Civil Uprisings Before 1857: Kutch Rebellion (1816–1832)
Introduction
Kachchh is a historic region with a long history. The Kutch Rebellion, led by its leaders, existed in various incarnations from 1816 until 1832. The monarch and the 12 chieftains engaged in a power struggle that eventually turned violent. A treaty that Kutch's king Rao Bharmal II and the British made in 1816 led to the establishment of the throne.
Background of The Kutch Rebellion
• Undoubtedly, this was the first revolt against the British Raj.
• Long before the infamous "First War of Independence" in 1857, the British were resolutely ejected from a portion of the nation.
• Kutch was the first to erupt in 1816.
• Three years later, in 1819, a disastrous earthquake did not deter a group of rebels.
Kutch Uprising
• The British and Rao Bharmal II of Kutch agreed to a pact in 1816 that gave the king authority.
• The maharaja was engaged in a power war with a number of chieftains, though.
• Rao Bharmal II recruited Arab and African warriors in 1819 with the explicit intention of pushing the British out of his territory because the British meddled in the domestic disputes in Kutch.
• Rao Bharamal had the support of the chieftains as well.
• The British defeated and deposed Rao Bharamal, the Kutch king, in favor of his young son.
• A British resident ruled the area as the de facto monarch with the help of a regency council.
• Dissatisfaction was sown by the regency council's administrative upgrades and the disproportionate land valuation.
• Some of the chieftains continued to fight against foreign rule in the meantime.
• The leaders rose up in revolt and demanded the reinstatement of Bharamal II after hearing that the British had lost the Burma War.
• The Company's officials were compelled to take a more conciliational stance after significant military measures to control the situation proved unsuccessful.
• In 1815, the state was taken over by Rao Bharmal II, and Chief Minister Hansraj received the fiefdoms of Anjar, Bhachau, Bhadargad, and Kanthkot.
• The army of Gaekwad from Baroda State and the British force led by Colonel East attacked Anjar when Rana Hansraj refused to submit.
• The Tuna port was followed by the capture of the Anjar fort. In 1816, the army camped in Lakond before marching to Bhuj.
• When Rao Bharmal II agreed to recognize British suzerainty in 1816, Captain MacMurdo was appointed as the British Resident at Bhuj and Collector of Anjar.
• With the assistance of many Jadeja rulers, the British army besieged Bhuj in 1819 and vanquished Rao Bharmal II.
Conclusion
Kachchh is a historic region with a long history. Due to its geological characteristics and turtle-shaped landform, it is known as Kachchh. Ancient history contains references to this name. The most powerful uprising was that of Rao Bharmal II, who organized Arab forces with the declared goal of driving the British out of his nation. Despite his defeat, other chieftains continued the conflict. From 1816 through 1832, the Kutch Rebellion, under the direction of its commanders, took many different shapes.