Phulaguri Revolt Commemorated
Commemorating the 163rd anniversary of the Phulaguri revolt, this article highlights the bravery of local peasants who defied British rule in 1861. Explore the events leading to the uprising, its impact on colonial authority, and the ongoing quest for recognition of this pivotal moment in India’s freedom struggle.
On a rather ordinary Friday in Phulaguri, locals gathered to pay homage to the peasants who bravely lost their lives 163 years ago, during the infamous ‘Phulaguri dhewa’ revolt against British colonial rule. It’s a tale steeped in both sorrow and defiance—a classic David versus Goliath story, if you will, but with a decidedly more tragic ending for David.
The Phulaguri revolt was sparked by a rather ridiculous ban on opium cultivation, alongside a proposed taxation on betel leaves and nuts. One can imagine the dismay of local farmers who relied on these crops for their livelihood, only to have the British government swoop in like a hawk and impose a ban that was about as welcome as a wet sock at a picnic.
The Phulaguri Peasant Uprising (1861): A Struggle for Livelihood and Rights
The Phulaguri Peasant Uprising of 1861 marks a significant chapter in Assam’s history, representing the first concerted protest by peasants against British colonial policies. Nestled in the Nowgaon District, this uprising arose primarily from dissatisfaction with the British government’s economic policies, particularly their prohibition on local opium cultivation, which had become an integral part of the livelihoods of the local population.
Opium: A Double-Edged Sword
Towards the end of the Ahom rule, opium had found its way into the lives of many Assamese, with local cultivation on bari mati (garden land) and chapari mati (clay soil) flourishing as a response to both demand and economic necessity. The British, recognising the potential for revenue, began regulating opium trade in Assam from 1851-1852, simultaneously initiating a system of taxation that further burdened the peasantry. As private enterprises entered the fray, urging the government to increase land revenues, the local populace faced mounting economic pressure.
The British administration soon perceived the increasing opium consumption as detrimental, attributing a decline in agricultural productivity to the villagers’ indulgence in the drug. Consequently, they banned poppy cultivation in 1860, a decision that struck at the very heart of the economic sustenance of the Tiwa (Lalungs) and Kachari communities in Phulaguri, who had long relied on opium as a source of income. For these tribal groups, opium was not merely a commodity; it was woven into the fabric of their cultural and social identity, believed to confer longevity and boost the immune system.
The Catalyst for Rebellion
Tensions escalated when unfounded rumours circulated about impending additional taxes on houses, gardens, and the cultivation of pan (betel vine) and tamul (areca nut). Although the British did not issue any official pronouncements regarding these tax increases, the anxiety among the peasants was palpable. The oppressive economic conditions further fuelled their discontent, leading to a mass gathering of approximately 1,500 peasants at the Sadar Court of Nowgaon in September 1861. When Lieutenant Herbert Sconce, the Deputy Commissioner, dismissed their grievances and treated them with contempt, the atmosphere became increasingly volatile.
In response, the peasants organised a raijmel, a popular assembly that had become a significant feature of colonial Assamese society, particularly after the Revolt of 1857. This gathering served as a platform for voicing their concerns and coordinating their protests. By mid-October, the raijmel had grown into a formidable assembly of thousands, many armed with lathis (bamboo sticks). The sheer number of participants alarmed the British authorities, prompting Sconce to deploy a police force to quell the growing unrest.
The Clash
On October 15, 1861, Lieutenant Singer arrived to manage the situation but soon found himself in a precarious position. The peasants, insisting on a dialogue about their demands, were met with a firm refusal and a directive to disperse. Tensions flared, leading to a clash that escalated tragically when one of the peasants struck Singer, resulting in his death. The body was later discarded into the Kalang River, marking a turning point in the uprising.
In retaliation, the British authorities deemed the uprising intolerable and responded with brutal force. Under the command of Commissioner Henry Hopkins, the Assam Light Infantry was dispatched to suppress the rebellion. The subsequent confrontation resulted in the deaths of thirty-nine peasants, with many more injured. The brutality of the crackdown not only quelled the uprising but also led to the arrest of forty-one peasants, with several facing death sentences.
The Legacy of the Uprising
The Phulaguri Uprising, often referred to as the Phulaguri Dhawa or the Battle of Phulaguri, remains a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by Assamese peasants against colonial oppression. While it was largely confined to the Tiwa and Kachari communities and lacked a cohesive ideology or robust leadership, the uprising highlighted the deep-seated grievances of the local populace.
The role of raijmel was crucial, serving as a space where the peasants articulated their frustrations and united in their cause. However, the lack of sustained organisation meant that the British found it relatively easy to suppress this uprising, leaving the agrarian communities to bear the brunt of continued colonial exploitation.
In retrospect, the Phulaguri Uprising stands as a testament to the resilience and agency of the Assamese peasantry, echoing their cries for justice and their unyielding spirit in the face of adversity.
Pradeep Deka, the secretary of the Phulaguri Dhewa Smiti Rakshya Samiti, aptly described the event’s legacy, stating, “Whatever might have been its original objective, the uprising became a symbol of challenge to the mighty British power in the Assam province.” Though the revolt was crushed, it sent tremors through the very foundations of British rule in the region.
However, it seems the local and state governments have been rather remiss in commemorating this important chapter in Indian history. Deka lamented, “Today neither the State government, local MLA, nor the district administration have come forward to commemorate the heroism of the common people.” The locals aspire for national recognition akin to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which, ironically, occurred later but has received far more attention in the annals of history.
Deka’s plea to preserve the site known as Manuh Pura Beel—where 69 peasants were buried—echoes the frustration felt by many in Phulaguri. It’s a poignant reminder that history should not be forgotten, especially when it is filled with stories of bravery and sacrifice.
So, as we remember those valiant peasants, let us not let their story fade into the background like a forgotten chapter in a dusty old book. Their struggle for justice and dignity is a crucial part of our shared history, and it deserves a proper place in the narrative of India’s fight for freedom. After all, if we can’t honour the courage of those who stood up against oppression, what are we left with? Just a bunch of bureaucratic footnotes in a history book, and nobody wants that!
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