During the British rule, Uttar Pradesh witnessed significant movements against colonial control, with the Revolt of 1857 being a major event. This revolt began in Meerut and soon spread across the region, marking the beginning of the struggle for independence.
Uttar Pradesh: From Independent States to British Rule
After the death of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, five independent states emerged in the region now known as Uttar Pradesh. Here’s a brief overview:
- Meerut and Bareilly Region: Ruled by Pathan Sardar Najib Khan.
- Rohilkhand (including Meerut and Doab): Governed by Rahmat Khan.
- Central Doab Region: Controlled by the Nawabs of Farrukhabad.
- Faizabad and Lucknow Region: Under the rule of the Nawabs of Awadh.
- Bundelkhand Region: Dominated by the Marathas.
Key Battles Influencing British Rule:
- Third Battle of Panipat (1761): The British defeated the Marathas, Jats, and Rajputs.
- Battle of Buxar (1764): The British defeated the Nawab of Awadh Shuja-ud-Daula and the Nawab of Bengal Mir Qasim.
- Battle of Rohilkhand (1774): The British defeated Rohil Sardar Rahmat Khan and handed over Rohilkhand to the Nawab of Awadh.
- Battle of Aligarh (1803): The British defeated the Marathas and took control of Aligarh, Agra, and Delhi.
- Annexation of Awadh (1856): Awadh was annexed into the British Empire, leading to widespread unrest.
The Revolt of 1857 in Uttar Pradesh
The Revolt of 1857 began on 10th May 1857 in Meerut, under the leadership of Mangal Pandey. The main cause of the revolt was the introduction of cartridges rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, which offended both Hindu and Muslim soldiers.
Key Events in the Revolt:
- Meerut (10th May 1857): The sepoys of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment refused to use the cartridges and revolted against the British, leading to a widespread rebellion. The sepoys marched to Delhi, capturing the city and proclaiming Bahadur Shah II as the Emperor of India.
- Delhi: The rebellion spread to Delhi, where General Bakht Khan led the Indian forces. The British eventually recaptured Delhi, and Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled to Rangoon.
- Lucknow: Led by Begum Hazrat Mahal, the mutinous sepoys in Lucknow were joined by soldiers from the old Awadh army. Begum Hazrat Mahal declared her son, Birjis Qadar, as the Nawab of Awadh. The British later recaptured Lucknow, and Begum Hazrat Mahal fled to Nepal.
- Kanpur: The revolt in Kanpur was led by Nana Saheb, who declared himself the Peshwa of Kanpur after being deprived of his pension by the British. Although he initially captured Kanpur, the British eventually recaptured the city. Nana Saheb escaped, but his commander Tantia Tope continued the resistance until he was defeated and executed.
- Jhansi: Rani Lakshmibai led the revolt in Jhansi when the British refused to recognize her adopted son’s right to the throne. She fought valiantly but was eventually defeated. She later joined forces with Tantia Tope to capture Gwalior before being killed in battle on 17th June 1858.
Important Leaders and Their Centers:
| Center of Revolt | Leader(s) |
|---|---|
| Kanpur | Nana Saheb, Tantia Tope |
| Lucknow | Begum Hazrat Mahal |
| Jhansi | Rani Lakshmibai |
| Bareilly | Khan Bahadur Khan |
| Faizabad | Maulvi Ahmadullah |
| Kalpi | Tantia Tope |
| Allahabad | Maulvi Liyaquat Ali |
| Meerut | Kadam Singh |
| Mathura | Devi Singh |
READ | Medieval History of Uttar Pradesh
After the Revolt of 1857: Institutional Changes
After the revolt, the British Crown took direct control of India, ending the rule of the East India Company.
- 1st November 1858: A grand court in Allahabad (Prayagraj) announced the transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown.
- Delhi Division Separation (1858): The Delhi division was separated from the North-Western Provinces, and the capital was shifted from Agra to Allahabad.
- Uttar Pradesh Division (1858): Uttar Pradesh was divided into two parts: Awadh and the North-West Provinces, known as Agra and Awadh. The provinces were governed by a Chief Commissioner and a Lieutenant Governor.
