The British Takeover of Haryana

The East India Company expanded its power into the Haryana region after the death of George Thomas. Initially a trading company, it exploited the political instability in India to become a dominant political force. Under the Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon on 30th September 1803, Daulat Rao Scindia ceded Haryana to the British East India Company, marking the beginning of British rule in the area.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand how the British East India Company gained control over Haryana.
2. Recognize the early administrative changes in Haryana under British rule.
3. Analyze major revolts and uprisings against British control in Haryana.
4. Explore the role of princely states in the Revolt of 1857 and its aftermath.
5. Identify significant freedom fighters from Haryana during India’s struggle for independence.

Rule of British East India Company in Haryana

After acquiring control of Haryana, the British East India Company integrated the region into the Bengal Presidency. For better administrative management, they divided the territory into two parts:

1. The Assigned Territories, directly administered by the Company.
2. Larger regions, handed over to local rulers who were loyal to the British, including Raja Hira Singh of Ballabhgarh and the Nawab of Farrukhnagar.

Various regions were given to other rulers in return for their allegiance. For example, Pataudi Pargana was assigned to Faiz Khan, while Loharu and Firozpur-Jhirka were given to Ahmad Baksh Khan. Rohtak, Meham, Beri, Hisar, and other parganas were initially entrusted to Bambu Khan, but due to uprisings, these territories frequently changed hands. The Mahalwari system was also implemented to solidify control over the region.

Revolts Against British Rule

Many revolts emerged as a result of local dissatisfaction with British policies. In northern Haryana, rulers such as Guru Dutt Singh of Ladwa and Bhanga Singh of Thanesar revolted. The union of Sikh rulers led to a fierce struggle with British Commander Colonel Burn, resulting in the death of Sher Singh, ruler of Budiya. Despite various uprisings, the Sikh Confederacy was eventually defeated.

In southern Haryana, guerrilla warfare and tax boycotts created challenges for British control. It took the Company several years to subdue the Mewat region and restore order in the southern parts of Haryana.

Sirsa and Fatehabad in western Haryana also resisted British dominance. In 1809, after a fierce struggle led by Colonel Adams, the kingdom of Sirsa was returned to Jabita Khan, while the princely state of Fatehabad was seized from Bahadur Khan.

British Administrative Reforms

In 1819, the British East India Company introduced significant administrative reforms in Haryana. A Resident Commissioner was appointed to oversee political and administrative affairs. The region was divided into three subdivisions:

1. Northern Area: Including Rohtak, Hisar, Panipat, and Sonipat.
2. Central Area: Centered around Delhi.
3. Southern Area: Covering Rewari, Gurugram, Hodal, Palwal, and Mewat.

In 1833-34, Haryana became part of the North-Western Province, with Agra as its administrative center.

Major Revolts Against the East India Company

1. Revolt of Chhachhrauli (Jagadhri): Following the death of Baghel Singh, Jodh Singh took over the princely state of Chhachhrauli. However, Rani Ramkaur, the widow of Baghel Singh, sought British assistance to reclaim the territory. Despite a brief success, Jodh Singh’s final defeat in 1818 resulted in the state’s merger into British territory.
2. Revolt of Rania: Jabit Khan of Rania initially accepted British subjugation, but his later defiance led to the War of Rania in 1818, after which the region fell under British control.
3. Peasant Uprisings: Farmers in Rohtak, Gurugram, and Hisar protested against British exploitation in 1824, following Britain’s defeat in the Burmese War. Despite initial successes, these revolts were eventually crushed.

Important Note: Guerrilla warfare tactics played a crucial role in prolonging the resistance to British rule in southern and western Haryana, delaying the establishment of British control.

Revolt of 1857 in Haryana

The 1857 Revolt against British rule spread across various parts of Haryana, and revolts took place in cities like Ambala, Gurugram, Rohtak, Hisar, and Sirsa.

