Khonds Uprising

The Khonds Uprising refers to a series of tribal revolts by the Khonds (Kondhs) — an indigenous tribal community inhabiting the hilly and forested regions of Odisha (formerly Orissa) and parts of Andhra Pradesh — against British colonial rule and their local collaborators during the nineteenth century. These uprisings were primarily driven by resistance to British interference in their traditional socio-political systems, land rights, and cultural practices. The Khond uprisings are among the most significant tribal resistance movements in eastern India, symbolising the struggle of indigenous communities to preserve their autonomy and way of life.

Background

The Khonds are a tribal group traditionally residing in the Ghumsar, Kandhamal, Boudh, and Kalahandi regions of Odisha. Before British occupation, they lived under the semi-independent rule of local Rajas (chiefs) and followed a traditional system of self-governance based on clan and kinship structures.
The British East India Company gradually extended its influence over these territories after the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818), bringing them under colonial administration. The new system disrupted the socio-economic balance of tribal life, leading to widespread discontent.

Causes of the Khonds Uprising

The Khonds’ resistance arose from a complex combination of economic, political, and cultural grievances:
1. Loss of Autonomy: The British annexation of local kingdoms such as Ghumsar and their direct administrative control curtailed the traditional independence of the Khonds. Their hereditary chiefs were deposed, and British officials or local zamindars were appointed in their place, undermining tribal governance.
2. Land and Revenue Policies: The imposition of new land revenue systems disrupted communal ownership of land and forest resources. The British recognised zamindars and landlords as revenue collectors, turning the Khonds, who had previously owned land collectively, into tenants and labourers.
3. Exploitation by Outsiders: Merchants, moneylenders, and landlords — often referred to as dikus by the tribals — began exploiting the Khonds through debt, high-interest loans, and forced labour. This economic oppression further alienated the community.
4. Interference with Traditional Customs: The Khonds followed certain religious and social practices, including Meriah sacrifice (a form of human sacrifice believed to ensure fertility of the soil and prosperity). The British sought to suppress these rituals under the guise of “civilising” the tribes, causing resentment among the Khonds, who viewed this as an assault on their cultural identity.
5. Administrative Oppression: The British introduced new policing, judicial, and revenue systems that were alien to tribal traditions. The harsh methods of revenue collection and punitive measures against defaulters increased hostility towards colonial officials.

The Ghumsar Revolt (1835–1866): The Core of Khond Resistance

The most significant Khond uprisings occurred in Ghumsar, a region of present-day Boudh and Kandhamal districts in Odisha. These revolts took place intermittently between 1835 and 1866, led by Khond chieftains and local rulers resisting British control.
1. The First Revolt (1835–1837):

• The initial resistance broke out under Dandapani Sing, the Raja of Ghumsar, who opposed British interference in his territory.
• After his death, his son Dandapani Sing II and the Khonds continued the struggle.
• The British forces suppressed the rebellion, and the kingdom of Ghumsar was annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse and brought under direct British administration.

2. The Uprising of 1846–1856:

• The British suppression of Meriah sacrifices led to widespread unrest among the Khonds.
• The campaign against these rituals was led by Major S.C. Macpherson, the British officer in charge of the “Meriah Agency.”
• Macpherson tried to enforce administrative reforms and suppress tribal practices, which provoked violent retaliation by the Khonds.
• Leaders such as Chakra Bisoi, a charismatic Khond chief, emerged as the symbol of resistance during this phase.

3. The Rebellion Led by Chakra Bisoi (1855–1866):

• After the annexation of Ghumsar, Chakra Bisoi led a guerrilla resistance against the British in the Kandhamal and Boudh hills.
• His movement gained widespread support among the Khonds and neighbouring tribes.
• Chakra Bisoi attacked police stations, disrupted communication lines, and protected fellow Khonds from British punitive expeditions.
• The British launched repeated military campaigns but failed to capture him; he became a legendary figure of tribal defiance.
• The resistance gradually weakened after 1866 due to British military pressure and internal exhaustion.

Nature of the Movement

The Khond uprisings were not isolated events but part of a broader pattern of tribal resistance against colonialism in India. Key characteristics included:

• Tribal Solidarity: The uprisings were marked by unity among different Khond clans and neighbouring tribes.
• Guerrilla Warfare: The rebels utilised dense forests and rugged terrain for ambush attacks and mobility.
• Religious and Cultural Motivation: The defence of traditional customs and beliefs played a major role alongside political and economic grievances.
• Local Leadership: The movement was led by tribal chiefs and local heroes such as Dandapani Sing and Chakra Bisoi, who commanded deep loyalty among their people.

British Response

The British response combined military suppression with administrative reforms:

• Large military expeditions were sent to pacify the Khond regions, and villages suspected of aiding rebels were destroyed.
• The Meriah Agency was established to suppress human sacrifice and introduce administrative order.
• Efforts were made to establish schools, missionary institutions, and revenue settlements to “civilise” the tribes.
• Despite these measures, sporadic revolts continued until the late nineteenth century.

Impact and Significance

The Khond uprisings, though ultimately suppressed, had far-reaching historical significance:

1. Assertion of Tribal Autonomy: The revolts symbolised the determination of tribal communities to defend their independence and cultural identity against external domination.
2. Resistance to Colonialism: The uprisings were part of the larger spectrum of pre-1857 resistance movements in India, showing that opposition to British rule existed long before the First War of Independence.
3. Administrative Reforms: The revolts forced the British to rethink their approach to tribal governance, leading to the creation of special agencies and non-regulation areas for tribal administration.
4. Inspiration for Later Movements: The Khond resistance inspired later tribal movements such as the Santhal Rebellion (1855–56), Birsa Munda’s Ulgulan (1899–1900), and others across eastern and central India.