Development of Nationalism in Uttar Pradesh
The period after 1857 saw the rise of nationalism in Uttar Pradesh, with several movements and institutions contributing to the cause:
- Radhaswami Movement (1861): Started by Shiv Dayal Saheb, this movement played a role in promoting social reform.
- Literary Contributions: Bhartendu Harishchandra published Kavi Vachan Sudha in 1867 and Harishchandra Magazine in 1872, while Bala Krishna Bhatt published Hindi Pradeep in 1877.
- Deoband Movement (1867): Established by Muhammad Qasim Nanautavi and Rashid Ahmad in Deoband, this movement opposed British rule and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s Aligarh Movement.
- Aligarh Movement: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan established the Scientific Society (1864) and the Aligarh Muslim Anglo Oriental College (1875), promoting modern education among Muslims.
- Banaras Hindu University (1916): Annie Besant established the Central Hindu School in 1898, which later became the Banaras Hindu University under the leadership of Madan Mohan Malaviya.
Formation of Indian National Congress (INC)
The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 by A.O. Hume as the Indian National Union and later renamed. The first session of the INC was held in Bombay, with several delegates from Uttar Pradesh.
INC Sessions Held in Uttar Pradesh:
| Year | President | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1888 | George Yule | Allahabad (Prayagraj) |
| 1892 | Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee | Allahabad (Prayagraj) |
| 1899 | Ramesh Chandra Dutt | Lucknow |
| 1905 | Gopal Krishna Gokhale | Varanasi |
| 1910 | William Wedderburn | Allahabad (Prayagraj) |
| 1916 | Ambica Charan Mazumdar | Lucknow |
| 1925 | Sarojini Naidu | Kanpur |
| 1936 | Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru | Lucknow |
| 1946 | J.B. Kripalani | Meerut |
READ MORE | ANCIENT HISTORY OF UTTAR PRADESH
National Movements in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh played a significant role in the national movements of India. Various movements such as the Lucknow Pact, Peasant Movements, Khilafat Movement, Non-Cooperation Movement, Revolutionary Movement, and Quit India Movement were pivotal in shaping the history of the state and the country.
Lucknow Pact
- Year: 1916
- Significance: A landmark agreement between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Muslim League, the Lucknow Pact marked a significant step towards Hindu-Muslim unity. Anti-British sentiments among Muslims were fueled by the war between Britain and Turkey.
Peasant Movements
The Peasant Movements in Uttar Pradesh were crucial in mobilizing the rural population against British rule. Several movements were organized to fight against unjust practices and heavy taxation.
- Uttar Pradesh Kisan Sabha:
- Year: 1918
- Founders: Gauri Shankar Mishra, Indra Narayan Dwivedi, Madan Mohan Malaviya, Kadam Singh, and Nana Saheb.
- Significance: The Uttar Pradesh Kisan Sabha was established to address the grievances of the peasants, particularly focusing on issues like high rents and exploitation by landlords.
- Awadh Kisan Sabha:
- Year: 1920
- Founder: Baba Ramchandra
- Prominent Leaders: Gaurishankar Mishra, Jawaharlal Nehru, Mata Badal Pandey, Devanarayan Pandey, and Kedar Pandey.
- Significance: Organized in Pratapgarh, this movement was crucial in mobilizing peasants in the Awadh region against the oppressive practices of landlords.
- Eka Movement:
- Year: 1921
- Founder: Madari Pasi
- Regions Involved: Hardoi, Bahraich, Sultanpur, and Sitapur
- Significance: This movement was driven by the discontent of small landowners against the exorbitant rent demands by the British. The movement included efforts like the Nai-Dahobi Bandh, which was organized in Pratapgarh district. Despite its initial success, the movement was crushed by the British by March 1922.
Khilafat Movement
- Year: 1920
- Key Event: On 20th June 1920, a Khilafat Committee meeting was held in Allahabad (Prayagraj) under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, where the Khilafat Movement was officially launched.
