EXERCISE

Very short answer questions 

Q1. After the establishment of the British rule in Assam how did the system of revenue collection change?
Answer: After the establishment of British rule, the system of revenue collection in Assam changed from a non-cash-based system to one where land revenue and other taxes had to be paid in cash.

Q2. In which year did Moffat Mills come to Assam?
Answer: Moffat Mills came to Assam in 1853 to investigate the administrative situation.

Q3. Who were the Keyas?
Answer: The “Keyas” were immigrant Marwari businessmen who acted as money lenders (Mahajans) and thrived on interest, compelling Assamese subjects to take loans to pay their land revenue.

Q4. Who led the revolt of 1857 in Assam?
Answer: The revolt of 1857 in Assam was led by Maniram Barbhandar Barua, popularly known as Maniram Dewan.

Q5. Which Ahom Prince did the rebels of Assam want to re-install on the throne in the revolt of 1857?
Answer: The rebels of Assam wanted to re-install the Ahom Prince Kandarpeswar Singha, grandson of former Ahom King Purandar Singha, on the throne.

Q6. Who was the Bengali Muktiyar who helped Maniram Dewan?
Answer: The Bengali Muktiyar who helped Maniram Dewan was Madhu Mallik.

Q7. Who was hanged along with Maniram Dewan?
Answer: Piyoli Barua was hanged along with Maniram Dewan.

Q8. Who tried the case of Maniram Dewan?
Answer: Captain Holroyd tried the case of Maniram Dewan in a special Court of Justice.

Q9. Mention two causes of the failure of the revolt of 1857 in Assam.
Answer: Two causes of the failure of the revolt of 1857 in Assam are:

1. The number of rebels was very small, and Maniram Dewan’s supporters were confined to Jorhat and Sibsagar, lacking wider support in other areas like Nowgaon and Kamrup.
2. The chief organizer, Maniram Dewan, was far away in Calcutta, and his attempts to command the revolt through letters were impractical, which also allowed the British to intercept them and learn of the conspiracy.

Q10. In which years were the Stamp tax and Income tax implemented?
Answer: The Stamp tax was implemented in 1858, and the Income tax was implemented in 1860.

Q11. Write two causes of the pitiable condition of the peasants of Assam during the British rule.
Answer: Two causes of the pitiable condition of the peasants during British rule were:

1. The introduction of cash-based land revenue and taxes, which were difficult for the peasants to pay, especially as the revenue increased by a hundred percent between 1854 and 1870.
2. The government did not take measures for the development of agriculture and did not exempt peasants from paying taxes even during natural disasters or famines.

Q12. Who was Lieutenant Singer?
Answer: Lieutenant Singer was the Assistant Commissioner of Nowgaon who was sent by Deputy Commissioner Herbert Sconce to disperse a Raij Mel (people’s assembly) at Phulaguri. He was killed by the peasants during the confrontation.

Q13. When did the Phulaguri Dhawa take place?
Answer: The Phulaguri Dhawa took place in 1861.

Q14. When did the peasant revolt of Rangia take place?
Answer: The peasant revolt of Rangia began on December 24, 1893.

Q15. Where is Lachima located?
Answer: Lachima is located in the Bajali region, which is a part of North Kamrup.

Q16. When did the peasant revolt of Lachima take place?
Answer: The peasant revolt of Lachima took place in 1894.

Q17. When did the peasant revolt of Patharughat take place?
Answer: The peasant revolt of Patharughat took place in the last decade of the 19th century, specifically between December 1893 and January 1894.

Q18. Who led the Jaintia revolt in 1861?
Answer: The Jaintia revolt was led by Ukiang Nonbah.

Q19. Who led the revolt of the ethnic tribes of North Cachar in 1881?
Answer: The revolt of the ethnic tribes of North Cachar in 1881 was led by Sambhudhan Kachari.

Q20. Who punished Tikendrajit with the death sentence?
Answer: Tikendrajit was punished with a death sentence by the British after being captured and tried for his anti-British activities and for killing British officials.

Q21. In which year was J.W Quinton murdered?
Answer: J.W Quinton was murdered in 1891.

