Alluri Sitarama Raju

January 11, 2024

7 Minutes

Alluri Sitaram Raju's Statue at at ASR Nagar in Bhimavaram. (Credits: News9 Live)

Introduction

During India's struggle for freedom, diverse leaders emerged from various regions and communities, contributing distinct perspectives to lead the collective fight against colonial rule. Among them were tribal leaders who, deeply connected to their communities, led rebellions and movements to resist British oppression. One such influential figure was Alluri Sitarama Raju, whose role in the Manyam/Rampa Rebellion remains a testimony to the many-sided nature of the freedom struggle, where leaders from diverse backgrounds united in the pursuit of independence.

Who was Alluri Sitaram Raju?

• Alluri Sitarama Raju was a revolutionary who fought against the British government, aiming to drive them out of the Eastern Ghats region in response to the ongoing exploitation of tribal communities.

• He was popularly known as ManyamVeerudu (Hero of the Jungles) and 'Devudu' (a god) in folk songs, he was considered a messiah by the tribal communities.

• Alluri Sitarama Raju initially joined Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement due to the grievances of tribal populations. However, he later turned to violent measures to support his cause.

• He launched the Manayam or Rampa Rebellion from 1922 to 1924, aiming to liberate the tribals from exploitation.

Early Life of Alluri Sitarama Raju

• Alluri Sitarama Raju, a native of Mugallu in the West Godavari region, was born on July 4, 1897, in Pandrangi village in the then Vishakhapattnam district.

• Born in a Telugu-speaking Kshatriya family, Sitarama Raju wasn't a fan of traditional schooling. Instead, he found interest in astrology and horse riding.

• During his teenage years, he became a 'Sanayasi' and began to learn about medicinal herbs. He also became skilled at taming wild animals. This made him popular among tribals as they started to believe he had special powers.

• Over time, his family and he earned reverence in their region, solidifying his image as a ‘Holy Man.’

Causes of the Manayam or Rampa Rebellion (1922-1924)

Farmers and tribals joined forces due to challenges like bans on traditional farming, unfair labor practices, and limited access to essential resources, sparking widespread resistance against British rule.

Common Enemy

The British became a shared enemy for both farmers and local leaders called Muttadars. Before the British arrived, Muttadars ruled local areas as representatives of Rajas in the plains. They used to exploit tribal people with taxes and duties. However, when the British came, the conditions for Muttadars worsened, making the English the common enemy.

Ban on Podu Cultivation

The British banned Podu cultivation, a type of farming where tribals cleared forest,  burning them and used the land for agriculture. This practice involved growing crops like Koddojannu maize, Ragi, and samai. The ban created discontent among tribal communities as it disrupted their traditional way of life.

Collection of Minor Forest Produce

The British government passed the Madras Forest Act of 1882, prohibiting the movement and tribal rights over minor forest produce, including wood. This forced tribal communities into poverty and low-wage labor, as they were no longer able to depend on these resources for their livelihood.

Exploitative Labor Practices

The forest department and contractors hired tribals for low wages to work in forests. These laborers were paid much less than government rates, leading to various forms of exploitation. "Vetti labor" involved underpayment or being treated as free customary labor, while "Gothi labor" was hereditary debt-bondage. These exploitative practices caused discontent among tribals.

Perception of Illegitimacy of British Rule

There was a widespread belief that the British Raj had no rightful claim over the settlements and lands of the local people. This perception of the British rule being illegitimate was prevalent and added to the growing discontent among the communities.

Alluri Sitarama Raju’s Manayam or Rampa Rebellion

• Alluri Sitarama Raju addressed the issues faced by tribal communities, acknowledging their grievances and concerns.

• In response to the challenges, he organized a small and mobile guerrilla army, and trained them in unconventional warfare tactics.

• The guerrilla army constantly ambushed, sabotaged, and raided British police stations and outposts. Through this, Alluri Sitarama Raju aimed to disrupt and weaken the larger and less-mobile traditional military.

