather.

Upper Assam and the 19th Century

Tea gardens were established by the British, exempt from revenue, further burdening local peasants with taxation.
The introduction of foreign textiles diminished the Ahom aristocracy’s control over traditional industries.
Lack of modern education marginalized the Ahom elite, resulting in British recruitment of educated Bengalis for administrative roles.

The Revolt of 1857

The 1857 revolt marked a crucial turning point in Indian resistance against British rule.
Fueled by discontent with British policies, it included figures such as Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar and Rani Lakshmibai.
The mutiny resonated in Assam, contributing to local resistance against oppressive governance.

Efforts of Maniram Dewan

Maniram Dewan, originally a high-ranking official under the British, sought to restore the Ahom monarchy amid growing resentment.
After experiencing personal and political disenfranchisement, Dewan orchestrated plans for a rebellion.
He was arrested in February 1858, along with several conspirators who supported his vision for an independent Assam.

Causes of the Failure of the Rebellion

Dewan's movement failed due to limited popular support and lack of coordinated efforts across Assam.
Arrests of key figures and poor timing hindered the rebellion’s potential.

Significance of the Revolt of 1857 in Assam

The revolt initiated a historical moment for Assam, marking its inclusion in significant nationwide resistance against British dominion.
Subsequent peasant revolts in Assam after 1861 gained momentum as discontent grew over economic exploitation.

Rise of Peasant Revolts

The transition of power from the East India Company to the British government resulted in increased taxes to address financial deficits.
The British government's failure to assist the struggling peasantry during disasters intensified grievances, leading to uprisings.
Economic mismanagement and natural calamities created fertile ground for popular discontent.

Raij Mel Movement

Raij Mel (People's Associations) played a vital role in organizing peasant revolts, focusing on political awareness and education.
These assemblies were grassroots movements, unaligned with specific political parties but were influential in mobilizing the common people.

Conclusion

The anti-British uprisings in Assam were characterized by significant socio-economic changes enforced by the British and the resultant resistance of the Assamese people, culminating in pivotal events like the Revolt of 1857 and subsequent peasant revolts.

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Description

Explore the Anti-British uprising in Assam and its connections to the Revolt of 1857. This quiz covers key figures like Maniram Dewan, the impact of British revenue administration, and various peasant and tribal revolts. Test your knowledge on the significant historical events and causes surrounding this pivotal period in Indian history.