THE JHUGGA MOVEMENT (1883)
A Protest of Self-Immolation | Bilaspur State
Led by Kishori Lal and Gulab Ram Nada, this movement was a response to Raja Amar Chand’s attempt to dismantle traditional social privileges and impose harsh fiscal burdens.
Roots of Fury
- Bethanga Tax: A new tax amounting to 25% of land revenue, strictly payable in cash.
- Loss of Privilege: For the first time, Brahmins and Chandel Rajputs were stripped of their historical tax exemptions.
- Begar: Continued exploitation through forced, unpaid labor.
The Method: Sacred Huts (Jhuggas)
- They hoisted Religious Flags of their devoted deities.
- They lived in these huts for 9 months as a hunger strike/spiritual protest.
- The Ultimatum: If the Raja used force, they would set the Jhuggas on fire and burn themselves alive, passing the karmic sin of their deaths to the King.
The Violent Clash
The Tragedy:
- Gulab Ram Nada killed the Tehsildar during the confrontation.
- True to their vow, the Brahmins set the Jhuggas ablaze. Several people perished in the flames before they could be arrested.
- Victorious Reform: The movement forced the Raja to revoke the Bethanga tax and rebalance the administrative system.
- Punishment: Gulab Ram Nada was jailed for 6 years at Saryun Fort.
- Exodus: Numerous families migrated to Kangra to escape the King’s subsequent tyranny.
THE DANDRA MOVEMENT (1930)
Bhoomi Bandobast Abhiyan | Bilaspur State
Center of Rebellion: Bahadurpur Pargana
The movement began when Kisans refused to supply free firewood, milk, ghee, and bread to the settlement staff. When staff became aggressive, villagers broke the accessories of the Patwaris in defiance.
- Unjust Land Revenue.
- High ‘Nazarana’ rates.
- Fishing license fees.
- Indiscriminate forest policies.
- Molestation of village ladies by revenue staff.
Why “Dandra”?
During a fair at Namhol village, the Punjab police used batons (dandas) to mercilessly beat protesters. The sheer violence of the “stick-running” gave the movement its historical name.
Suppression & British Role
The local Council Chairman P.L. Chandulal failed to manage the unrest. Consequently:
- Edward Wakefield was dispatched from Lahore under the orders of Resident James Fitz Patrick.
- Armed Punjab Police were summoned to reinforce the state forces.
- Troops conducted a flag march for three months to intimidate the populace.
The Aftermath
- Mass Arrests: 19 primary leaders and several “ring leaders” were imprisoned.
- Collective Fine: A massive penalty of Rs. 25,000 was imposed on the participating villages.
- Monarchy: Raja Bijai Chand had abdicated in 1927; the movement took place during the era of Raja Anand Chand.
1. The Era of Raja Anand Chand (1933)
Raja Anand Chand assumed full powers on January 9, 1933. His governance was characterized by a “twin policy of repression and reform.” While he modernized certain aspects of the state, he was famously resistant to political interference and democratic movements.
2. Early Political Subterfuge
Because political activity was strictly restricted, resistance began under the guise of social and religious work:
- Secret Organizations: Continued to operate underground.
- Front Groups: Organizations like the ‘Sewa Samiti’ and ‘Sanatana Dharam Sabha’ were formed. While their stated goals were social/religious reform, they served as platforms for spreading political messages.
- Punishments: The Raja imposed stern penalties for anti-state activities, including confiscation of property and exile.
3. Post-WWII & The Rise of BRPM
The return of Indian National Army (INA) personnel after World War II boosted the revolutionary spirit in the region.
The Udaipur Session (1945)
Three key figures from Bilaspur attended the All India States Peoples’ Conference (AISPC) in Udaipur:
- Shri Daulat Ram Sankhyan
- Narottam Datt Shastri
- Devi Ram Upadhyay
Formation of Bilaspur Rajaya Praja Mandal (BRPM)
Upon their return from Udaipur, these leaders founded the BRPM to demand democratic reforms and better governance.
4. The Satyagraha of 1946
The Raja rejected the demands put forward by the BRPM. In response:
- Launch Date: December 21, 1946.