Long answer type questions

Q1. Discuss in brief the causes of the revolt of 1857-58.
Answer: The Revolt of 1857 was caused by a combination of factors, primarily the British imperialist policies. These policies included Lord Wellesley’s Subsidiary Alliance and Lord Dalhousie’s Doctrine of Lapse, which led to the annexation of many Indian kingdoms and alienated their rulers. The deprived rulers and their supporters lent their full support to the mutiny of the Indian soldiers. The soldiers themselves had their own miseries, which led them to declare mutiny on May 10, 1857. The revolutionaries wanted to re-establish the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar II and end British rule. In Assam, the revolt gave an opportunity to the local elite class to overthrow the British and re-establish the Ahom monarchy due to their deep dissatisfaction with British economic policies.

Q2. Discuss the role of Maniram Dewan in the revolt of 1857-58 in Assam.
Answer: Maniram Dewan, a member of the former Ahom elite, initially served the British but became dissatisfied after losing his post and privileges. He was also agitated that he was denied the revenue exemptions granted to British tea planters and believed that his fortunes would improve only if the Ahom monarchy was restored. In 1857, while in Calcutta to appeal for the restoration of Prince Kandarpeswar Singha, he learned about the revolt in North India and conspired with Bengali Muktiyar Madhu Mallik to drive the British out of Assam with the help of Indian soldiers stationed there. He sent secret letters to his associates, including the Ahom prince, advising them to rise against the British and planned to bring arms and ammunition to Upper Assam during Durga Puja. His conspiracy was uncovered when Captain Holroyd intercepted the letters, resulting in his arrest and execution on February 26, 1858.

Q3. Discuss the reasons why the revolt of 1857-58 failed in Assam.
Answer: The revolt of 1857-58 in Assam failed for several reasons:

1. Lack of Mass Support: The number of rebels was small, mainly confined to Jorhat and Sibsagar, and the newly emerging Assamese middle class did not support the idea of restoring the Ahom monarchy.
2. Leadership from Afar: The chief organizer, Maniram Dewan, was in Calcutta and could not effectively coordinate the revolt over long distances, relying only on letters.
3. Breach of Secrecy: The rebels failed to maintain secrecy; their letters were intercepted by the British, who learned about the entire plan and acted swiftly to suppress it.
4. Lack of Arms and Ammunition: The rebels had very limited access to weapons, and Maniram Dewan was arrested before he could bring arms from Calcutta to assist the uprising.
5. Lack of Sepoy Support: Unlike in other parts of India, the local Indian soldiers of the British army did not fully join the rebellion, which was crucial for its success.

Q4. Discuss the importance of the revolt of 1857 in Assam.
Answer: Despite its failure, the revolt of 1857 holds significant importance in the history of Assam. They are :

1. Integration with National Events: It was the first time that Assam was associated with a historical pan-Indian event, as it was a part of the wider Indian Revolt of 1857.
2. Inspiration for Future Revolts: The peasant revolts that began in Assam in 1861 drew inspiration from the 1857 revolt.
3. Fostering Nationalism: It fuelled the growth of nationalism as Hindu and Muslim communities in Assam united to take part in the rebellion.
4. Inspiration for Freedom Fighters: The activities of Maniram Dewan and his associates during the revolt of 1857 inspired Assamese freedom fighters later during the Indian National Movement.

Q5. Write a note on the Phulaguri Dhawa.
Answer: The Phulaguri Dhawa was the first peasant revolt against British economic exploitation in Assam, taking place in 1861 in the village of Phulaguri, home to the Tiwa community. The revolt was triggered when the British banned poppy cultivation, which the Tiwas depended on, and fears arose that betel nuts and leaves would also be taxed. On September 17, 1861, over 1,500 peasants gathered at a Raij Mel (people’s assembly) to oppose the decision. When Deputy Commissioner Herbert Sconce misbehaved, the peasants held further meetings. On October 18, 1861, Assistant Commissioner Lieutenant Singer attempted to disperse them, but in the clash, he was killed by a peasant and his body thrown into the river. The British responded with arrests, executions, and life imprisonments. Despite the repression, the government never imposed a tax on betel nuts and leaves, marking a partial success for the peasants.