- Significance: Gandhi saw the Khilafat Movement as a unique opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims against British rule. On 31st August 1920, Khilafat Day was observed across the country. The movement came to an end in 1924 when Kemal Pasha’s government in Turkey abolished the post of Khalifa.
Non-Cooperation Movement
- Year: 1920-1922
- Significant Event: On 5th February 1922, during the Non-Cooperation Movement, a group of Satyagrahis in Chauri-Chaura was attacked by the police, leading to the death of 22 constables. This event shocked Mahatma Gandhi, who decided to withdraw the movement on 12th February 1922.
Swaraj Party
- Year: 1923
- Founders: Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru
- Significance: The Swaraj Party was formed as a response to the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement. Chittaranjan Das served as its President, while Motilal Nehru was the Secretary. The party aimed to contest the Legislative Assembly elections of 1923. Following the death of Chittaranjan Das in 1925, a new party, the Swatantra Congress Party, was formed by Madan Mohan Malaviya and Lala Lajpat Rai.
Revolutionary Movement
- Formation of Hindustan Republic Association:
- Year: 1924
- Key Leaders: Chandra Shekhar Azad, Sachindra Nath Sanyal, Ram Prasad Bismil
- Significance: Founded in Kanpur, the Hindustan Republic Association (later renamed the Hindustan Socialist Republic Association) was a key revolutionary organization. The association was involved in various activities, including the famous Kakori train robbery on 9th August 1925, which led to the execution of several revolutionaries.
- Key Event: On 8th April 1929, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw a bomb inside the Central Legislative Assembly, an act that further galvanized the revolutionary movement.
- End of Azad: Chandra Shekhar Azad died in an encounter with the police at Alfred Park in Allahabad (Prayagraj) on 27th February 1931.
Civil Disobedience Movement
- Year: 1930
- Key Leaders in Uttar Pradesh: Jawaharlal Nehru, JP Narayan, Lal Bahadur Shastri
- Significance: Launched by Gandhi on 6th April 1930, the Civil Disobedience Movement aimed to achieve complete independence. In Uttar Pradesh, the movement saw widespread participation, with people refusing to pay taxes. The movement continued until early 1931 when the Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed.
Quit India Movement
- Year: 1942
- Key Event: On 7th to 8th August 1942, the Quit India resolution was passed. The next day, on 9th August 1942, the British arrested all key leaders of the Congress.
- Significance: Despite the crackdown, the movement gained momentum in Uttar Pradesh, especially in Ballia, where a provisional government was established under the leadership of Chittu Pandey. Ballia earned the nickname “Baghi Ballia” (Rebel Ballia) for its prominent role in the freedom struggle.
Historical Personalities of Uttar Pradesh
Nizamuddin Auliya
- Born in 1236 AD in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh.
- A great Sufi Saint of the Chishti order and disciple of Baba Farid.
- Moved to Delhi with his mother after his father’s death.
- Dedicated his life to spreading the Sufi order; died in 1325 AD.
Amir Khusro
- Real name: Abul Hasan Yamin-ud-Din Khusro.
- Born in 1253 AD in Patiyali (Kasganj).
- A Sufi musician, poet, historian, scholar, and composer.
- Known as ‘Tuti-e-Hind’ (Voice of India), ‘Father of Qawwali’, ‘Father of Urdu Literature’, and ‘Father of Khadiboli’.
- Disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya; witnessed the reigns of eight Delhi Sultans.
- Composed ‘Nuh Sipihr’, ‘Khazayan-ul-futuh’, and ‘Tughlaq Nama’.
- Improvised musical instruments like the tabla and sitar.
Ziyauddin Barani
- Born in 1285 AD in Bulandshahar district.
- A political thinker and historian of the Sultanate period.
- Served in the courts of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq and Firuz Shah Tughlaq.
- Best works: ‘Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi’ and ‘Fatwa-i-Jahandari’.
Kabir
- 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint.
- Born in Varanasi in 1525 in a Muslim weaver family.
