Tribal Leaders of Odisha and Their Contribution in Political and Social Movements

October - 2015 Odisha Review

Tribal Leaders of Odisha and their Contribution in Political and Social Movements

Sabitri Sethy

INTRODUCTION : culture. Laxman Nayak, the tribal leader of Odisha, the storehouse of natural beauty, Koraput sacrificed his life on the gallows. His the mine of precious metals and land of bumper name would remain alive for ages to come in the crop, was not only famous for her trade and history of Indian freedom struggle. India and commerce, culture, art and architecture but also Odisha in particular is proud of Chakara Bisoi of known for its revolutionary freedom movement, Ganjam and others who fought tooth and nail brave resistance and sacrifices. against the British Raj. Bhima Bhoi, the Kondh genius, was a poet of the first order for his poems It had attracted foreign rulers who that proclaim of self sacrifice and human occupied Odisha; ruled the people of Odisha brotherhood. Thus we are highly indebted to the forcibly; enforced their laws and regulations on tribals of Odisha for their contribution to the them; implemented oppressive revenue system Indian society, politics and culture. and interfered in their traditional privileges and imposed new socio-economic and political order. Although the movements initially began Above activities of the foreign rulers specially on social and religious issues and against the during the regime of the British Government grew oppression of the outsiders, in course of time, they unrest among the masses including the tribals who merged with the national movement and with the were deeply humiliated by the oppressors. non-tax campaign. However, most of the movements were ruthlessly suppressed by the The British Government policies had government. The government forced the tribals disintegrated the tribal society, culture and politics. to adopt British Policies and introduced protective To protect their interest, the tribals launched administration in tribal areas. relentless rebellions and movements against the oppressors under the tribal leaders who In this paper, the role of tribal leaders who challenged the Zamindars; formed alliances had participated in different movements and result against the kings; conspired to overthrow the of these movements are highlighted. British and demonstrated ample courage while Tribal movements against British fighting caste supremacism. Administration : We can never forget the gems of the The tribal movements which started tribals who have glittered our politics, society and against British in 19th and 20th Century, were very

52 Odisha Review October - 2015 significant in the history of modern Odisha. In (1) Dora Besoyee : th the latter half of 19 Century they exhibited their ³Kamala Lochan Dora Besoyee´ active role in exposing socio-economic and popularly known as Dora Besoyee took the political maladies of the Government. They Commanding Charge of ³Kandha Uprising in directly challenged the authorities both on 1836, has left an unforgettable chapter in the economic and political front in 20th Century. They history of modern Odisha. rose into rebellion against the British Policies more He organized the Kandha rebellion in violently than any other community. Ghumsur, geared up that uprising against British Kandha Rebellion under Dora Besoyee and from 1935-1946; committed to save his Chakara Besoyee : motherland from the foreign rule and subjugation The second decade of the 19th Century and urged upon the Govt. for re-establishment of was very significant in the history of modern Rajas administration in their territory. Odisha. Kandhas of the ³Ghumsur Zamindar Under his leadership, the Kandhas, the started a vigorous revolt under the leadership of Paikas and other people of ³Ghumsar´ did ³Dora Besoyee´ and ³Chakara Bisoyee´ in 1835 whatever was possible for them to disturb and which continued till 1866. disrupt the normal functioning of the Government. Annexation of Ghumsar, introduction of The chief aim of this movement was for new administration; depriva of the local feudal restoration of native rule under ³Dhananjaya aristocracy from power and position; activities of Bhanja´ and for protection of their socio-religious Christian missionaries; introduction of new land customs like the ³Meriah Sacrifice´ revenue system; and the arbitrary dissolution of Under his leadership, the Kandha uprising Bhanja ruling family from their estate were the started in September, 1835 and continued till most important cause which influenced the February, 1837. Kandhas to start resistance movement against the Though the British authorities suppressed Govt. It was the first movement in India against this rebellion; arrested Dora Besoyee in 1837 British which continued for long time and in which from Angul; destroyed many Kandha villages; both Rajas and ethnic tribals like the Kandhas Captured most of the rebel leaders and imposed fought together against the foreign rule. It also martial law, they could not suppress it completely. provided the proper background to the rising of He was arrested and sent to ³Ooty´ near Madras. other movements in Odisha, starting from 1885 There he died in 1846 as a state prisoner, leaving and extending upto 1947. behind a glorious legacy of brave and resolute The Ghumsar resistance movements struggle against the British. which started under Dora Besoyee and Chakara It may be said that, he was a unique figure Besoyee not only provided impetus and in the history of modern Odisha. Though born in momentum to the national struggle for a Kandh family and lived in forest, Dora Besoyee Independence, but also equally helped to foster showed his talent and mentality to the British a new kind of Odia nationalism in the region. authority and died as a state prisoner.