Q6. Discuss the peasant revolt of North Kamrup in 1894.
Answer:The peasant revolt of North Kamrup (1894) was triggered by the British decision to increase land revenue by hundred percent in 1892. The peasants of Rangia and Lachima refused to pay the new taxes and organized themselves through Raij Mels (people’s assemblies). The revolt began on December 24, 1893, in Rangia, with peasants looting markets and destroying land mortgage papers held by Marwari Mahajans. When 15 peasants were arrested, thousands gathered at the police station. Deputy Commissioner McCabe ordered police firing, forcing a retreat. To pacify the peasants, some leaders were appointed as police constables. In Lachima, Raij Mels remained strong, and on January 21, 1894, peasants beat a Moujadar and his Mondol for revenue collection. When 75 peasants were arrested, about 3,000 surrounded the camp, forcing their release. Later, McCabe arrested 59 rebels and publicly humiliated some by parading them tied to yokes. The revolt was eventually suppressed but reflected widespread peasant discontent.

Q7. Give an account of the peasant revolt of Patharughat in 1894.
Answer: The peasant revolt of Patharughat occurred in the Mangaldoi circle of Darrang district in January 1894 as a protest against a steep increase in land revenue. Peasants organized Raij Mels from mid-January and planned a large public assembly at Patharughat (January 26–28). On January 27, Deputy Commissioner J. D. Anderson arrived with police and military forces. When he confiscated properties of non-paying peasants, about 200 peasants surrounded Police Superintendent Berington, and later 2,000 armed peasants marched toward the Rest Camp. Ignoring orders to disperse, they retaliated with sticks and stones. Anderson then ordered his forces to open fire on the unarmed crowd, resulting in 140 peasants killed and 150 injured (unofficial records). The revolt was crushed, and 37 peasants were arrested and punished, demonstrating the brutal suppression of peasant unrest.

Q8. Write a note on the Jaintia revolt against the British in 1850.
Answer: The Jaintia revolt began after the British annexed the Jaintia Kingdom in 1835. The people of Jaintia were angered by the British interference in their traditional social and religious practices and by the imposition of new House and Income taxes, which they had never paid in cash before. The revolt was led by Ukiang Nongbah, a freedom-loving leader of the Jaintia people. On January 17, 1862, the rebels launched a sudden attack on the British camp at Jowai, catching them by surprise. The British retaliated with strong military action, gradually weakening the rebels’ resistance. Despite this, the Jaintias continued to show defiance. To suppress the revolt, the government promised general amnesty to those who surrendered and offered a reward for the capture of Ukiang Nongbah. He was eventually captured and publicly hanged in Jowai to instill fear among the rebels. Following his execution, many rebels surrendered, and the revolt finally ended by 1863, marking the suppression of one of the early anti-British uprisings in Assam.

Q9. Write about the anti-British revolt of 1891 in Manipur under the leadership of Tikendrajit?
Answer: In 1890, a succession dispute broke out in the Manipuri royal family, with Chief Commissioner J.W. Quinton interfering. The crown prince Kulachandra dethroned the king and became ruler. The British pressured him to banish Commander-in-Chief Tikendrajit, the leader of a secret anti-British movement. When Kulachandra hesitated, Quinton and four European officers came to capture Tikendrajit, but the Manipuris killed them in retaliation. In response, the British sent a strong military force, captured Tikendrajit, and hanged him for his anti-British activities and the killing of British officials. King Kulachandra was exiled, and a minor, Churachandra, was made king. The British also imposed heavy compensation, crushing the revolt and establishing full control over Manipur.

Write Short Notes on

1. The Revenue system implemented by the British in Assam.
Answer: Prior to British rule, revenue was not collected in cash in Assam. However, the British introduced a new revenue system that required the payment of land revenue and other taxes in cash. This policy severely impoverished the Assamese subjects, as they had to take loans from immigrant Marwari moneylenders (Mahajans) to pay the taxes. The new system put a heavy burden on the common people, especially since the land revenue had increased significantly between 1854 and 1870. The British also introduced new taxes like Stamp Duties (1858), Income Tax, License Tax, and Grazing Tax (1860). The government did not take any measures to develop agriculture or provide relief during famines and natural disasters, which led to a series of peasant revolts.

