CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
India’s Defence Minister recently highlighted the government’s efforts to honour the legacy of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju by empowering tribal communities, notably citing the historic appointment of Droupadi Murmu, a tribal woman, as the President of India. This symbolic gesture aligns with the ideals of social justice and empowerment that Alluri stood for during India’s freedom struggle.
Early Life And Background
Alluri Sitarama Raju was born on 4 July 1897 in Bhimavaram, located in present-day Andhra Pradesh, to a Telugu-speaking family. From a young age, he was deeply influenced by the plight of tribal communities and peasants under British colonial rule. Witnessing the hardships faced by Adivasis due to exploitative colonial policies, he eventually dedicated his life to their cause.
Catalyst: The Madras Forest Act Of 1882
The immediate trigger for his rebellion was the Madras Forest Act of 1882, which imposed severe restrictions on the forest-dependent tribal communities. The law curtailed their traditional rights to roam freely and engage in ‘Podu’ cultivation, a form of shifting agriculture. This colonial intervention disrupted their livelihoods and cultural practices, sowing widespread resentment.
Rampa Rebellion Of 1922
Alluri Sitarama Raju emerged as a charismatic leader during the Rampa Rebellion (1922–24). Uniting tribal groups, discontented farmers, and local sympathizers, he led a guerrilla resistance movement against the British in the Eastern Ghats, particularly in the border areas of East Godavari and Visakhapatnam districts (now part of Alluri Sitharama Raju district).
Nicknamed “Manyam Veerudu” (Hero of the Jungle) by the local population, Alluri gained widespread admiration for his bravery, tactical brilliance, and selfless commitment to the cause of tribal rights and Indian independence.
Tactics And Ideological Influence
Though he supported the Non-Cooperation Movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi, Alluri believed that peaceful protest alone would not liberate oppressed communities. While he promoted temperance, rejection of British courts, and use of panchayat-based justice, he simultaneously prepared for armed resistance under the guise of civil disobedience.
His use of guerrilla warfare tactics was highly effective in the dense forests and hilly terrain. For nearly two years, his forces raided British outposts, looted armouries, and sabotaged colonial operations. His operations posed such a significant threat that the British government spent over ?40 lakh (a substantial amount at the time) to suppress the rebellion.
Martyrdom And Legacy
After eluding British forces for nearly two years, Alluri Sitarama Raju was eventually captured in 1924 in the forests near Chintapalle. He was executed by the colonial authorities on 7 May 1924 in Koyyuru village, but his legacy endured.
Today, his final resting place lies in Krishnadevipeta, near Visakhapatnam, where a memorial tomb honours his contribution. The British themselves acknowledged his skills as a remarkable guerrilla strategist, even if reluctantly.
Continuing Legacy
Alluri Sitarama Raju remains a towering figure in India’s struggle for independence, especially for tribal and marginalised communities. His unwavering resolve and grassroots leadership serve as a symbol of courage, justice, and resistance against oppression. Recognising his ideals, the Indian government continues to celebrate his legacy through development initiatives aimed at uplifting tribal communities.
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