Modern History of Odisha

The history of Odisha during the British period was marked by resistance, revolt, and significant contributions to India’s independence struggle. The advent of European powers in the state set the stage for dynamic changes, conflicts, and movements that shaped the modern socio-political landscape of Odisha.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the influence of European powers on Odisha’s history.
2. Identify key rebellions and uprisings during British rule.
3. Recognize major social and religious reform movements in Odisha.
4. Analyze the impact of British administration on the region’s socio-economic conditions.

Early European Presence in Odisha

Portuguese Influence

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a foothold in Odisha. Around 1625 AD, they settled in Pipli, Balasore district. During the sixteenth century, they flourished by building churches and factories. Their dominance delayed the establishment of British settlements until the seventeenth century, when British power began to grow, ultimately overshadowing the Portuguese presence.

British Rule and Administrative Reforms

The Establishment of British Control

1. Battle of Buxar (1765): Following the British victory at Buxar, Robert Clive secured Diwani rights for Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, granting administrative control over these regions to the East India Company.
2. Northern Circars: The British gained control of the Northern Circars, including parts of Odisha like Ganjam, through territorial acquisition from the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.
3. Conquest of Odisha: British forces systematically conquered key regions of Odisha:

• Puri (1803): Captured by Colonel Harcourt on 18th September, marking the fall of local power.
• Cuttack (1803): After defeating Maratha forces, British rule was established by 14th October, leading to the capitulation of the Barabati Fort.
• Balasore (1803): Secured by Captain Morgan on 22nd September, with full surrender formalized through the Treaty of Deogarh.
• Sambalpur (1804): Initially conquered by Major Broughton but temporarily returned to Marathas. British annexed it permanently in 1849 through Lord Dalhousie’s Doctrine of Lapse.

British Administration in Odisha

1. Administrative Division: Odisha was divided into three units:

• Province of Cuttack under Bengal Presidency.
• Ganjam and Koraput under Madras Presidency.
• Sambalpur under Central Provinces.

1. Land Revenue Systems: British introduced Zamindari, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari settlements. These short-term measures adversely affected tenants and zamindars, leading to exploitation, particularly by Bengali zamindars.
2. Economic Control: The British established control over the region’s economic and military bases, implementing heavy taxes and disrupting traditional land revenue practices.

Movements and Rebellions Against British Rule

Paika Rebellion (Khurda Rebellion)

1. First Major Uprising (1817): This marked the first significant uprising against British rule in Odisha. The Paiks of Khurda revolted against the imposition of British land revenue policies that stripped them of their rent-free military tenures.
2. Causes: Key factors for the rebellion included:

• Land revenue policies affecting both zamindars and tenant farmers.
• British monopoly on salt, excluding local producers.
• Removal of local servants from British administrative roles.

1. First Martyr of Odisha: Jayee Rajguru, the royal preceptor of Mukunda Dev II, led an earlier revolt in 1804, earning the title of the first martyr for his resistance against British dominance.
2. Events: Led by Bakshi Jagabandhu, the rebellion saw widespread destruction of government properties. Paiks denounced British rule, proclaiming Raja Mukundadeva as the legitimate ruler.
3. Impact: Inspired future freedom fighters like Godabarish Mohapatra, Prananatha Patnaik, and Sachi Routray. The rebellion led to administrative reforms, including reduced salt prices and revenue burdens on zamindars.

Important Note: The Paika Rebellion laid the foundation for subsequent resistance movements in Odisha, becoming a pivotal event in the region’s history.

The Revolt of 1857 in Odisha

1. Spread of the Revolt: The national revolt of 1857 had a significant impact in Odisha. Notable nationalists like Vir Surendra Sai and Rama Krushna Samanta Singhar actively participated.
2. Reactions in Tributary Mahals: While the main regions saw unrest, the Tributary Mahals largely supported the British, with rulers of Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar aiding British efforts, earning them the title of Maharaja.
3. Key Leaders:

• Chandan Hajuri (Chakhi Khuntia): Known for spreading revolutionary ideas through literary works.
• Surendra Sai: Led a revolt against British annexation of Sambalpur.
• Ramakrushna Samantasinghar: Opposed British laws affecting local land rights.

Tribal Uprisings in Odisha

1. Ghumsar Uprising (1835): Led by Dora Bissoi, this rebellion protested British intervention in traditional practices like Meriah (human sacrifice) and oppressive land revenue policies. Following Dora’s arrest, Chakra Bissoi continued the resistance.
2. Bhuyan Uprising (1868): Ratna Naik led Bhuyan tribals against the British-installed king of Keonjhar, protesting loss of their rights and privileges.

Na’anka Famine (1866-67)

1. Catastrophic Impact: Due to poor monsoon and ineffective British relief efforts, the famine caused one million deaths in Odisha.
2. Government Response: The British government established a Commission in 1866 under George Campbell to investigate, but relief came too late for many.
3. Post-Famine Reforms: In the post-Na’anka era, the British initiated improvements:

• Elevated educational standards, including upgrading Cuttack Zila School to a college in 1876.
• Promoted modern Oriya literature, with key figures like Fakir Mohan Senapati and Radhanath Ray contributing to cultural resurgence.
• Introduced railway development, connecting key regions like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

Sociopolitical and Religious Movements

Utkal Sabha

1. Political Awakening: The rise of education led to the formation of the Utkal Sabha in 1882, the first political organization in Odisha aimed at aiding local governance. Madhusudan Das and Gauri Sankar Ray played prominent roles in its development.

Satya Mahima Dharma

1. Religious Reform: Founded by Mahima Gosain, it preached monotheism and philanthropy, opposing traditional Hindu practices. Govinda Baba and Bhima Bhoi were key proponents, spreading the movement’s message throughout Odisha.

Christian Missionaries and the Brahmo Movement

1. Christian Missionaries: Missionaries like William Carey introduced Western education and social reforms, establishing the first printing press in Odisha. They founded orphanages and promoted women’s education.
2. Brahmo Movement: Influenced by the Brahmo Samaj of Bengal, the movement in Odisha promoted abolition of child marriage and widow remarriage. Leaders like Haranath Bhattacharya and Madhusudan Rao contributed to the spread of progressive ideas.

Important Note: These religious and socio-political movements were crucial in reshaping Odisha’s social fabric, paving the way for political unity and future nationalism.

Comparative Timeline of Events in Modern Odisha

MCQ: What was the main cause of the Paika Rebellion in Odisha?

1. British salt monopoly.
2. Introduction of Zamindari system.
3. Land revenue policy of the British.
4. Religious interference by the British.
   Correct Answer: 3. Land revenue policy of the British.