ગુજરાતી
English
BBC Gujarati, with thanks
9 May 2023
When the Santhal, Munda and Kharia tribal communities raised their voices against British rule in 1857, Gujarat was also affected.
Mukhi Garbaddas in Anand, Waghero in Okhamandal and Tatya Tope in Chhota Udaipur led armed movements. One such notable movement was that of ‘Nayak’, whose influence was seen in Panchmahal and surrounding areas. In 1858, it was led by Kewal and Rupa Nayak and was supported by Tatya Tope’s soldiers and Makranis.
Voices against British rule were suppressed with strict measures. This movement had its limitations and shortcomings, due to which this fight failed to change history.
A look at that page of history which is mentioned very little in history books and only nominally in the gazettes of the British.
Ladhabhai Harji Parmar writes, “Surajmal claimed the throne of Lunavada, which was not recognised. Therefore, he took up arms. He attacked Lunavada in July-1857. But this attempt failed.” (Rewakantha Directory, Volume-1, Page No. 64)
Earlier he had taken refuge in Pali village. When the British came to know about this, Lieutenant Alban of Gujarat Horse and the 7th Native Infantry led by Lieutenant Cunningham attacked. Lieutenant Alban was to prove lucky here once again.
The Mukhi Garbaddas fought in Anand and the Baghas in Okhamandal
Tatya Tope led an armed movement in Chhota Udepur
Voices against British rule were suppressed through armed action
The movement also had its limitations and drawbacks
After 1857, weapons were confiscated from the natives as part of the disarmament campaign
The Company’s rule in the country ended after this and the country came directly under the British crown
Lieutenant Alban was sent to disarm the Arabs. The Arabs had matchlock rifles.
Lieutenant Alban arrived at the tent to negotiate with Mustafa Khan. While the other Arabs and the British officer’s companions remained outside.
Mustafa Khan’s sword had already been placed on a nearby table so that negotiations could take place.
As the talks became tense, Mustafa Khan reportedly attempted to attack, but Lieutenant Alban shot him dead with his revolver. After a small skirmish, other Arabs were also captured. Mustafa Khan, four Arabs and a horse of Gujarat Horse were killed.
Surajmal and his Rajput allies and the British army came face to face in Pali village. The British contingent succeeded in thwarting the attack of Surajmal and his allies. After this the squad burnt down Pali village.
Surajmal fled to Mewar.
After this he returned after reconciling with the king and was given annuity. He died the very next year.
Geographically, the present Dahod district was once a part of Panchmahal. Which is located at the junction of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Another notable movement in this region was that of Nayak. Who raised his voice three times in 1838, 1858 and 1868.
The massacre on the border of Gujarat was described as bigger than ‘Jallianwala Bagh’.
In 1868, once again the heroes of Gujarat raised their voice against the then British rule and their protected local kings.
Edalji Dosabhai, Deputy Collector of Ahmedabad, has mentioned this chapter (page no. 293-296) in his book History of Gujarat, from the Earliest Period to the Present Time (1894): Joria Nayak belonged to Vedaka. People called him ‘God’ (Bhagat) and the Nayak respected him.
The Nayak including Rup Singh Nayak of Dandiapur believed that they had divine powers. Both ruled jointly.
They collected wealth through religious and other activities. In the beginning the local officials did not inform the agent about this.
On 2 February (1868) many armed warriors reached Rajgarh. Joria Bhagat, Rup Singh and his son Galalia went inside and were sitting and talking to the local officer.
From word to word the divine power of Joria Bhagat was revealed. An officer showed a clenched fist and challenged Joria Bhagat to tell what was in it.
On hearing this, Rup Singh’s son Galalia became very angry. He said, “Death.” Saying this he drew his sword and cut off both the hands of the officer.
Makrani tried to resist the security guard but failed. The Veers looted.
From here the Veers went to Jambughoda. The police fired bullets at them but no one was hurt so they thought it was due to the divine power of Joria Bhagat so they fled.
Here they damaged government documents. From where they reached the house of Chhotaudepur Mukhiya who had fled from there on getting information about the uproar.
Here two Veers were killed. This shook their belief that the bullet could not touch them due to divine power. However, their campaign continued.
The Political Agent of Revakantha, the Superintendent of Police and other military officers were informed about the Rajgarh incident. Additional forces were called from Ahmedabad and Vadodara.
The king of Gujarat, who is in debt and lives in slums
The massacre of Gujarat which is worse than Jallianwala Bagh
On 15 February, leaving some troops at Shivrajpur, the British troops and Bhil corps proceeded to Vedak under the command of Captain McLeod.
At Vedak they saw Joria Bhagat in bright red and yellow clothes. Around him were his guards carrying quivers. They were waiting for some relics.