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(2) Chakara Besoyee : leader´, named ³Dayanidhi Dharua´ was another Among the freedom fighters of Odisha , important movement in the history of modern who fought against the British to liberate their Odisha. Dharua tribes rose in rebellion on motherland from the foreign domination, account of their un-willingness to submit any form ³Chakara Besoyee´ of Ghumsar was very of exploitation and started movement against the notable. He took the commanding charge of Raja of Mayurbhanj and British authority. The Kandha rebellion in 1846 after death of his uncle oppressive revenue policy of Raja and Amalas ³Dora Besoyee´ and continued till 1866. He influenced the tribal people to launch rebellion sacrificed his whole life for his motherland and against Raja. did not surrender him near the British till his death Though British Authority and Raja of in 1856. He was the brave son of Ghumsur estate Mayurbhanja suppressed the rebellion and who committed to restore the Bhanja family in captured the leaders, they could not suppress it this estate and fought for the cause of Kandhas completely which continued till 1866. After that of Ghumsur. He was a true successor of Dora the British authority changed their policies towards Besoyee. tribals and made complete settlement of land. His contribution to the Kandha uprising, (4) Ratan Naik : ranked him with Jagabandhu vidyadhar and th Surendra Sai. He championed the cause of the The second half of the 19 Century Kandhas for their ancient rite named ³the witnessed the Bhuinya revolt in Keonjhar under Mariah´. Though he failed in his effort to bring the leadership of ³Ratan Naik´ against the newly socio-economic remedies, still he was a torch appointed King of Keonjhar ³Dhanurjay Bhanja´, bearer. He helped the peasants of Nayagarh in feudal Chief and the British. They were deprived their struggle for political-economic rights from of their political and traditional rights. This 1849 to 1851, acted a saviour of the Savaras of movement began in 1867 and continued till 1868. Paralakhemundi in 1855-56 and fought against Though it was suppressed severely, it showed a British authorities severely for the restoration of path to the future generation who revived the the Bhanja family to power in Ghumsar. movement two decades after. However his long years of resistance Ratan Naik, the great tribal leader of (1846-56) againt the British Government, in the Keonjhar who sacrificed his life for the people of hill tracts, is a landmark in the history or heroic Keonjhar, was captured by the paiks of Pallahara struggle by an individual against the mighty British on August 15, 1868 and brought to Cuttack where power. He fought a selfless war against the British he was hanged by the British authority. He was a authorities, which was very rare in the history of progressive personality who dreamt of an freedom movement of India. He will always be advanced government and wanted all individuals remembered as a great freedom fighter of Odisha in the society to get individual rights keeping aside in the heart of people of Odisha. old traditions. He stood for human rights and against the despotic will of the King and fought (3) Dayanidhi Dharua : against the British super power. He wanted to The Tribal uprising in Mayurbhanj make Keonjhar a democratic state where there tributary mahal in 1857 under the ³Dharua tribal will be no hereditary Kings and the people of

