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Abstract

This thesis is an attempt to study the tribal unrest of 1831-33 on the south-west frontier of Bengal in all its aspects - its origins, progress, pacification, nature and aftermath. There are two distinct phases of this unrest - the first among the Mundas, the Oraons and other tribal people of Chota-Nagpur, which eventually spread among the Bhumijes of Patkum in the east, and among the Cheros and the Kharwars of Palaman in the west; the second among the Bhumijes of the Jungle Mahals and of Dhalbhum in the Midnapur district. Where clarity requires the two phases are studied separately. The thesis is in nine chapters. Chapter one deals with the penetration of the British into the Jungle covered hills of Midnapur and Burdwan districts, and with the early risings and disturbances In these areas. Chapter two is concerned with the British connection with the Ramgarh district. As in chapter one the geography, the anthropology and political history of the area are outlined, and the effects of a complex alien administration upon a tribal society are examined. In chapter three the outbreak, progress and suppression of the first phase of the unrest, that in Chota-Nagpur, Palamau and Patkum is described. Chapter four analyses the circumstances which led to that rising. Chapter five turns to the outbreak and progress of the second phase of the unrest, in the Jungle Mahals, and the civil and military operations by which order was restored are described. Chapter six again provides an analysis of the immediate origins of the rising. and traces the important feuds within the ruling family. Chapter seven examines the nature of the risings by a consideration of the type of victims chosen for attack. Chapter eight deals with the measures taken to restore order and to solve the immediate problems created by the risings. Chapter nine reviews the major re-organisation of the tribal areas into a Non-Regulation Agency.