- First disciple of Bhakti poet-saint Swami Ramananda.
- Composed in vernacular Hindi; works include Kabir Bijak, Kabir Parichai, Sakhi Granth, Adi Granth, and Kabir Granthavali.
Birbal
- Born in 1528 AD in a Brahmin family in Kalpi, Jalaun district.
- Famous for his intelligence; served in the Rajput Court of Raja Ram Chandra of Rewa.
- One of Akbar’s Navaratnas; first to adopt ‘Din-i-Ilahi’.
- Honored with the title ‘Kavi Raj’ by Emperor Akbar.
Sheikh Faizi
- Born in 1547 AD in Agra.
- A great poet and scholar at Akbar’s court; elder brother of Abu’l Fazl.
- One of Akbar’s Navaratnas; died in 1595 AD.
Abu’l Fazl
- Born in 1550 AD in Agra.
- Scholar in Turkish, Persian, Sanskrit, Arabic, and Hindi; served as Akbar’s Grand Vizier.
- Led Akbar’s South expedition; authored ‘Akbarnama’ and ‘Ain-i-Akbari’.
Surdas
- 16th-century blind Hindu devotional poet and singer.
- Best known for his composition ‘Sursagar’, which describes Krishna and Radha.
- Involved in the Bhakti Movement.
Todarmal
- Born in Laharpur village, Sitapur district.
- Served as Finance Minister under Sher Shah Suri and Akbar.
- Developed the ‘Land Revenue System’ and ‘Dahasala System’.
- One of Akbar’s Navaratnas.
Tulsidas
- Born in Soron Shookar Kshetra, Kasganj district.
- Hindu Vaishnava saint, poet, and philosopher; author of the epic Ramcharitmanas.
- Spent most of his life in Varanasi; founded Sankatmochan temple.
- Major works include Dohavali, Sahitya Ratna, Gitavali, Krishnavali, Vinaya Patrika.
Freedom Fighters of Uttar Pradesh
Begum Hazrat Mahal
- Wife of the last Nawab of Awadh, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
- Rebelled against the British during the 1857 revolt and made her son, Prince Birjis Qadr, the Nawab of Awadh.
- Retreated to Nepal after the British seized Lucknow in 1858; died in 1879.
Mangal Pandey
- Born on 19th July 1827 at Nagwa village, Ballia district.
- Sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry Regiment.
- First martyr of the 1857 revolt; executed on 8th April 1857.
Rani Laxmi Bai
- Born in 1828 in Varanasi; nickname was Manu (Manikarnika).
- Raised under Peshwa Bajirao-II; married Maharaja of Jhansi, Raja Gangadhar Rao.
- Fought against the British during the 1857 revolt; died in battle.
Azizun Bai
- Born in Lucknow; later moved to Kanpur and became a courtesan.
- Played a significant role in the 1857 revolt; led a women’s group, ‘Mahila Sashastra Dal’.
Nana Sahib
- Born Govind Dhondu Pant; adopted son of Peshwa Bajirao-II.
- Led the revolt against the British in 1857 in Kanpur.
Tantia Tope
- Original name: Ramachandra Panduranga Tope; a leader in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
- Personal adherent of Nana Sahib; participated in battles at Bithoor, Jhansi, and Kalpi.
- Executed by the British in 1859.
Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya
- Born on 27th December 1861 in Allahabad (Prayagraj).
- Founded Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916.
- Played a significant role in Indian politics; posthumously conferred Bharat Ratna in 2015.
Motilal Nehru
- Born on 6th May 1861 in Allahabad.
- A key leader of the Indian National Congress; served as Congress President twice.
- Founded Congress Khilafat Swaraj Party in 1923 with Chitranjan Das.
- Presented the ‘Nehru Report’ in 1928.
Purushottam Das Tandon
- Born on 1st August 1882 in Allahabad.
- Played an active role in the Non-Cooperation Movement and Salt Satyagraha.
- Known as ‘Uttar Pradesh Gandhi’; posthumously conferred Bharat Ratna in 1961.