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Keonjhar will enjoy all fundamental rights under King. He would remain as a great revolutionary a popular government. He was the brave son of leader in the hearts of the people of Odisha. Keonjhar and Odisha, who died for his (6) Laxman Nayak : motherland. Laxman Nayak, popularly known as ³the (5) Dharanidhar Naik : Gandhi of Malkangiri´ was a tribal leader; a The second phase of Keonjhar uprising legendary figure and a celebrated freedom fighter was a unique event in the history of freedom of Odisha and India. Though he was born in a struggle in Odisha. It began in 1890 and lasted ³Bhumiya family´, he took the commanding for five years under the leadership of ³Dharanidhar charge of tribal movement and the Quit India Naik´, a literate young Bhuyan. Movement of Koraput and Malkangiri. Minor in age, but a boy of immense moral Influenced by the Congress leaders of courage, Dharanidhar Naik kindled the fire of a Koraput district like Radha Krushna Biswas, new hope among the tribals in the dark Garajat Sadasiba Tripathy and Radhamohan Sahu, he region of Keonjhar and sown the seeds of liberty joined the Congress; followed the Congress and freedom. His bravery and rebellious mind to Programmes and started spreading its message, plans and programmes. He injected the Congress stop the oppression and exploitation of the king ideology and the spirit of freedom into the minds and the British, has added a glorious chapter in of the people and attracted to the peole towards the annals of Odisha. Though he had got his Congress. education with the assistance of king, he organized movement against king. He started revolt against As a disciplined member of the Congress, ³Bethi´ and other forced labour in 1891 that he exhibited his brave attitude during the Quit continued till 1896. However, British suppressed India Movement; mobilized the people against the the revolt; captured Dharanidhar Naik and British authority and had incited people not to pay awarded a simple punishment of 7 years various taxes viz. forest tax, road tax, plough tax imprisonment. After his release from Jail in 1897, etc. He was a patriot in true sense and loved his he led the life of a saint; began to preach his country and its people. He always felt sorry at philosophy and delivered sermons to the people the plight of the innocent, hungry tribals. His how to free the country from the foreign rule. sincere and indomitable effort could arise the tribal people with patriotism against the Britishers. Dharanidhar who sacrificed his life for the He was a great organizer who organized people was a lover of humanity and equality. He tribal people against British oppressive policies. was a peace lover; protector of the poor and a He worked hard for the economic development true human being who saved the life of Fakirmohan of his tribal fellows and brought unity, solidarity Senapati, the champion of Odia literature. among his people through cultural programmes His motto was ³Service to humanity is like dance and singing. As a true tribal leader he service to God´. As a true patriot, he gave shelter was always trying to uplift the tribal people and to many freedom fighters in his Ashram at ³Ali´ in opposed ³Bethi, Goti and Gudem´. He also his last day. He saved the subjects of Kendujhar wanted to uproot the superstitions among the from the oppression, tyranny and humiliation of tribals like castesim in his own ³Bhumia Tribe´.

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The ideals of Congress and Gandhiji like light of freedom. He fought for truth, non-violence faith in god, non-violence, total prohibition, and justice. Though, he did not live to see free celibacy, physical labour, humility fearlessness India he remained imprinted in the minds of using swadeshi goods, giving up sensuality and millions of people of India as the leader of leaders. abolition of casteism made his personality more (7) Nabaghan Kanhar : stronger. Nabaghan Kanhar of Ratabira in Boudh- This great man fought single-handed Kandhamal area rose in revolt against the King against the oppressive foreign rulers with of Boudh and the British in 1835. As a tribal consummate skill and a rare passion and fervour leader he took the commanding charge of Kandha of a fighter. He stood up like a rock with only uprising in Boudh from 1837 to 1846. Rebellion one supreme truth as his polestar, the freedom of spread like wild-fire in the entire Boudh region. his motherland. Under his leadership, the Kandhas opposed tax He sacrificed all his creature comforts for system of Raja of Baudha¶, began to resent the the cause of national freedom and did not break exploitative and oppressive behaviour of British or bend a bit before the wily machination of the authority and raised voice against the abolition of foreign usurpers. He organized the tribal people human sacrifice by British. to fight against old and inhuman practices like Nabaghan supported the Kondhas¶, took bonded labour and spearheaded the fight against the commanding charge of this rebellion and oppression, suffering and exploitation. organised the Kandhas of Ghumsar, Dasapalla However, greater things were in store for and Banpur against Raja and British. He received him. Responding to the call of Mahatma Gandhi support and cooperation from the King of Angul. Laxman Nayak took the commanding charge of Though the British suppressed the rebellion and Quit India Movement in Koraput; led a captured Madhaba Kanhar, brother of Nabaghan procession on 21st August 1942 and and his two sons named Bira and Maheswar, they demonstrated peacefully in front of ³mathili police could not capture Nabaghan and check the unrest station´. But the police fired at the demonstrator completely. Nabaghan continued his rebellion with indiscriminately. This claimed 5 lives and more the help of ³Raja of Angul´. than two hundred were injured on this gruesome However, the British later suppressed it incident. The administration further falsely implicated Laxman Nayak in a case of murder and captured the rebels and their leaders like Bira and the death sentence was pronounced on him Kanhar and Nabaghan Kanhar. His leadership on 13th November, 1942. Finally he was hanged forced British authority to establish permanent on 29 March, 1943, in Berhampur Jail at peace in Baudh region. In spite of all development 5.30AM. As a brave freedom fighter he died a measures, the Kandhas of Baudh did not establish martyr¶s death at the hands of the colonial confidence on the British and continued their administration and passed into a legend. protest. Like other freedom fighters of Odisha, (8) Madri Kalo : he became a symbol of sacrifice for the cause of Gangapur, the 4th biggest princely state the people and accepted martyrdom so that of Odisha, experienced a violent uprising of the millions of his fellow countrymen could see the triabl peasants in the year 1897 under the

