Question

Write in brief about the early struggle against the British before 1857.

Bhils

Answer 1

1. In 1818, the British East India Company took complete charge of Khandesh.
2. The Bhils in the region of Satpuda, Satmala, and Ajintha united against the British.
3. Trimbakji Dengale, an advisor of Bajirao Peshwa II, was imprisoned by the British. He somehow managed to escape from the prison. Under the leadership of Godaji and Mahipa, nephews of Trimbakaji Dengale, the Bhils revolted against the British.
4. There were 8000 of them who participated in the revolt.
5. Captain Briggs blocked all the supplies coming to the Bhils.
6. At the same time Mount Stuart Elphinston, a British officer adopted a policy of pacifying the Bhils. They were recruited to protect the travellers. He offered them jobs and pensions. However, the policy of cornering the Bhils was also continued.
7. Major Morin left no alternative for the Bhils but to surrender.
8. Around 1822 the revolt under the leadership of Hariya Bhil was crushed by Captain Robinson.
9. Another revolt of the Bhils, in which thousands of Bhils participated, was crushed by Lieutenant Outram. However, he also stayed among the Bhils and won their confidence. He tried to bring them in the mainstream of urban life. He adopted measures like declaration of amnesty, land grants, agricultural loans (tagai), reprieve from the past crimes and recruitment in army to weaken the opposition from Bhils.