Asaf Ali
- Born on 11th May 1888 in Seohara, Uttar Pradesh.
- First Indian ambassador to the United States; freedom fighter and noted lawyer.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
- Born on 14th November 1889 in Allahabad.
- First Prime Minister of India; served from 1947 to 1964.
- Awarded Bharat Ratna in 1955.
Ram Prasad Bismil
- Born on 11th June 1897 in Shahjahanpur district.
- Indian revolutionary; participated in Mainpuri Conspiracy (1918) and Kakori Conspiracy (1925).
- Hanged on 19th December 1927 at Gorakhpur Jail.
Lal Bahadur Shastri
- Born on 2nd October 1904 in Mughalsarai.
- Served as Prime Minister of India from 1964 to 1966; gave the slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’.
- Posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna in 1966.
Ram Manohar Lohia
- Born on 23rd March 1910 in Akbarpur, Ambedkar Nagar district.
- Activist for Indian Independence; founded the ‘Congress Socialist Party’ in 1934.
- Established Indian Socialist Party after Independence; died on 12th October 1967.
Timeline
- 1761: Third Battle of Panipat
- 1764: Battle of Buxar
- 1857: Revolt of 1857
- 1885: Formation of Indian National Congress
- 1916: Lucknow Pact
- 1918: Peasant movements in Uttar Pradesh
- 1920: Khilafat movement
- 1921: Ekta movement
- 1922: Non-Cooperation Movement
- 1930: Civil Disobedience Movement
- 1942: Quit India Movement
FAQs
Question 1: Which place was the witness of the First War of Independence of 1857?
ANSWER: Meerut
Question 2: In which year did the British defeat the Marathas in Rohilkhand?
ANSWER: 1773
Question 3: On which date did the first freedom movement, 1857, start at Meerut?
ANSWER: 10th May, 1857
Question 4: Which Nawab was declared as ‘Nawab of Awadh’ by Begum Hazrat Mahal?
ANSWER: Birjis Qadri
Question 5: Who was the leader who participated in the Revolt of 1857 from Kanpur?
ANSWER: Nana Saheb
Question 6: Who was the leader of the 1857 struggle for freedom in Lucknow?
ANSWER: Hazrat Mahal
Question 7: Who published Kavi Vachan Sudha in 1867?
ANSWER: Bhartendu Harishchandra
Question 8: In which year was the Harishchandra Magazine published?
ANSWER: 1872
Question 9: Who was the leader to establish Darul Uloom in Deoband?
ANSWER: Muhammad Qasim Nanautavi
Question 10: In which year was the Deoband Movement in the UP United Province started?
ANSWER: 1867
Question 11: In which year was Aligarh Muslim Anglo Oriental College established?
ANSWER: 1875
Question 12: Who established Central Hindu College in Banaras?
ANSWER: Annie Besant
Question 13: Who presided over the first meeting of the Indian National Congress?
ANSWER: WC Bonnerjee
Question 14: The Lucknow Pact was signed between which two entities?
ANSWER: Muslim League and the Congress
Question 15: In which year was Uttar Pradesh Kisan Sabha established?
ANSWER: 1918
Question 16: Who was associated with the formation of Uttar Pradesh Kisan Sabha?
ANSWER: Madan Mohan Malaviya
Question 17: Who was the organizer of Awadh Kisan Sabha?
ANSWER: Baba Ramchandra
Question 18: At which place was the Awadh Kisan Sabha organized?
ANSWER: Pratapgarh
Question 19: Where was the first conference of the All India Kisan Sabha held?
ANSWER: Lucknow
Question 20: In which year did the Chauri-Chaura incident occur?
ANSWER: 1922
Question 21: Where was the Hindustan Republican Association established?
ANSWER: Kanpur
Question 22: When did the Kakori train robbery take place?
ANSWER: 1925
Question 23: On which date did the Kakori train robbery happen?
ANSWER: 9th August, 1925
Question 24: Who was the person to throw a bomb on the Central Assembly?
ANSWER: Bhagat Singh
Question 25: Where did Chandrashekhar Azad die?
