Sambalpur Revolt (1827–1862): The Heroic Struggle of Veer Surendra Sai

 

Sambalpur Revolt (1827–1862): The Heroic Struggle of Veer Surendra Sai

The Sambalpur Revolt, spanning from 1827 to 1862, stands as a shining chapter in India’s fight against British colonial rule. Led by the fearless Veer Surendra Sai, this rebellion in the region of Sambalpur (present-day Odisha) was a bold stand against injustice, exploitation, and foreign domination. Surendra Sai, a descendant of the Chauhan dynasty, became a symbol of courage and resistance, inspiring tribal communities, zamindars, and common people to challenge the mighty British Empire. This revolt, though lesser-known compared to the Revolt of 1857, played a crucial role in resisting British control in Western Odisha. These notes explore the reasons behind the revolt, its course, and its lasting results, weaving the story of a hero who fought for his people’s pride and freedom.

Reasons for the Inception of the Sambalpur Revolt

The Sambalpur Revolt was not a sudden outburst but the result of deep-rooted grievances against British policies and actions. The following reasons fueled the inception of this rebellion:

Denial of Surendra Sai’s Legitimate Claim to the Throne
Sambalpur was ruled by the Chauhan dynasty, and Surendra Sai, born in 1809 in Khinda village, was a direct descendant of Madhukar Sai, a 16th-century ruler. In 1827, when Maharaja Sai, the ruler of Sambalpur, died without a male heir, Surendra Sai staked his claim to the throne, as he was chosen as the legal successor. However, the British, who had gained influence over Sambalpur after the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817), refused to recognize his claim. Instead, they installed Maharaja Sai’s widow, Rani Mohan Kumari, as the ruler, breaking the tradition that only male rulers were acceptable. This decision sparked widespread discontent among the people, who saw Surendra Sai as the rightful heir. The British favored a pliable ruler to serve their interests, but Surendra Sai’s independent spirit and popularity made him a threat.

British Interference and the Doctrine of Lapse
The British East India Company’s policies aimed at expanding their control over Indian states. After Rani Mohan Kumari’s unpopular rule, the British removed her in 1833 and placed an elderly zamindar, Narayan Singh, on the throne. Narayan Singh’s rule was marked by high taxes and oppression, further alienating the people. When Narayan Singh died in 1849 without a male heir, the British annexed Sambalpur under Lord Dalhousie’s Doctrine of Lapse, which allowed them to take over states without a direct male successor. This annexation ignored Surendra Sai’s claim and the sentiments of the local population, sowing seeds of rebellion.

Exploitation of Tribal Communities
Sambalpur was home to tribal communities like the Gonds, Binjhals, and Kisansw, who faced exploitation by the British and higher-caste landlords. The British raised land revenues, imposed heavy taxes, and disrupted the traditional way of life of these tribes. Surendra Sai, a charismatic leader, championed the cause of these downtrodden communities, promoting their language and culture. His support for the tribals made him a beloved figure and rallied them to his cause against British oppression.

Unpopular British Administration
The British administration in Sambalpur was marked by corruption and insensitivity. The steep increase in rents and taxes burdened zamindars and peasants alike. The British also interfered in local customs and traditions, creating resentment. The killing of a Gond zamindar, Balabhadra Deo, by Narayan Singh’s men further angered the tribal communities, who joined Surendra Sai in large numbers. The British were seen as outsiders who cared little for the welfare of Sambalpur’s people.

Surendra Sai’s Arrest and Imprisonment
Surendra Sai began protesting against British policies as early as 1827, at the age of 18. His growing influence alarmed the British, and in 1840, he was arrested along with his brother Udant Sai and uncle Balaram Singh. They were imprisoned in Hazaribagh Jail, where Balaram Singh died. This harsh treatment fueled anger among Sai’s supporters, setting the stage for a larger rebellion when he was freed during the Revolt of 1857.

