Early Anti-British Resistance (1826–1861)
British Takeover and Initial Revolts
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Assam came under direct British rule after the Treaty of Yandaboo (1826).
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The first major resistance was led by Gomdhar Konwar (1828) alongside Kandura Deka Phukan, Dharmadhar, Haranath, and others.
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Rebels attacked the British armoury at Sadiya, but were defeated by British forces.
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Revolt Led by Piyali Barphukan
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Piyali Barphukan, supported by Jiuram Dulia Barua, Benudhar Konwar, and others, burnt down the British camp at Rangpur.
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Many leaders including Piyali and Jiuram were hanged or deported.
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Gadadhar Gohain’s Failed Revolt
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Planned a rebellion with native sepoys, but was captured before execution.
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The 1857 Revolt and Its Echo in Assam
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Maniram Dewan, a former British employee, and Madhu Mallik planned a revolt in sync with the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny.
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Coordinated with the last Ahom King Kandarpeswar Singha and his adviser Piyali Barua.
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Despite support from local nobility and sepoys, the plot failed.
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Maniram Dewan and Piyali Barua were executed in 1858 in Jorhat jail.
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Peasant Uprisings (1861–1894)
Phulaguri Uprising (1861)
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Caused by high opium prices, ban on private cultivation, and tax rumours.
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In a Raij Mel, villagers clashed with police and killed Mr. Singer, the Assistant Commissioner.
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Rebels were captured, punished, or executed.
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Rangia Revolt (1893–1894)
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100% hike in land revenue led to Raij Mels and market ransacking.
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On 10 January 1894, public demonstrations were banned and leaders arrested.
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Lachima Revolt (1894)
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Villagers attacked revenue collectors, resulting in death of one.
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Massive arrests and a harsh crackdown followed.
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Patharughat Revolt (1894)
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Protest against increased land revenue.
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Police opened fire on protesters, killing many.
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Known locally as “Patharughatar Ran” (Battle of Patharughat).
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Growth of Modern Nationalism (1885–1921)
Congress and Swadeshi Movement
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Indian National Congress (1885) and Partition of Bengal (1905) stirred patriotism in Assam.
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Swadeshi movement saw boycotts and promotion of indigenous goods.
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Leadership and Volunteerism
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Leaders like Chandranath Sarma, Nabin Chandra Bardoloi, Tarun Ram Phukan, Gopinath Bordoloi became prominent.
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Massive participation in Non-Cooperation Movement (1921) led by Gandhi.
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Quit India Movement and Revolutionary Struggles (1942)
Widespread Mobilization
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Launched on 9 August 1942, it witnessed massive support across Assam.
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Led by Gopinath Bordoloi, Bishnuram Medhi, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, Jyotiprasad Agarwala, Hem Barua, Pushpalata Das, and others.
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Role of Revolutionaries and Socialists
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Mrityu Bahini (Death Squad) led by Sankar Barua conducted sabotage activities.
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RCPI (Revolutionary Communist Party of India) members like Bishnu Rabha, Haren Kalita, Chintaharan Kalita, etc., intensified the struggle.
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Martyrs of the Movement
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Notable freedom fighters who laid down their lives include:
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Kushal Konwar, Kanaklata Barua, Mukunda Kakati, Bhogeswari Phukanani, and many others.
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INA and Assam’s Role in the Final Phase
INA’s Campaign in Northeast
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Led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the Indian National Army (INA) entered India via Assam’s eastern border.
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Moirang and Kohima were liberated; fierce battles fought in Imphal, Palel, Dimapur, etc.
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Participation from Assam
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Notable Assamese who joined INA:
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Umesh Chandra Devchoudhury, Sridam Chandra Mahanta, Jalaluddin Ahmed, Chittaranjan Debnath, among others.
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People from hill tribes (Naga, Manipuri, Kuki) also supported INA.
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Final Victory and Legacy
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The flame of freedom spread across India, making British rule unsustainable.
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On 15 August 1947, India achieved independence, and Assam emerged free along with the rest of the nation.
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The sacrifices of Assamese martyrs and revolutionaries continue to inspire future generations.
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