The Bundela Rebellion

The Bundela Rebellion was a feudal revolt against the British rule in Saugor and Nerbudda Territories. The British annexation of the region in 1818 after dislodging the Marathas had undermined the power and influence of the local chiefs and the imposition of an excessive land revenue had brought about economic ruin of the peasantry. But the causes of discontent were more deep-rooted. In the beginning the chiefs and the people alike submitted without any sign of disaffection and acquiesced in the establishment of British authority. But gradually the British rule proved to be detrimental to the local autonomy enjoyed by the people in general and feudal chiefs in particular. The Marathas were more easy and tolerant masters. Hence both joined hands to oust the white regime and found an opportunity when the British arms suffered a severe rebuff during the debacle of first Afghan war. Although the revolt was suppressed within a few months. it gave a tough time to the local authorities and focussed the attention of the higher echelon residing at Calcutta and London on the causes of discontent. But it seems they learnt no lesson from this outbreak as is evident from the great upsurge of 1857. Was the rising of 1842 a prelude to that of 1857. which assumed such a widespread and popular character? Probable causes of the revolt, progress of the insurrectionary movement, its suppression, effects, etc. have been dealt with in the present work. The conclusions of the author drawn from an over-all study of the episode reveals the true nature and significance of the rebellion.