These reasons—denial of rightful succession, British annexation, exploitation of tribals, unpopular administration, and Surendra Sai’s imprisonment—created a perfect storm for the Sambalpur Revolt. The people of Sambalpur, led by their courageous leader, were ready to fight for justice and freedom.

Course of the Sambalpur Revolt

The Sambalpur Revolt unfolded over several decades, marked by guerrilla warfare, strategic resistance, and unwavering determination. Surendra Sai’s leadership and the support of his followers made it a formidable challenge for the British. The revolt can be divided into key phases:

Early Resistance (1827–1840)
Surendra Sai’s rebellion began in 1827 when he opposed Rani Mohan Kumari’s rule and the British decision to deny his claim to the throne. At just 18, he rallied zamindars from Khinda, Barpali, and Sonepur, as well as tribal communities like the Gonds and Binjhals. Supported by his six brothers—Udant, Dhruba, Ujjala, Chhabila, Jajjala, and Medini—Sai organized protests and small-scale attacks against British forces. His training in guerrilla warfare and horsemanship made him a skilled fighter. However, in 1840, the British arrested him, his brother Udant, and uncle Balaram Singh, imprisoning them in Hazaribagh Jail. For 17 years, Sai remained in captivity, but his spirit of resistance stayed alive among his followers.

Revival During the Revolt of 1857
The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, provided a turning point for Surendra Sai. In 1857, sepoys from the Ramgarh battalion broke open Hazaribagh Jail, freeing Sai and his brother Udant. Sai returned to Sambalpur and quickly mobilized a fighting force of about 1,500 men, including his brothers, sons, relatives, zamindars, and tribal warriors. He shifted his operations to the hilly tracts of Western Odisha, using the dense jungles and rugged terrain to his advantage. From 1857 to 1862, Sai led a fierce guerrilla campaign, attacking British outposts, disrupting supply lines, and rallying local support. His forces included notable associates like Madho Singh, Kunjal Singh, and Hati Singh, who fought bravely alongside him.

British Countermeasures and Challenges
The British, preoccupied with suppressing the 1857 Revolt elsewhere, initially struggled to control Sambalpur. Sai’s guerrilla tactics made it difficult for British troops to capture him, and the local population’s support further strengthened his position. The British resorted to harsh measures, such as burning villages suspected of aiding Sai and seizing rebels’ food supplies. Despite these efforts, Sai continued his resistance, even after the 1857 Revolt was largely suppressed by 1858. The British sent experienced generals like Major Forster to Sambalpur, but they failed to defeat Sai. The rugged terrain and Sai’s popularity among the people made him a formidable opponent.

Major Impey’s Amnesty Policy (1861–1862)
In 1861, Major Forster was replaced by Major Impey, who adopted a different approach. Instead of relying solely on military force, Impey introduced a policy of peace and goodwill. In September 1861, he announced amnesty for rebels who surrendered, except for Sai, his brother Udant, and son Mitrabhanu. A second proclamation in October 1861 offered a free pardon to all rebels. This conciliatory approach worked, as many rebels, weary of the long conflict, surrendered. The generous treatment of surrendering zamindars, like the Zamindar of Kolabira, encouraged others to trust the British. Sai’s son Mitrabhanu surrendered in January 1862, followed by Udant and Dhruva Sai. On May 16, 1862, Surendra Sai himself surrendered, believing in the British promise of fair treatment. He also demanded payment of arrears for his soldiers, which Impey agreed to, marking the end of the active phase of the revolt.

Arrest and Imprisonment (1864)
The surrender did not bring peace for Surendra Sai. Some British officers, like Superintendent of Police Berial, were unhappy with the lenient treatment of Sai and pressed for his arrest, accusing him of crimes like dacoity and murder. After Major Impey’s death in December 1863, the new Deputy Commissioner, Captain Cumberledge, acted swiftly. On January 23, 1864, Sai, his son, and close followers were arrested at Khinda village. They were initially held in Nagpur Jail and later transferred to Asirgarh Fort in present-day Madhya Pradesh, where Sai was imprisoned until his death.