1. Revolt in Ambala: The Sepoy Mutiny in Meerut reached Ambala on May 13, 1857. Indian soldiers in Ambala Cantonment planned to revolt, but their efforts were thwarted after a British informant, Sham Singh, revealed the plot.
2. Revolt in Gurugram: Rao Tularam, with his brother Gopal Dev, led a rebellion against British forces at Nasirpur. The revolutionaries, including Nahar Singh of Ballabhgarh and Ahmad Ali of Farrukhnagar, joined forces but were eventually overpowered.
3. Revolt in Rohtak: The revolt, led by local Ranghars, gained traction in Rohtak by May 1857. However, after a British contingent under Hudson clashed with local leader Subedar Birasat, the uprising was quelled.
4. Revolt in Hisar and Sirsa: Led by Noor Mohammad Khan and local military units, these revolts challenged British control. Despite an initial success, the British crushed the resistance by September 1857.
5. Revolt in Thanesar: Local leader Imam Ali Kalandar led the revolt in Panipat and Karnal. A major British defeat near Panipat resulted in the death of General Ansen, marking a significant moment in the revolt.

By the end of May 1857, most of Haryana, except for Ambala, had rid itself of British influence, with the revolutionaries pledging allegiance to Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar.

Role of Princely States in 1857 Revolt

The role of princely states in the 1857 Revolt was significant, and these can be categorized into three types:

1. Pro-Revolutionary States: States like Jhajjar, Ballabhgarh, Farrukhnagar, Bahadurgarh, Mewat, Rewari, and Hansi sided with the revolutionaries.
2. Pro-British States: Jind, Loharu, Chhachhrauli, Pataudi, Dujana, Karnal, and Kunjpura supported the British.
3. Neighboring States: States such as Patiala, Nabha, and Bikaner played an influential role in British suppression of the revolt.

In Jhajjar, Abdurrahman Khan was hanged in 1857 for supporting the revolt. In Ballabhgarh, Nahar Singh was executed in Delhi for leading the rebellion. Ahmad Ali Ghulam Khan of Farrukhnagar and other leaders faced similar fates as the British swiftly suppressed uprisings across the region.

Important Concept: The lack of coordination and cooperation between revolutionary and princely states was a major factor in the failure of the 1857 revolt in Haryana.

The Aftermath of the 1857 Revolt

After suppressing the 1857 revolt, the British implemented significant administrative and political reforms in Haryana. Under the Charter Act of 1858, the region was integrated into the Punjab Province, and new administrative divisions were formed:

1. Delhi Division: Including Delhi, Gurugram, and Panipat districts.
2. Hisar Division: Consisting of Hisar, Sirsa, and Rohtak districts.

The Deputy Commissioner became the administrative head of each district, marking a shift in governance after the revolt.

Loyal princely states like Jind, Nabha, and Patiala were rewarded with additional territories. For instance, Sarup Singh of Jind was given the Dadri region, while Patiala was rewarded with land adjacent to Narnaul.

Haryana’s Role in India’s Freedom Struggle

Several prominent leaders and freedom fighters from Haryana played a vital role in India’s freedom movement. Rao Tularam of Rewari, Lala Hukamchand Jain of Hisar, Pandit Nekiram Sharma of Rohtak, and Sir Chhotu Ram were among the key figures. Their efforts, along with those of others like Rai Bahadur Lala Murlidhar and Sucheta Kriplani, contributed to the overall movement for Indian independence.

Note: Haryana’s contribution to the **Indian

National Army (INA)** was also significant, with over 2,700 soldiers joining the cause under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Comparison of Key Revolts in Haryana

Haryana in the 20th Century and Beyond

During the Quit India Movement of 1942, leaders like Pt Nekiram Sharma, Mangeram Vats, and Sheeshpal Singh organized mass protests across Haryana. Following independence in 1947, Haryana remained part of Punjab Province until it became a separate state in 1966.

MCQ:
Who among the following led the revolt in Rewari during the 1857 Revolt?
Answer: Rao Tularam

Haryana’s modern political history is deeply intertwined with its colonial past, especially the revolts against British control, which laid the foundation for its participation in the larger Indian freedom struggle. The legacy of these movements, and the contributions of its leaders, continues to be celebrated in the state.