• Alluri Sitarama Raju's primary objective was to liberate tribal communities from oppression and exploitation, instigated by British policies and actions.

• The overarching goal of the movement was to drive the British forces out of the Eastern Ghats region, establishing autonomy for the tribal people.

Aftermath of Alluri Sitaram Raju’s Rebellion

• British forces captured and killed Alluri Sitarama Raju in Koyyuru village on 7 May 1924, bringing an end to the Rampa Rebellion or Manyam Rebellion.

• A postage stamp was issued by the Government of India in 1986, showcasing Alluri Sitarama Raju. 

• Additionally, a biographical film titled "Alluri Seetharama Raju" was released in 1974.

Criticism

David Arnold, the renowned British historian, in his book 'Rebellious Hillmen: the Gudem-Rampa Risings, 1839-1924,' has stated that Alluri Sitarama Raju did not inspire such massive demonstrations of popular support, terming it a case of 'elite opportunism.'

References: Alluri Sitarama Raju and the Manyam Rebellion of 1922-1924

Practice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

MCQs:

Q1: During India's struggle for freedom, Alluri Sitarama Raju led the Manyam Rebellion in which region?

a) Western Ghats

b) Eastern Ghats

d) Deccan Plateau

d) Deccan Plateau

Answer: b) Eastern Ghats

Q2: What was the primary objective of Alluri Sitarama Raju's Manayam or Rampa Rebellion?

a) Economic reforms

b) Autonomy for tribal communities

c) Political representation

d) Religious freedom

Answer: b) Autonomy for tribal communities

Q3: Alluri Sitarama Raju joined Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation movement before resorting to violent measures. What was the reason behind his initial involvement?

a) Political power

b) Exploitation of tribal populations

c) Economic reforms

d) Religious beliefs

Answer: b) Exploitation of tribal populations

Q4: Regarding Alluri Sitarama Raju and the Manyam Rebellion, consider the following statements:

Statement 1: Alluri Sitarama Raju launched the Manyam Rebellion against British colonial rule in the Eastern Ghats region.

Statement 2: The British ban on podu cultivation was one of the causes that fueled the discontent leading to the Manyam Rebellion.

Select the correct statements using the code given below:

A. Only Statement 1 is correct.

B. Only Statement 2 is correct.

C. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct.

D. Neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2 is correct.

Answer: C. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct.

Mains Practice Question

Q: Discuss the role of Alluri Sitarama Raju in the Manyam Rebellion and its impact on the tribal communities. Analyze the causes that led to the rebellion and evaluate its significance in the broader context of India's struggle for independence.

Model Answer:
Alluri Sitarama Raju played a pivotal role in the Manyam Rebellion, a significant episode during India's fight for freedom. Born on July 4, 1897, in Pandrangi village, he emerged as a leader fighting against British oppression in the Eastern Ghats region.

Causes of the Manyam Rebellion (1922-1924):

1. Common Enemy: The British became a common enemy for both farmers and local leaders known as Muttadars, who exploited tribal people before British rule.
2. Ban on Podu Cultivation: The British banned podu cultivation, disrupting the traditional farming practices of tribals.
3. Forest Produce Collection: The Madras Forest Act of 1882 restricted tribal rights over minor forest produce, leading to poverty and exploitation.
4. Exploitative Labor Practices: Tribals were hired for low wages, facing "Vetti labor" and "gothi labor," forms of exploitation.
5. Illegitimacy of British Rule: Widespread belief that the British had no rightful claim over local settlements fueled discontent.

Manyam Rebellion's Impact:

1. Guerrilla Warfare: Sitarama Raju organized a guerrilla army, ambushing and raiding British police stations, disrupting traditional military strategies.
2. Liberation Objective: The rebellion aimed to liberate tribal communities from British oppression and establish autonomy in the Eastern Ghats.

Conclusion

The Manyam Rebellion, led by Alluri Sitarama Raju, stood as a resilient response to the British, addressing the grievances of tribal communities. Captured and killed on May 7, 1924, Sitarama Raju's legacy remains integral to India's broader struggle for independence.