Question

Write a short note on Badtar Rebellion.

Answer 1

Bastar is located in souther most part of the State of Chhattisgarh and has a common border with Andhra Pradesh, Orrisa and Maharashtra. When Colonial government brought about the Forest Act, the people of Bastar started worrying. There was a terrible famine in 1899 and again in 1907. Actually the rebellion of Bastar was caused by combination of many factors. These included displacement from own land, increased land rent and demand for free labour and goods. The major reason behind the rebellion was the attitude of the British government which wanted to subjugate the local people and destroy their way of living by taking over their lands.
The British government proposed the reservation of two-third area of the forest and they banned the shifting cultivation, hunting and collection of forest produce that was done by the local people of Bastar..
Those who were allowed to stay in the reserved forest had to do labour work for the Forest Department.
People began to gather to discuss the village issues. Secret messages were passed inviting the villagers to rebel against British government
Every villager contributed something for the rebellion expenses.
Bazaars were looted, the houses of officials, police stations and schools were burnt. All those people who were attacked by the rebels, were associated with the Colonial Government and its laws.
The British ultimately put the rebellion down by employing heavy force.
It took three months for the British Government to take control of the situation.
The work on reservation was temporarily suspended. The area to be reserved was reduced to half.