2. Maniram Dewan.
Answer: Maniram Dewan (Maniram Barbhandar Barua) was an Assamese aristocrat and a prominent figure in the Revolt of 1857 in Assam. Initially, he was a British-appointed official, but his fortunes declined under British rule, and he became an ordinary man, losing his wealth, post, and prestige. He was denied revenue exemptions given to British tea planters, and a British officer also deprived his family of a long-enjoyed revenue. Believing that the restoration of the Ahom monarchy was the only way to reverse his fortune, he went to Calcutta to appeal to the British government. There, he learned of the 1857 mutiny and conspired to overthrow the British in Assam. He was the main leader of the conspiracy and tried to coordinate the revolt through secret letters, but his plans were discovered by the British. He was arrested and, along with Piyoli Barua, was publicly hanged on February 26, 1858.

3. Phulaguri Dhawa.
Answer: The Phulaguri Dhawa was the first armed peasant revolt in Assam against the economic policies of the British, which took place in 1861. The Tiwa ethnic community of Phulaguri village, who commercially cultivated poppy, were infuriated when the British government banned its cultivation. The peasants feared that taxes would also be imposed on betel nuts and leaves. They organized a series of Raij Mels (people’s assemblies) to protest. Deputy Commissioner Herbert Sconce sent his Assistant Commissioner, Lieutenant Singer, to disperse the crowd. A confrontation ensued, during which Singer was struck on the head with a stick and killed by a peasant. In retaliation, the British authorities arrested many peasants and severely punished the leaders. However, the revolt was successful in that the British never imposed a tax on betel nuts and leaves afterward. The revolt also gained a mass character due to the voluntary participation of various communities and inspired future peasant uprisings in Assam.

4. Peasant revolt of Lachima.
Answer: The peasant revolt of Lachima was a part of a larger series of peasant revolts that occurred in North Kamrup in 1894. The peasants of this region, which included Lachima, were protesting the 100% increase in land revenue imposed by the British. The Raij Mels (people’s assemblies) in the area were very strong, and they even created a force armed with sticks. On January 21, 1894, the peasants badly beat up a Moujadar and a Mondol who came to collect revenue. When the Circle Officer arrested 75 people, a crowd of about 3000 people surrounded his camp, forcing their release. Deputy Commissioner McCabe then arrived, arrested 59 more rebels, and publicly humiliated them by tying them to yokes and parading them. The revolt was ultimately suppressed, but it demonstrated the strong resistance of the peasants against British exploitation.

5. Battle of Patharughat.
Answer: The Battle of Patharughat took place on January 28, 1894, in the Darrang district, where peasants revolted against the high land revenue imposed by the British. The peasants had organized Raij Mels and decided not to pay the increased taxes. Deputy Commissioner J.D. Anderson arrived with a police and military force to seize the properties of the peasants. This infuriated a crowd of about 2000 peasants who marched toward the camp armed with sticks. When the peasants refused to disperse, they began brandishing their sticks and hurling stones at the police. In response, the Deputy Commissioner ordered his forces to open fire. The official records state that 15 peasants were killed and 37 were injured, while unofficial records put the casualties much higher at 140 killed and 150 injured. The British crushed the revolt with a heavy hand and arrested 37 peasants, but the incident remains a major event in the history of peasant resistance in Assam.

6. Importance of peasant revolts in Assam.
Answer: The peasant revolts in Assam during the 19th century hold significant importance despite being suppressed by the British. They were a direct response to the economic exploitation and harsh revenue policies of the British government. These revolts, such as the Phulaguri Dhawa and the revolts in North Kamrup, were crucial because they mobilized the common people—including peasants, tribals, and even some members of the aristocratic class—against foreign rule. The use of “Raij Mels” as a form of public assembly demonstrated the democratic spirit and the power of organized public opinion. These revolts were an early form of non-cooperation and provided inspiration for later freedom movements in Assam, showing that mass struggle was possible against the British regime.

7. Tikendrajit.
Answer: Tikendrajit was the Commander-in-Chief of Manipur and a popular leader of the anti-British revolt in the kingdom in the late 19th century. After the British intervened in an internal family dispute for the throne in 1890, the Chief Commissioner of Assam, J.W. Quinton, tried to pressure the new king, Kulachandra, to banish Tikendrajit from the kingdom. When Kulachandra refused, Quinton and four other British officers came to Manipur to capture him. The people of Manipur, led by Tikendrajit, retaliated by killing all the British officers. The British then sent a large military force and successfully captured him. Tikendrajit was subsequently sentenced to death by hanging for his role in the rebellion and the killing of British officials. He is remembered as a brave leader who fought to protect the independence of Manipur.