Rekapalli Revolt

 

 

QUESTION:  Rekapalli Revolt 

Answer: Introduction to the Rekapalli Revolt

The Rekapalli Revolt, occurring in 1879-1880, was a significant tribal uprising in the Rekapalli region of the Godavari district (present-day Andhra Pradesh, India), closely linked to the broader Rampa Rebellion. It represented indigenous resistance against British colonial policies and local oppressive rulers in the hill tracts. Rekapalli, part of the Rekapalle Estate under the Madras Presidency, saw hill tribes revolt against exploitation, marking it as an extension of the Rampa insurgency. This revolt highlighted the tensions between tribal communities and colonial authorities, driven by economic grievances and cultural intrusions.

Historical Context and Causes

The Rekapalli area, spanning about 200 square miles, was historically tied to the Palvancha and Bhadrachalam estates, with roots dating back to the 14th century. By the 19th century, it fell under British influence after transfers from Nizam territories to the Central Provinces in 1860. The tribes, including Koyas and other hill groups, practiced shifting cultivation (podu) and relied on forests for livelihood, including toddy tapping—a cultural staple.

The revolt's causes mirrored those of the Rampa Rebellion: oppressive taxation, forest restrictions, and the tyrannical rule of the local Mansabdar (zamindar). British laws banned toddy tapping and imposed heavy taxes, disrupting tribal economies. Increased revenue demands since 1813, civil laws in 1859 leading to extortion, and a 100-150% hike in toddy tax by 1879 fueled discontent. Exploitation by moneylenders and police violence exacerbated the situation, leading to mass unrest in adjoining areas like Rekapalli.

Key Leaders and Participants

The uprising in Rekapalli involved local tribal leaders, though specific names for Rekapalli are less documented compared to Rampa. Figures like Karam Tammana Dora, a key commander in the 1879 revolt, influenced the region; he was nephew to an earlier rebel and led daring attacks. Other leaders included Jangam Pulicanti Sambaiah, Karu Tammana Dora, and Chandrayya, who mobilized hill tribes across Rampa and Rekapalli. The participants were primarily Koya, Reddy, and other indigenous groups, united by solidarity against authority. Their guerrilla tactics relied on tribal unity, with human sacrifices symbolizing defiance and mobilization.

Major Events and Course of the Revolt  .              www.osmanian.com

The revolt ignited on March 13, 1879, starting in Rampa with attacks on police stations for arms, quickly spreading to Rekapalli and nearby areas like Gudem and Pachipenta. Rebels burned villages supporting police and engaged in violent guerrilla warfare over 5,000 square miles. In Rekapalli, tribes targeted symbols of oppression, including the Mansabdar's forces.

British response was swift: deploying Madras infantry, cavalry, and Hyderabad troops. Key clashes included Tammana Dora's capture of Chodavaram station on March 10, executions of policemen, and breakthroughs to Malkangiri in 1880. The insurgency lasted until October 1880, with rebels evading capture through hit-and-run tactics.

Suppression and Outcomes

By late 1880, the British suppressed the revolt through military might, arresting the Mansabdar in August 1879 and capturing or killing leaders like Tammana Dora (shot on July 25, 1880). Many rebels were deported to Andaman jails.

Post-revolt reforms included abolishing the toddy tax, allowing free toddy consumption, reinstating annexed lands, and withdrawing civil laws and new taxes in Rekapalli. These conciliatory measures aimed to pacify tribals and improve conditions in the Godavari agency, though underlying grievances persisted, leading to later uprisings like the 1922-1924 Rampa Rebellion.

Legacy and Significance

The Rekapalli Revolt underscored tribal resilience against colonialism, inspiring future movements. It exposed the flaws in British indirect rule via zamindars and highlighted economic exploitation's role in unrest. Today, it remains a symbol of indigenous struggle in Andhra's tribal narratives, often overshadowed in mainstream history but commemorated locally as part of India's freedom story.