Bhuyan and Kandha Rebellions

The 19th century witnessed numerous tribal uprisings in Odisha as the British colonial state encroached upon the forests, lands, and traditional rights of indigenous communities. The Bhuyan and Kandha rebellions were among the most significant.

The Bhuyan Uprising

The Bhuyans were (and are) a tribal community inhabiting the forested highlands of Keonjhar, Sundargarh, and neighbouring regions. Their rebellion was sparked by:

• Land Alienation: British recognition of outsider zamindars and moneylenders led to the loss of traditional Bhuyan lands.
• Forest Laws: The British reserved forests for timber exploitation, restricting Bhuyan access to forest produce.
• Forced Labour: Bhuyans were often coerced into providing bethi (unpaid labour) to officials and landlords.

Major instances of Bhuyan resistance:

Ratna Naik (1867–68) organized the Bhuyans of Keonjhar against the oppressive rule of the Keonjhar Raja (a British vassal) and the moneylenders. The rebels attacked the residences of landlords and officials. The British sent a military force that crushed the rebellion and executed Ratna Naik.

Dharanidhar Naik (1891–93) led another Bhuyan uprising against the Raja of Keonjhar for similar grievances. This rebellion was also suppressed, but it forced the British to institute some protective measures for tribal lands.

The Kandha Rebellions

In addition to the Ghumsar uprising (discussed separately), the Kandhas of the Kalahandi, Koraput, and Ganjam highlands staged repeated revolts:

• Kalahandi Kandha Revolt (1882 CE): The Kandhas of Kalahandi rose against the princely state’s administration over land taxes and forest restrictions.
• Basti and Koraput Unrest: Throughout the late 19th century, sporadic Kandha uprisings occurred over meriah suppression, land alienation, and exploitation by non-tribal settlers (panos).

British Response

The British response followed a pattern:

1. Military expeditions to crush the armed rebels.
2. Enactment of protective legislation (such as the Scheduled Districts Act, 1874) that theoretically restricted the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals.
3. Appointment of special officers to address tribal grievances — though often ineffectual.
4. Recognition that tribal areas required a different administrative approach, leading to the concept of “Excluded” and “Partially Excluded” Areas under the Government of India Act, 1935.

Legacy

The Bhuyan and Kandha rebellions were part of a larger pattern of tribal resistance across central and eastern India (including the Santhal, Munda, and Bhil uprisings). They highlighted the destructive impact of colonial land and forest policies on indigenous communities and laid the groundwork for later tribal movements in the 20th century, including demands for autonomous administration.