Modern History of Uttar Pradesh

In the wake of Aurangzeb’s demise until 1757, five independent states emerged within the current boundaries of Uttar Pradesh. Each of these states was governed by regional rulers who held significant sway over their territories. Their establishment and eventual integration into British India set the stage for modern history.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the political divisions of Uttar Pradesh post-Aurangzeb.
2. Grasp the significance of key battles like Panipat and Buxar.
3. Comprehend the Revolt of 1857’s impact on Uttar Pradesh and the British Empire.
4. Analyze the role of national movements originating in Uttar Pradesh.

Political Landscape Post-Aurangzeb

1. Pathan Sardar Najib Khan ruled over Meerut and Bareilly, forming a significant power base.
2. Rahmat Khan governed Rohilkhand, the region also known as Rohil Pradesh.
3. The Nawabs of Farrukhabad held sway in Central Doab.
4. Nawabs of Awadh reigned over Faizabad and Lucknow.
5. Marathas controlled Bundelkhand, marking their influence in the north.

Significant Battles of North India

1. Third Battle of Panipat (1761): Marked the defeat of Marathas, Jats, and Rajputs by the British, signaling a shift in regional power.
2. Battle of Buxar (1764): Saw the British triumph over Nawab of Awadh Shuja-ud-Daula and Nawab of Bengal Mir Qasim, cementing their dominance.
3. British Victory in Rohilkhand (1773): British forces expelled the Marathas from Doab.
4. Defeat of Rohil Sardar Rahmat Khan (1774): British forces defeated him at Shahjahanpur, and Rohilkhand was handed over to the Nawab of Awadh.
5. Lord Lake’s Conquest (1803): He defeated the Marathas and took control of Aligarh, Agra, and Delhi.
6. Annexation of Awadh (1856): Awadh was annexed by the British Empire, solidifying their control over the region.

Revolt of 1857 and Its Significance in Uttar Pradesh

The Revolt of 1857 started in Meerut on 10th May, 1857. The rebellion marked a significant challenge to British rule and ignited a series of uprisings across Uttar Pradesh.

1. Causes: The introduction of cartridges greased with pig and cow fat, which soldiers had to bite open, offended religious sentiments.
2. Events: Soldiers in Meerut revolted after facing British cruelty, under the leadership of Mangal Pandey. The revolt spread, and Delhi was captured by 11th May.
3. Role of Leaders: General Bakht Khan led Indian forces, but British Commander John Nicholas captured Delhi. Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, was imprisoned and exiled to Rangoon.

Key Centers of the 1857 Revolt in Uttar Pradesh

1. Meerut: On 10th May 1857, mutinous soldiers, led by the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, killed European officers and attacked civilian quarters. Dhan Singh Gurjar, a prominent local leader, led the charge.
2. Lucknow: Begum Hazrat Mahal, wife of the ex-king of Awadh, led the revolt, declaring her son Birjis Qadar as the new Nawab. Despite her leadership, Lucknow eventually fell to the British, forcing her to flee to Nepal.
3. Kanpur: Nana Saheb, the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II, led the revolt. Kanpur was recaptured by the British, with heavy casualties among the rebels. Tantia Tope, his commander, continued the resistance but was eventually hanged.
4. Jhansi: Rani Lakshmi Bai famously led the rebellion when her adopted son’s claim to the throne was rejected by the British. She fought bravely but was ultimately defeated and killed.

Major Leaders and Centers

Important Note: The 1857 Revolt marked the formal end of Mughal rule, setting the stage for direct British control.

Institutional Changes in Uttar Pradesh After 1857

1. The British Crown assumed direct rule over India, ending the East India Company’s reign.
2. On 1st November 1858, Lord Canning publicly read the British Queen’s announcement in Allahabad.
3. Delhi division was separated from the North-West states and Agra became the capital.
4. Uttar Pradesh was divided into Awadh and North-West provinces with governors titled Chief Commissioner and Lieutenant Governor.

Development of Nationalism in Uttar Pradesh

The years following 1857 saw a rise in nationalist sentiments, with several key movements taking root in Uttar Pradesh.

1. Radhaswami Movement (1861): Founded by Shiv Dayal Saheb to foster social and spiritual reform.
2. Kavi Vachan Sudha (1867): Published by Bhartendu Harishchandra to promote Hindi literature.
3. Deoband Movement (1867): Launched in Saharanpur by Mummad Qasim Nanautavi and Rashid Ahmad, advocating a return to traditional Islamic values.
4. Aligarh Movement (1875): Spearheaded by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, the movement aimed at promoting modern education and included the establishment of the Aligarh Muslim Anglo Oriental College.
5. Banaras Hindu University (1916): Founded by Madan Mohan Malaviya, this institution became a hub for intellectual and political discourse.

Formation of the Indian National Congress (INC)

1. AO Hume founded the Indian National Union in 1885 in Bombay, later renamed Indian National Congress (INC).
2. The first INC session was attended by 72 delegates, 10 of whom were from Uttar Pradesh.
3. Uttar Pradesh hosted nine INC sessions between 1885 and 1947, marking its importance in the freedom struggle.

National Movements in Uttar Pradesh

The state played a critical role in several key national movements, with some of the most significant being:

1. Lucknow Pact (1916): Signed between the Muslim League and Congress, it was a landmark moment for Hindu-Muslim unity.
2. Peasant Movements: Led by Baba Ramchandra and Madan Mohan Malaviya, these movements highlighted the plight of farmers against British oppression.
3. Khilafat Movement: This was a key moment of Hindu-Muslim unity, where Gandhiji encouraged the support for Muslims.
4. Non-Cooperation Movement: The movement saw significant involvement from Uttar Pradesh, particularly the Chauri Chaura incident of 1922.
5. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930): Marked by tax refusals, with key leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru leading protests in Allahabad.
6. Quit India Movement (1942): Ballia played a pivotal role, with Chittu Pandey leading a provisional government, earning Ballia the title of Baghi Ballia.

Prominent Historical Personalities of Uttar Pradesh

Several luminaries emerged from Uttar Pradesh, contributing significantly to the nation’s socio-political and cultural landscape.

** | Mystic poet whose works shaped the Bhakti movement. |
| Birbal | Advisor in Akbar’s court, known for his wit. |
| Tulsidas | Renowned poet, authored Ramcharitmanas. |
| Mangal Pandey | Key figure in the 1857 Revolt, considered a martyr. |
| Lal Bahadur Shastri | India’s Prime Minister, gave the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”. |
| Ram Prasad Bismil | Revolutionary, participated in Kakori Conspiracy. |

Important Note: These individuals not only shaped the political history of Uttar Pradesh but also left a lasting cultural and intellectual legacy.

MCQ: Who was the leader of the revolt in Lucknow during the 1857 uprising?

1. Nana Saheb
2. Tantia Tope
3. Rani Lakshmi Bai
4. Begum Hazrat Mahal
   Correct Answer: 4. Begum Hazrat Mahal