ANSWER: Allahabad
Question 26: In which year did the Civil Disobedience Movement end?
ANSWER: 1931
Question 27: Which movement ended with the Gandhi-Irwin Pact?
ANSWER: Civil Disobedience Movement
Question 28: On which date was the Quit India proposal passed?
ANSWER: 8th August, 1942
Question 29: During the Quit India Movement, the National Government was formed in which district of Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Ballia
Question 30: During the Quit India Movement, who led the Provisional Government in Ballia?
ANSWER: Chittu Pande
Question 31: The famous Sufi Saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya belonged to which place?
ANSWER: Budaun
Question 32: Amir Khusro played a pioneering role in the development of which language?
ANSWER: Khadiboli
Question 33: Who is known as the ‘Father of Khadiboli’?
ANSWER: Amir Khusro
Question 34: What was the real name of Birbal?
ANSWER: Mahesh Das
Question 35: Who was the elder brother of Abul Faz’l?
ANSWER: Sheikh Faizi
Question 36: Who led the South expedition of Emperor Akbar?
ANSWER: Abul Faz’l
Question 37: Who developed the ‘Dahsala System’ during Akbar’s reign?
ANSWER: Todarmal
Question 38: Where did Begum Hazrat Mahal take asylum during the revolt of 1857?
ANSWER: Nepal
Question 39: Begum Hazrat Mahal belonged to which place?
ANSWER: Awadh
Question 40: Mangal Pandey belonged to which place in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Ballia
Question 41: Who was the father of Rani Laxmi Bai?
ANSWER: Moropant Tambe
Question 42: Who was the husband of Rani Laxmi Bai?
ANSWER: Raja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar
Question 43: Who was the adopted son of Peshwa Bajirao-II?
ANSWER: Nana Sahib
Question 44: Who was the founder of the famous Banaras Hindu University (BHU)?
ANSWER: Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya
Question 45: Who was conferred with the title ‘Mahamana’ by Mahatma Gandhi?
ANSWER: Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya
Question 46: Who is known as ‘Uttar Pradesh Gandhi’?
ANSWER: Purushottam Das Tandon
Question 47: Who presented the ‘Nehru Report’ in 1928?
ANSWER: Motilal Nehru
Question 48: What was the tenure of Jawaharlal Nehru as the Prime Minister of India?
ANSWER: 15th August, 1947 – 27th May, 1964
Question 49: Who is considered the ‘Architect of the Modern Indian Nation-State’?
ANSWER: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
Question 50: Who became the President of the Indian National Congress at the Lahore Session in 1929?
ANSWER: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
Question 51: Who was the founder of the Hindustan Republican Association?
ANSWER: Ram Prasad Bismil
Question 52: Ram Prasad Bismil was accused in which conspiracies?
ANSWER: Both Mainpuri Conspiracy and Kakori Conspiracy
Question 53: Ram Prasad Bismil was hanged in which jail?
ANSWER: Gorakhpur
Question 54: Who became the third Prime Minister of India after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru?
ANSWER: Lal Bahadur Shastri
Question 55: Who gave the slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ during the ‘Indo-Pakistan War’ in 1965?
ANSWER: Lal Bahadur Shastri
Question 56: Who founded the Congress Socialist Party?
ANSWER: Ram Manohar Lohia
Question 57: Who founded ‘Hind Kisan Panchayat’?
ANSWER: Ram Manohar Lohia
Question 58: What was the real name of Tatya Tope?
ANSWER: Ramachandra Pandurang Tope
Question 59: Match the revolt centre Jhansi with its leadership.
ANSWER: Rani Laxmibai
Question 60: Match the revolt centre Kanpur with its leadership.
ANSWER: Nana Saheb
Question 61: Which is not correctly matched: Laxmibai – Jhansi, Ram Manohar Lohia – Akbarpur, or Naushad Ali – Moradabad?
ANSWER: All are correctly matched.
Question 62: Match the personality Motilal Nehru with the place.
ANSWER: Allahabad
