Ganga Narayan

Ganga Narayan (also known as Ganga Narain Singh and Gunga Narain Sing) (25 April 1790 – 7 February 1833) was an Indian revolutionary from the Jungle Mahals who was the leader of Bhumij rebellion. He led a revolt against the East India Company in 1832-33. The British called it "Ganga Narain's Hangama", while some historians have called it the Chuar rebellion.

Biography

Early life and background

Ganga Narayan was born on 25 April 1790 at Bandhdhih village. His father was Laxman Narayan Singh and mother was Mamta Devi. He was the grandson of Vivek Narayan, the Raja of Barabhum. He had two brothers Shyamkishore Singh and Shyam Lal Singh. His mother, Mamta Devi was humble and pious in nature, but was a staunch opponent of British tyranny. She always encouraged her two sons Ganga Narayan and Shyam Lal to fight against the British.

Barabhum Raj

Vivek Narayan Singh, the Raja of Barabhum, had two queens. Two queens had two sons. After the death of King Vivek Narayan Singh in the 18th century, there was a struggle for successor between two sons Lakshman Narayan Singh and Raghunath Narayan Singh.

According to the traditional Bhumij system, Lakshman Narayan Singh, the son of the elder queen, was the only one who had the succession. But a long family dispute started after the British nominated the younger son of the king Raghunath Narayan Singh as the king. The local Bhumij ''sardars'' used to support Lakshman Singh. But he could not stand the British support and military aid received by Raghunath. Laxman Singh was expelled from the state. Laxman Singh was given the jagir of Bandhdih village for his livelihood, where his only job was to look after the Bandhadih Ghat.

Rebellion

In 1765, after acquiring the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, the East India Company imposed harsh revenue policies that exploited the poor farmers of Jungle Mahals, including regions like Manbhum, Barahbhum, and Singhbhum. These measures included salt taxes, land sales, and forest laws, as well as the introduction of moneylenders and land auctions, all of which worsened the plight of the tribal population. This exploitation sparked resentment, particularly among the Bhumijs, and led to widespread discontent in the region.

Ganga Narayan, a prominent leader from Jungle Mahal, organized a rebellion in 1832 against the British policies oppressing farmers. With his formation of the Sardar Guerrilla Vahini army, which garnered support from various local castes and tribal groups, he led a series of attacks against British forces and their collaborators. His movement gained momentum, culminating in significant victories across Bengal and Bihar, and forcing the British to withdraw oppressive laws. However, despite his early successes, Ganga Narayan was ultimately killed in battle on February 7, 1833, but his legacy as a hero of resistance against British rule endured, inspiring future struggles for freedom.

See also

* Bhumij rebellion
* Chuar rebellion

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh, Ganga Narayan
1790 births
1833 deaths
Revolutionaries from British India
Bhumij people