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## The Rise of Peasant's Revolt in Assam The suppression of the Revolt of 1857 transferred all powers of the East India Company to the Queen of England through the Queen's Proclamation of 1858. The revolt had led to poor conditions for the British government. Because of the huge amount spent suppr...

## The Rise of Peasant's Revolt in Assam The suppression of the Revolt of 1857 transferred all powers of the East India Company to the Queen of England through the Queen's Proclamation of 1858. The revolt had led to poor conditions for the British government. Because of the huge amount spent suppressing the rebellion, the deficit budget for 1857-58 rose to 14 million pounds. The British government was concerned about how to improve their economic condition and pay off the deficit. As a result, the burden of taxes fell on the Indian masses. In Assam, additional taxes were added on top of existing taxes. Between 1854 and 1870, taxes increased by a hundred percent. These included Stamp Duties in 1858; Income Tax; License Tax (for procuring materials like wood, bamboo, etc.); and Grazing Tax (for grazing cattle in fields and meadows) in 1860. In Kamrup, Dattang and Nowgong, excise duties were imposed. Rivers where gold was found and fishing was done were also auctioned. These measures negatively affected the common people and the peasants. The British government collected taxes from the peasants but did not implement programs to help them. This was despite the fact that natural disasters, epidemics, or famines were frequent. As a result, in the middle of the 19th century, the people of Assam were unhappy with the British government and this led to a series of peasant revolts. ### Raij Mel Peasant revolts in Assam in the 19th century were led by the *Raij Mel* (People's Assembly). They were not organized along party lines, but they played an important role in Assam. *Raij Mel* leaders did their best to educate the peasants and make them aware of political issues. These assemblies grew under the supervision of the leading personalities of the society.