The course of the Sambalpur Revolt was a testament to Surendra Sai’s leadership and resilience. For 37 years, he defied the British, using his knowledge of the terrain, support from tribal communities, and guerrilla tactics to keep the rebellion alive.

Results of the Sambalpur Revolt

The Sambalpur Revolt, though it did not achieve its primary goal of driving the British out of Sambalpur, left a lasting impact on the region and India’s freedom struggle. Its results can be categorized as immediate and long-term:

Immediate Outcomes

British Consolidation of Power: The British eventually suppressed the revolt, and Sambalpur was brought under the Central Provinces in 1862. The annexation of Sambalpur under the Doctrine of Lapse was solidified, and British administration was firmly established.

Imprisonment and Death of Surendra Sai: After his arrest in 1864, Sai spent 20 years in Asirgarh Fort, where he lost his eyesight and died on February 28, 1884, at the age of 75. Many of his associates, like Hati Singh, were executed or died in prisons like the Andaman’s Cellular Jail.

End of Active Resistance: The surrender of Sai and his followers in 1862, followed by his arrest in 1864, marked the end of organized resistance in Sambalpur. The British used a combination of military force and conciliatory policies to quell the rebellion.

Long-Term Impact

Inspiration for Future Generations: Surendra Sai’s heroic struggle inspired future freedom fighters in Odisha and beyond. His courage, commitment to tribal welfare, and defiance of British rule became a symbol of resistance against colonialism.

Recognition of Tribal Contributions: The revolt highlighted the role of tribal communities in India’s freedom struggle. Sai’s alliance with the Gonds, Binjhals, and Kisansw showcased the power of unity among diverse groups in fighting oppression.

Legacy of Surendra Sai: Despite being lesser-known nationally, Surendra Sai’s legacy lives on in Odisha. The Government of India honored him by installing a statue in the Parliament premises in 2005 and issuing a postal stamp in his name. In 2009, the Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology in Burla was named after him, and the Veer Surendra Sai Medical College in Sambalpur also bears his name. His 200th birth anniversary in 2009 was celebrated widely in Odisha.

Delayed British Control: The revolt delayed British control over Western Odisha, making Sambalpur one of the last regions to be fully occupied by the British Empire, excluding princely states. Sai’s resistance kept the British on edge for decades.

Historical Significance: The Sambalpur Revolt is recognized as a precursor to the broader Indian freedom struggle. It began before the 1857 Revolt and continued well after, showing the persistence of anti-colonial sentiments in India.

Cultural and Social Impact

Sai’s efforts to promote tribal languages and culture left a lasting impact on Sambalpur’s social fabric. His leadership fostered a sense of pride and identity among the tribal communities.

The revolt exposed the exploitative nature of British policies, raising awareness about the need for self-rule and justice.

Conclusion

The Sambalpur Revolt (1827–1862), led by Veer Surendra Sai, was a remarkable chapter in India’s struggle for freedom. Sparked by the British denial of Sai’s rightful claim to the throne, fueled by exploitation and annexation, and sustained by the support of tribal communities and zamindars, the revolt showcased the power of unity and courage. Surendra Sai’s 37-year fight, marked by guerrilla warfare and unwavering determination, challenged the British Empire’s might. Though the revolt did not achieve its immediate goal, it delayed British control, inspired future generations, and cemented Sai’s legacy as the “Lion of Sambalpur.”

Today, Veer Surendra Sai is celebrated as a hero in Odisha, his name etched in institutions, statues, and the hearts of the people. His life teaches us the values of justice, resilience, and the importance of standing up against oppression. For students preparing for competitive exams, the Sambalpur Revolt is a reminder of the diverse and widespread nature of India’s freedom struggle, where heroes like Surendra Sai fought not just for their land but for the dignity of their people.