People’s Resistance Against British Before 1857

People’s Resistance in Indian Society

• The term 'people' includes various sections of Indian society, including peasants, artisans, soldiers, tribal groups, and urban populations.

Focus of People's Resistance Before 1857

• The chapter emphasizes the collective response and uprisings against British colonial oppression prior to the 1857 revolt.

Alien Rule

• 'Alien rule' refers to the British control and governance over India, viewed as foreign and oppressive by the local population.

Protection of Interests

• Various groups, including peasants, tribals, and local rulers, fought to safeguard their rights and interests against the alien rule.

Significance of Incidents Before 1857

• Pre-1857 events highlight the growing discontent and resistance, laying the groundwork for the larger revolt against British rule.

Manifestation of Resentment

• Resentment against alien rule was evident among diverse groups such as zamindars, farmers, merchants, and tribal populations.

Urban Movements

• Movements in Benares, Surat, and Bareilly shared a common goal of resisting colonial policies and protecting local interests.

Major Forms of People’s Resistance

• According to Bipan Chandra, major forms included revolts, protests, and the establishment of alternative governance structures.

Effects of Colonial Rule

• Colonial rule led to economic exploitation, loss of livelihoods, and erosion of traditional rights, significantly impacting Indian society.

Causative Factors for Resentment

• Factors included economic oppression, cultural dislocation, and policies that favored British interests over local needs.

Aggravation of Tribal Conditions

• Displacement from traditional lands and imposition of taxes turned tribal communities increasingly aggrieved and violent.

Devastation of Industries

• Colonial policies and industrial competition resulted in the decline of Indian handloom and handicraft industries.

Civil Uprisings

• Civil uprisings typically involved a spectrum of socio-political and economic issues, leading to organized resistance against colonial authority.

Former Poligars in South India

• These were local chieftains who resisted British encroachment on their territories and autonomy.

Examples of Urban Movements

• Movements in cities like Benares, Surat, and Bareilly are noted for their efforts to unite various social groups against colonial rule.

Common Objective of Resistance

• People's resistance converged on the shared aim of ending alien rule and restoring local governance and rights.