Phulaguri Dhawa: From Resistance To Tribal Revolt

Abstract

In this research article we would like explore tribal resistance and revolt that took place in Phulaguri Dhawa in 1861, an earliest popular tribal peasant revolt in Assam and North East India its nature, organization, methods and mass participation against the unjust British administration. Due to numbers of faulty legislations against the local peasants, undermining of tribal social organizations, land and goods taxes etc. by British administration were responsible tribal uprising during this period. Tribal movement is considered as more rebellious and ‘civilized’ rulers suppressed them as they had higher level of quality arms. They were in a situation of conflict with the British colonists as seriously encroached customary rights and territories. Phulaguri Dhawa is such kind of revolt against the ineffective British administration i.e. increasing forceful taxes burden and bureaucratic mindlessness. Dhawa means battle, to Lalung (Tiwa) word “Tawa” meaning encounter, battle. Phulaguri Dhawa was the first people’s and peasant revolt in the Assam of North East region desiring freedom from British administration. The agitation in Nowgong is mainly in Phulaguri area inhabited by Lalung. The peasant tribe at the very beginning were started organized form peaceful assemble, protest and resistance. Consequent period the resistance took into a violent one. The major objective of the piece of research is to endeavor the nature, issues and participation of masses, leadership of tribal resistance to revolt in Phulaguri (Dhawa i.e. Tribal Uprising), a desiring freedom from British colonial administration. In this paper we would use historical and descriptive methods of research and sources like books, journals, government records, newspapers etc. will be considered.