56 Odisha Review October - 2015 leadership of ³Madri Kalo´. The new revenue hegemonic oppression of the state¶s settlement was introduced by King Raghunath administration. He fought for Justice and Sekhar Deo of Gangapur. Landlessness, generated a sense of courage and moral strength depeasantization and land revenue policy of the among his friends who violently waged war colonial Government led a tribal uprising in against Durbar administration. As a brave leader, Gangapur under the leadership of Madri Kalo. he compelled the British to bring changes in their administration. Really he was a charismatic leader Madri Kalo, a tribal Gaontia or village of Gangpur who through his movement exposed headman of Bhuyan community took the the evils of age old Durbar administration in commanding charge of this movement and traditional line and forced British Government to organized this movement against the king of check the mal-administration in Gangpur state. Gangapur and British. This movement is known as ³Gauntia Meli´ in the history of Odisha. He For his sacrifice he will remain in the heart will chiefly be remembered as one who through of tribal peasants as the first tribal leader who his selfless sacrifices prepared a solid frame work rose a war against the oppressive policies of for a future tribal peasant agitation on massive Gangpur King. In this way he has become a living scale led by ³Nirmal Munda´. legend in the history of peasant movement in the state of Gangpur. As a popular, helpful and tribal Gaontia, he united his people against the King Raghunath (9) Nirmal Munda : Sekhar Deo who had tremendous lust for wealth The µMunda¶ uprising in the last decade and thus started armed agitation in 1897 against of the 19th century in the state of gangpur under the Durbar administration. the leadership of ³Nirmal Munda´ was very He was a very popular leader and significant in the history of resistance movement powerful organizer. He organized his movement in Odisha. from Mahabir Hill of Bargaon which was the nerve Nirmal Munda, a converted Christian and centre of his rebellion. Despite best efforts, it a brave tribal leader of Gangpur led the aggrieved became difficult on the part of the Durbar tribals against land revenue system in 1934 and administration to nab the rebels who sheltered in demanded a revision of the land settlement. His the hills. Finally the state administration with the prime aim was to achieve economic freedom. assistance of his reliable friend the Gauntia of Under his leadership the rebel Mundas openly Kuranga arrested Madri Kalo in 1900. He was revolted against the Queen of Gangpur and British sentenced for 10 years of imprisonment of which and started ³No-rent Campaign.´ Dahijiri village he spent 6 years in Sundargarh Jail and the rest 4 became the nerve-centre of the agitation and non- years at Ranchi and was released from Jail in Christian tribal leaders joined hand with Nirmal 1910. Four years after his release from the Jail, Munda. he breathed his last in 1914 in the village Lamboi To suppress this movement the British near Rajgangpur. started operation on 25th April 1939 and attacked Though he died in critical condition, he the rebellious people, fired on the public, killed left behind for the tribal tenants of Gangapur a 28 tribals and arrested Nirmal Munda and his rich tradition of popular resistance against associates. This incident is known as ³Simko´

