The Revolts Prior to 1857

The initial purpose for the arrival of the East India Company (1600 A.D ) on Indian shores was the establishment of trading lines. But soon the purpose became , the expansion of the British Empire in India. In order to achieve this objective, they adopted the policy of systematic and inhuman exploitation which gradually generated dissatisfaction and discontent amongst the Indian population. The nationalist movement was at once a reassertion of traditional values and symbols against alien, modern, untraditional phenomenon. It was represented mainly by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Dayanand and the Arya samaj, Aurobindo, Tilak, Sir Sayed Ahmad khan and the Aligarh school, Annie Besant lead by Mahatma Gandhi

(A) Military Revolt:- These sepoy rebellions started prior to 1857 mainly because of inappropriate behaviour of the English Military Officials, exploitation and conditions of service, and the discrimination in salary etc.
Chief amongst these were - the revolt of 1764, the revolt of 1806 at Bellore, the revolt of the Assam Topkhana of 1825, the revolt at Sholapur in 1838 and at Govindgarh in 1849-50.

(B) Various Tribal Movements

(1) Pagalpanthi  Rebellion

The Pagalpanthi community was established by Karam Shah. His followers were both Hindu's and Muslims and his activity area was Myaman Singh District. A progressive increase in the lagan and controversy among landlords created issues. In 1820 in Hathikheda the Zamindars started extracting Begar which turned into a revolt. The first share of the Pagalpanthi revolt lasted 1827.

(2) Faraiyzi Rebellion

The Faraiyzi order was established by Shariayatullah and it was concerned with bringing about certain fundamental changes in the religious and social life of the community. The followers of the Faraiyzi order were influenced by the Wahabi movement and were consequently also influenced by the anti - British Philosophy of the Wahabi movement. Chief areas of activism were Barsal, Jaisore, Panama, Malda and Ahaka.
Main reason for the birth of Faraiyzi Movement was the attempt by the british to compel the peasants of farm Neel and Opium.

(3) Chuar Rebellion

In AD 1764 the Chuar Tribals revolted against the British. They adopted the policy of ' Scorched Earth ' and revolted together with the Native Princes of Dalbhum , Kailapal , Dhokla and Barabhum.

(4) The Struggle of Velu Thampi against Imperialism

Velu Thampi was a minister of the Travancore State. Thampi came to the understanding that if the company was permitted unfettered opportunities to carry out its work in Travancore they will form a monopoly over all the trade and commerce. He was supported by the people as well as the king

(5) Bhil Revolt

The background of this revolt were atrocities related to farming and the fear of the British government. In 1817 and then in 1825 under the leadership of Sewa Ram, the Bhils revolted again.

(6) Ho and Munda Revolt

In 1820-22 A.D. and then 1831 tribes of Chhota Nagpur and Singhbum  namely the Ho and Munda revolted against the British government as a result they remained affected by the agitation till 1837.

(7) Ramose Rebellion

The people of this tribe under the leadership of Chittar Singh , looted the region close to Satara. They were displeased with the policy  of the British government so they revolted from 1822 till 1829.

(8) Ahom Rebellion (1828)

In 1828 the Ahom elite of Assam declared Gomdhar Kunwar as their King and protested against the British government for assimilation of the Ahom Kingdom into the British Empire.

(9) Wahabi Movement (1831)

The founder of this movement was Syed Ahmad (1786- 1831) of Rai Bareillie. He wanted to re-establish revive the Islam that was preached and practiced in the times of Prophet Mohammed.

(10) Kol Rebellion

The main reason for this Rebellion was the seizure of land from the Mundas , leaders of the Kol and the granting of this seized land to the Muslim peasants and Sikhs.

(11) Khasi Rebellion (1833)

It was coordinated and started by the Raja of Nuklon Tirut Singh because the company captured the Eastern Janthia and the Western Garo hilly regions and formulated a military plan to connect the Brahmaputra Valley and Sylhet.

(12) Satara Rebellion

The main cause of this rebellion was the removal of the Raja of Satara Pratap Singh from his throne. Nar Singh Dattasthrey Petkar banded together a great many soldiers, won the fort of Badami.

(13) Santhal  Rebellion (1855- 56)

Issues of increased land taxes , misbehaviour of administrative officers, repression by the police and extortion by the Zamindars and other officials were the major reasons of this rebellion. In the leadership of Sindhu and Kanu , in the Rajmahal district of Bihar the Santhal rose the rebellion in the year 1855 A.D .

The revolt of 1857 was a part of this anti - imperialist tradition and was the supreme manifestation of these sentiments