Revolt of 1857 in Odisha: The Unsung Saga of Resistance

Introduction

The Revolt of 1857, often hailed as India’s First War of Independence, was not just confined to north and central India. Its echoes reverberated in distant Odisha too, where brave sons of the soil rose against British oppression. Odisha’s contribution to the revolt, though often overlooked in mainstream narratives, was marked by courage, resilience, and an unflinching desire to reclaim lost freedom. The Odia patriots transformed their regional grievances into a larger fight against colonial rule.

Background: Odisha on the Eve of 1857

• After the British occupation of Odisha in 1803, the region faced harsh colonial exploitation.
• Traditional ruling elites (Rajas, Zamindars) lost power due to British land revenue policies.
• Peasants suffered due to exorbitant taxes, land alienation, and oppressive revenue systems.
• The Paika Rebellion of 1817, led by Buxi Jagabandhu, set a precedent for future uprisings against colonial rule.
• The cumulative discontent created a fertile ground for rebellion during the Revolt of 1857.

Key Causes of the Revolt in Odisha

1. Economic Exploitation
   • High land revenue and economic drain impoverished the peasantry.
   • Traditional Zamindars were displaced by new landlords loyal to the British.
2. Political Discontent
   • Dispossession of hereditary rulers and curtailment of their traditional rights.
   • The Doctrine of Lapse and Subsidiary Alliance undermined regional autonomy.
3. Religious and Social Factors
   • Fear of religious interference by the British.
   • Spread of Christianity by missionaries created suspicion among locals.
4. Inspiration from Outside
   • News of uprisings in Meerut, Delhi, and Kanpur reached Odisha.
   • Sparked hope and motivated local leaders to rise against British rule.

Major Centers of Revolt in Odisha

1. Revolt in Kujang

   • Leader: Raja Krushna Chandra Bhanjdeo of Kujang.
   • Events:
   • Kujang was a powerful estate with a history of resisting British authority.
   • Raja Krushna Chandra provided leadership and mobilized local forces.
   • He refused to pay tribute to the British and declared independence.
   • The British launched military action and suppressed the revolt by 1860.

2. Revolt in Banapur

   • Leader: Surendra Sai (initial association), later local Zamindars.
   • Events:
   • The Banapur region was already restless due to past anti-British sentiments.
   • Zamindars like Narayan Singh and his allies revolted against British revenue policies.
   • British forces acted swiftly to suppress these uprisings.

3. Surendra Sai and Sambalpur Uprising

   • Though Surendra Sai’s rebellion started earlier in 1849, it gained momentum during the 1857 revolt.
   • Surendra Sai, a legitimate heir to the Sambalpur throne, was denied succession by the British.
   • During 1857, he intensified his struggle against the British.
   • Mobilized tribal groups like the Binjhal and Gond tribes.
   • Guerilla warfare tactics were used against the British forces for over two decades.

Prominent Leaders of the Revolt in Odisha

Leader	Area of Operation	Contributions
Surendra Sai	Sambalpur	Led long-drawn armed resistance, especially during 1857.
Raja Krushna Chandra Bhanjdeo	Kujang	Refused British suzerainty, declared independence.
Chandan Hajuri (Chakhi Khuntia)	Puri	Mobilized sepoys, linked with rebel leaders in central India.
Madhab Chandra Routray	Banapur	Organized local rebellion, allied with other Zamindars.

Role of Chakhi Khuntia (Chandan Hajuri)

• A priest of the Jagannath temple and personal priest of Rani Lakshmi Bai.
• Acted as a link between rebel leaders in north and central India.
• Spread anti-British sentiments among sepoys stationed in Odisha.
• After the revolt’s failure, he was imprisoned by the British but later released.

British Suppression and Aftermath

• The British, alarmed by revolts in Kujang, Banapur, and Sambalpur, deployed large military forces.
• Revolts were ruthlessly crushed by 1860, with leaders imprisoned, exiled, or executed.
• Surendra Sai was eventually captured in 1864 and imprisoned until his death in 1884.
• The suppression further entrenched British colonial rule but sowed seeds of future resistance.

Significance of the Revolt of 1857 in Odisha

1. Continuation of the Legacy of Resistance
   • Followed earlier uprisings like the Paika Rebellion of 1817.
   • Set the stage for future movements like Utkal Sammilani and Odisha’s role in the Freedom Movement.
2. Unification of Different Sections
   • Tribal leaders, Zamindars, and common peasants joined hands against colonial exploitation.
3. Inspired Nationalistic Consciousness
   • Despite being regional, it sparked nationalist sentiments in Odisha.

Challenges Faced by the Rebels

• Lack of coordination among different regional leaders.
• Limited resources and outdated weaponry.
• Strong British military response with superior technology.
• Betrayal by some local rulers loyal to the British.

Conclusion

The Revolt of 1857 in Odisha stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Odia people. Though it failed to overthrow British rule, it ignited the flame of patriotism that later fueled the national freedom struggle. The sacrifices of heroes like Surendra Sai, Chakhi Khuntia, and Raja Krushna Chandra Bhanjdeo remain etched in Odisha’s history as symbols of valor and resistance. It is high time their contributions are acknowledged and celebrated in the annals of India’s freedom movement.

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Subject: Odisha Manthan

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