57 October - 2015 Odisha Review firing in the history of resistance movement in was a fearless leader of Malkangiri and real Odisha. He was sentenced for 6 years of freedom fighter of Odisha, who sacrificed his life imprisonment in Sundargarh and Sambalpur. for the freedom of his motherland. He will remain After the arrest of the leaders, the movement in the heart of the tribal people as a brave Koya collapsed. He was released from Jail on 15th leader who resisted against the oppressive and August, 1947 the Independence day. exploitative policies of Koraput King and British Though British Government suppressed authority. this movement, this struggle did not end till (12) Bhima Bhoi: independence. As a true tribal leader, he had Born at ³Kankarapada´ in Redhakhol, demanded the tribal rights over forest. However, Bhima Bhoi, a blind Kondha Boy and a saint ± Nirmal Munda, a fearless freedom fighter well Poet of Nineteenth Century played vital role to known in Chhota Nagpur and Bonei area popularize ³Mahima Dharma´. Attracted by sacrificed his life for the economic development ³Mahima Goswami´, founder of Mahima Culture and political freedom of tribal people of Gangpur in Odisha, he embraced Mahima Culture; wielded state. his pen against the prevailing social injustice, (10) Sadhu Jani and Dunai Jani : religious bigotry and caste discrimination and The Kandhas along with other low caste played a very significant role in popularizing people panas, organized their struggle in Banpur, Mahima Cult by his immortal creations like ³Stuti under he leadership of Sadhu Jani and Dunai Jani. Chintamani, Brahma Nirupan Gita, Nirveda They united Kandhas and panas and waged war Sahana and Adhyatma Gita´. With his firm belief for social justice and economic improvements in one god, one society, one religion, he led this against both the British and feudal Kings. movement from ³Khaliapali Ashrama´ in Suvarnapur district. He prayed and preached, (11) Tama Dora: composed and sang for the liberation of entire The tribal people of Malkangiri especially world. He sought a synthesis between the life of ³the Koya tribe´ rose in revolt in 1870 against the world and life of the spirit. the unjust and oppressive policies of Raja of As a great successor of Mahima Koraput and British under the Koya leadership Goswami, Bhima Bhoi dedicated his whole life of Tama Dora. Both the king of Koraput and to the propagation of the Mahima culture in British exploited the tribal people socially and Odisha particularly in the western Odisha and economically. appeared as a true revolutionary. He did not Tama Dora took the commanding charge believe in idolatry, Brahmanical rituals and of this movement; waged war against mal- priesthood veneration. He raised a powerful administration and exploitation and organized the protest against the distance between man and Koya tribes against British administration and man; included the female folk into the fold and desired justice for his people from king and British. upheld radical and progressive views like female education and secularism in his works. However, the British authority took repressive measures against the Koya rebels; However, Bhima Bhoi, an eminent saint fired on them; killed Koya leader ³Tama Dora´ of Mahima Culture, has occupied a very in 1872. Though, he died in firing, Tama Dora significant place in the history of Mahima cult.

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Though Mahima cult faced a great setback after always remembered for their heroism, sacrifice the death of Mahima Goswami, Bhima Bhoi saved and devotion. They were the chief architects of it from decline through his literature. The tone of the tribal movements in Odisha and tried their best social protest and anti-authoritarian feelings of to protect, their people from exploitation. Their Bhima Bhoi are clearly reflected in his writings. contributions have been recorded in the annals of He cherished the religion which characterized the history. formlessness of god so perfectly that it was not References : probably revealed by any one. He is greatly responsible for the spread of Mahima Cult not i. Prof. Griridhari Prasad Guru : West Odisha : Present & Past only in the tribal belt of Odisha but also in Andhra Pradesh, Chhatishgarh, Bengal and Assam. ii. Prof: Purna Chandra Das : History of Odisha . Conclusion : iii. Dr. D.B. Mishra : Concise History of Odisha . iv. Sri Bhagirathi Nepak : Mahima Dharma & Bhima To conclude all the tribal leaders of Bhoi( Odisha Review, May -2005). Odisha who took the commanding charge of tribal v. Late Nilamani Senapati : Keonjhar District resistance movements united tribals, non-tribals Gazetteer. and peasants against the oppressive policies of vi. Sitakanta Mohapatra : Tribal Life & Culture of the British and the Hindu Kings. These uprisings Odisha .(Odisha Sahitya Akademi ). were the first organized assaults on the British, against their Kings as well as on the Caste vii. P.Sahoo : Superintendent, Odisha State Archives : Reflection on the National Movements in Odisha Supremacists. They had no loyalty towards the (1997). kings and no interest in releasing the royal families viii. Udayanath Sadangi : Saheed Adivasi Bira ( Odia, from British domains. 2010). They organized economic war against their oppressions. All the tribal leaders of these movements were the bravest and most courageous who had started struggle against land- grabbers both foreign and domestic and against socio-economic injustice. However the legendary heroes who fought selflessly for the sake of their Sabitri Sethy, Ph.D Scholar in History, Ravenshaw tribes, for their homeland and for the country are University, Cuttack.