After
the Battle
of Plassey1 in 1757 the power of collecting tax was awarded
to the British East India Company2. Company raised their
tax over nightly at an unbearable stage. At the same time the Fakirs and
Sannyasis from the north entered into the Bengal province for collecting taxes.
The local headmen and Zaminders became exhausted. Company considered that the
Fakirs and Sannyasis looted the money that belonged to them and that is why
they tried to prevent them from entering into the province. After the Bengal
famine3 in 1770 the situation became worst.
In
1771 about 150 saints were put to death by the company without any visible
reason. Actually that was the exhibition of the disgrace of the company to the
Fakirs and Sannayasis. The clashes spread over the area of Natore4 and Rangpur5
districts. The revolt spanned over last three decades of the 18th
century.
Actually,
it is doubtful till today that whether their rebellion had any effect or not in
independence of India. Whatever might be the effect, Fakirs and Sannyasis
Rebellion have created historical paradigm. If it has no effect at all people
might forget that event. But it did not happen. Till today it is an event to
remember. Leaving all the critics aside,
we must believe that it was absolutely a protest against the foreigners. This
is enough for an event to be a part of history.
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