Preface
In Odisha, the quest for liberation began soon after the British annexed the region in 1803. The resistance was marked by various forms of rebellion, including armed revolts, protests, and insurrections, driven by a collective determination to restore the rights and dignity of the local populace. The first major uprising occurred in Khurda in 1804, under the leadership of the young king, Mukunda Deva II. In 1805, the execution of Jayee Rajaguru, a staunch minister of the Raja, further fueled the resistance, making him the first martyr in Odisha's battle against British rule. The widespread discontent with the British-imposed land revenue system and arbitrary administrative decisions spurred further uprisings. The Paika Rebellion of 1817, led by Buxi Jagabandhu, remains one of the most significant movements in Odisha's history. In 1827, another revolt broke out in Tapangagarh, where Samanta Madhaba Chandra Samantaray led locals in defiance of British authority. Around the same time, in 1835, Kamal Lochan Dora Bisoyee, a key leader of the Kondh tribe, led a rebellion in Ghumsur, aligning with Dhanurjay Bhanja's efforts to restore the Bhanja family's leadership. The British, however, crushed this rebellion, and Bisoyee was captured in 1837 and exiled. The resistance movement in Sambalpur, particularly under the leadership of Surendra Sai, was especially fierce. As the Chauhan prince of Sambalpur, Sai led a prolonged rebellion against the British from the 1830s until his capture in 1864. His defiance became a symbol of the indomitable will of the people of Odisha. Alongside him, leaders like Madha Singh and his sons from the Zamindar family of Ghens played crucial roles in resisting British rule. Many other local leaders, though less known, contributed significantly to India's independence struggle, their efforts often overshadowed by more prominent figures. While Odisha's freedom struggle is often told through the stories of these well-known leaders, it is essential to recognize the lesser-known heroes whose sacrifices have largely been forgotten. Figures such as Birsa Munda, Veer Surendra Sai, Veer Narayana Singh, Kamala Das, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, Khudiram Bose, Matangini Hazra, Peer Ali Khan, Bhikaiji Cama, Tirot Sing. Kanaklata Barua, and others, played significant roles in India's broader fight for independence. Though their efforts were not always mainstream historical narratives, their highlighted in sacrifices were no less crucial in the struggle for freedom. While much of the historical focus has been on male leaders, the role of women in Odisha's freedom movement remains less explored. Odia women, often self-taught and committed to non-violence and Swaraj, played a significant role in the struggle. Many women participated actively in the Civil Disobedience and Quit India movements, with some even engaging directly with Mahatma Gandhi. These women collected funds, jewelry, and other resources for the Swaraj Fund, demonstrating their widespread involvement in the freedom struggle across the state, even in remote and inaccessible areas. Tribal resistance movements in Odisha also played a crucial part in the fight for freedom. Tribal leaders such as Laxman Naik of Koraput, Ratna Naik of Keonjhar, Kamala Lochan Dora Bisoyee, Chakra Bisoyee, and others fought relentlessly against the British colonialists, striving to protect their land and way of life. Despite facing brutal military campaigns, these leaders and their followers made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of independence. Their courage and resilience remain integral to the larger narrative of India's freedom struggle.
About the Book
This meticulously edited volume, titled The Unrevealed Chronicle of Patriotism and Resistance in Colonial Odisha, seeks to present the latest scholarly insights into the lesser-known facets of Odisha's freedom struggles. It comprises eleven carefully curated essays by distinguished scholars, offering a rich exploration of the region's historical resistance. This book will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, students, educators, and the general public, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject. For those unfamiliar with this pivotal aspect of history, it will undoubtedly offer a comprehensive introduction to Odisha's contributions to the Indian freedom movement.
About The Author
Dr. Atula Kumar Pradhan is an esteemed academic who graduated from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. He earned his Master of Arts degree in Ancient Indian History, Culture, and Archaeology from the same institution. Dr. Pradhan subsequently obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Utkal University, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Archaeology (PGDA) from the prestigious Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India. A prolific archaeologist, Dr. Pradhan has played an instrumental role in excavation projects at key sites, including Kayama, Deuli, and Radhanagar (Odisha), the Harappan site of Bhirrana (Haryana), as well as Pachrahi, Tarighat, and Damru (Chhattisgarh). He has also spearheaded numerous excavation and exploration initiatives across Odisha and Chhattisgarh. In terms of scholarly contributions, Dr. Pradhan has authored five books and more than sixty articles, which have been published in esteemed national and international journals. He has served as editor for various academic journals and proceedings, and has actively participated in numerous national and international seminars and workshops. His expertise has been sought after at various universities and institutions, where he has delivered insightful lectures on archaeology and history. Currently, Dr. Pradhan holds the position of Assistant Professor and Head of the School of History at Gangadhar Meher University, Amruta Vihar, Sambalpur, Odisha.
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