What do you know about the 'Kaivarta Revolt' in Varendra ? How would you define its nature ?
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Answer:
The Kaivarta Revolt of Bengal is one of the most famous revolt in the history of Bengal.
Vigrahapala III was succeeded by his son Mahipala II in 1070 A.D. The previous reign was flooded with foreign invasions. A process of disintegration was in the air. Thus from the very beginning Mahipala II was thrown into problems. Conspiracies and revolts became a continuous process in his reign which ultimately leads to his overthrow.A contemporary work “Ramacharita” narrated the circumstances which lead to the fall of Mahipala. On a false report of alleged conspiracy Mahipala imprisoned his two brothers Surapala and Ramapala. This infuriated the vassal chiefs who immediately revolted against him. Without paying heed to the advice of his ministers and without any preparation whatsoever, Mahipala faced the revolted chief and consequently died in their hands. A high official of Mahipala II and a Kaivarta by caste, Divya now assumed the royal authority. He became the master of Varendra or Northern Bengal and for sometime established a new dynasty. This is known in history as the famous Kaivarta Revolt of Bengal.The Kaivarta revolt has been characterized as a popular revolt. Mahipala was a tyrant and unscrupulous oppressor for whom a slight suspicion was enough to imprison people, even his own brothers. He was basically of war mongering nature and cared for no advice. The most oppressed people during his time of Mahipala were the Kaivartas and they found in Divya their liberator. Divya was neither a power loving nor a untrustworthy person of his master. But patriotic motive compelled him to kill Mahipala to liberate people from the hands of this tyrant. Divya, like Gopal was asked by the people to become the king.