- Action: A Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) was launched.
- Outcome: The movement was suppressed with a heavy hand by the state administration.
Escalation of the Bilaspur Satyagraha
The movement for civil liberties in Bilaspur gained significant external support and led to organized demonstrations:
- AISPC Resolution: On December 27, 1946, the Standing Committee of the All India States Peoples’ Conference (AISPC) passed a resolution criticizing the Raja’s stance on civil liberties and fundamental rights.
- Criticism of the Raja: The committee specifically condemned the Raja’s policy of repression and active hostility toward popular movements and organizations.
- Shimla Demonstrations: In solidarity with the Bilaspur Satyagraha, demonstrations were organized in Shimla.
Key Figures and Outcomes
The text identifies the leaders responsible for mobilizing this broader support:
- Leadership: The demonstrations and organizational efforts were spearheaded by Sarvshri Daulat Ram Sankhyan, Sadanand Chandel, Sant Ram Kanga, and Sant Ram Sant.
- National Interim Government: The combined pressure from these efforts and the establishment of the National Interim Government led to the introduction of specific reforms.
- Gandhian Influence: The developments ensured that the teachings of Gandhiji and relevant reforms were given priority during this transition.
1. Reforms and Social Policies
Under the pressure of the National Interim Government and Gandhian influence, Raja Anand Chand introduced several social and educational reforms:
- Education: Basic education was introduced through the Hindi medium up to the Matriculation standard.
- Social Legislation: He implemented complete prohibition, the Panchayati Raj system, and Harijan Upliftment programs.
- Child Marriage: He ensured the rigid enforcement of the Child Marriage Act.
- Renunciation of Titles: He was uniquely noted as the only prince to give up his title of “His Highness,” his K.C.I.E. (Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire), and his gun salute.
2. Resistance to Political Integration
Despite these social reforms, the Raja remained politically defiant toward democratic bodies:
- Suppression: The text suggests these reforms were partially “devices to deceive outsiders,” as the Bilaspur Rajya Praja Mandal (BRPM) remained forced in exile.
- “Hands off Bilaspur”: This was the Raja’s open challenge issued to the Indian National Congress (INC) and the AISPC.
- Swadheen Kahloor Dal: He raised a private army known as the ‘Swadheen Kahloor Dal’ specifically to suppress liberation activities associated with the INC, AISPC, and BRPM.
3. Merger and Integration
The political standoff eventually concluded through diplomatic persuasion and the efforts of national leadership:
- Merger Agreement: Following several rounds of discussion, the Raja signed the merger agreement on April 15, 1948.
- Final Integration: Bilaspur was officially merged with Himachal Pradesh on July 1, 1954.
- Sardar Patel: The text credits Sardar Patel for the successful integration of the states into the Indian Union.
Chronological Timeline of Bilaspur (1933–1954)
- January 9, 1933: Raja Anand Chand is invested with full powers and begins a “twin policy of repression and reform”.
- 1933–1944: Political activity remains underground; groups like ‘Sewa Samiti’ and ‘Sanatana Dharam Sabha’ are used as fronts for political messaging to avoid the Raja’s “stern punishments” like exile and property confiscation.
- 1945: Leaders Daulat Ram Sankhyan, Narottam Datt Shastri, and Devi Ram Upadhyay attend the Udaipur session of AISPC.
- Post-1945: Upon their return, these leaders lay the foundation of the Bilaspur Rajaya Praja Mandal (BRPM).
- December 21, 1946: A Satyagraha is launched after the Raja rejects BRPM demands; it is met with heavy suppression.
- December 27, 1946: The Standing Committee of the AISPC passes a resolution criticizing the Raja’s hostility toward civil liberties.
- Late 1946: Demonstrations are organized in Shimla by leaders including Sadanand Chandel, Sant Ram Kanga, and Sant Ram Sant.
- April 15, 1948: Following pressure from the National Interim Government and Sardar Patel, Raja Anand Chand signs the Merger Agreement.
- July 1, 1954: Bilaspur is officially merged with Himachal Pradesh.