Question

Write in brief about the early struggle against the British before 1857.

Ramoshis

Answer 1

1. In Satara District, the Ramoshi community revolted under the leadership of Chitursingh.
2. Santaji Naik and Umaji Naik were among the captains heading the Ramoshi groups.
3. They seized the consignment of some moneylenders that was in the transit from Pune to Mumbai.
4. In 1824, Umaji Naik seized the government treasury at Bhamburde (presently Shivajinagar, Pune). Both together, with their activities, made the British desperate.
5. To put an end to their activities the British government declared an award of Rs. 5000 each, for catching Umaji Naik and his mates Bhujba, Pandya and Yesaji.
6. Meanwhile Umaji Naik regularly held meetings with his people and planned further actions.
7. To stop it, the British government ordered the peasants not to offer the rebels any food, clothing, shelter and money.
8. In addition people were also threatened with confiscation of their lands.
9. They also ordered people to inform the government about Umaji’s whereabouts, if they come to know of it.
10. Captain Davis with the help of five companies of cavalry began chasing Umaji. However, he did not succeed in his task.
11. The rebels were continuously at war with the British, often changing locations from Satara, Wai, Bhor to Kolhapur.
12. Captain Mackintosh took over the task of capturing Umaji. Umaji ordered his mates to kill the British officers. However, the British caught Umaji near Bhor.
13. Umaji was presented in the court and was sentenced to death. He was hanged at Pune.