Chuar Rebellion 1799

Chuar Rebellion occurred in 1798-99 in Bankura / Midnapore districts of modern West Bengal.

Reasons

The Famine, enhanced taxes, oppressive demands and economic distress due to famines were common reasons of revolts of that period. The term Char or Chuar was used for local tribals in Bengal and it was a derogatory word {meaning pig}. Leader of this revolt was Durjan Singh, a displaced Zamindar who along with his 1500 followers created havoc.

He established his rule over 30 villages and attacked the East India Company establishments. The British was able to suppress the rebellion with utmost cruelty and deceit with the help of local landlords. Around 200 rebels were executed in the process.

Note

Some historians object the use of term “Chuar” for this rebellion because it was derogatory term used by ruling class. Some want this revolt to be named as ‘Freedom Struggle of the Jangal Mahal’.