This article explores the story of the Phulaguri Uprising of 1861, one of the earliest organized peasant revolts against British rule in Assam. It explains the background of colonial land revenue policies, the grievances of peasants and tribal communities, the dramatic events of October 1861, and the consequences that followed. More importantly, it connects this event to the larger narrative of agrarian resistance in Assam and India. In addition, it explains the socio-economic background, leadership, and participation of the Lalung (Tiwa) tribe, the role of the Raij Mel, the sequence of events, and the long-term historical significance of the movement.
For aspirants preparing for APSC, Assam TET, ADRE, Assam Police, and other Assam competitive exams, this topic is extremely important. Questions frequently appear in Prelims and Mains under Modern History of Assam, peasant movements, tribal resistance, and British administrative policies. Understanding Phulaguri is not just about memorizing dates; it is about understanding how early rural Assam responded to colonial economic exploitation.
The Setting: Assam Under British Rule
After the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826, the British East India Company took control of Assam. Over time, traditional systems of landholding and taxation were replaced by new revenue structures. Taxes increased. Regulations tightened. Cultivation patterns were interfered with.
By the 1860s, peasants in Nagaon (then Nowgong) district were struggling. The British imposed taxes on land and even on certain crops. One of the most controversial steps was the restriction and taxation related to poppy cultivation, which directly affected rural livelihoods.
For the Tiwa (Lalung) and other indigenous farming communities, this was not just an economic burden. It was an attack on their way of life.
The Gathering Storm: Raij Mel and Collective Protest
In September 1861, something unusual happened. Villagers began assembling in large numbers in what was known as a “Raij Mel” — a people’s assembly. These were not violent mobs. They were organized gatherings demanding relief from oppressive taxes.
Their demand was simple: reduce the tax burden and listen to the grievances of the farmers.
But the colonial administration misread the situation. Instead of dialogue, they chose intimidation.
On 18 October 1861, when British officials led by Lieutenant G. B. Singer tried to disperse and disarm the protestors at Phulaguri, the confrontation turned violent. In the chaos that followed, Singer was killed. What began as a tax protest was now labeled a rebellion.
The British responded with force. Arrests, trials, executions, and deportations followed. The uprising was crushed, but its memory remained alive in Assam’s history.
Timeline of the Phulaguri Uprising
| Year/Date | Event Description |
| 1826 | Assam came under British control after the Treaty of Yandaboo |
| 1850s–1860s | Introduction of new land revenue policies and increased taxation |
| September 1861 | Raij Mel assemblies organized by peasants in Phulaguri |
| 18 October 1861 | Clash between protestors and British officials; Lt. Singer killed |
| Late 1861 | British suppression, arrests, executions, and deportations |
Leadership and Collective Organization
The uprising was primarily led by the Lalung (Tiwa) tribe, with significant participation from local chieftains and peasants. Leaders like Raja Powali and other tribal chiefs played a crucial role in mobilizing people and organizing collective resistance.
This was not a spontaneous outburst. It was structured and community-driven.
One of the most important institutions in this movement was the Raij Mel, a traditional tribal assembly. The Raij Mel served as a democratic platform where grievances were discussed openly. It became the central mechanism for decision-making, coordination, and strategy.
Notably, the movement witnessed participation from both men and women of the Lalung community. Women were not passive observers; they stood alongside the men in assemblies and protests. For APSC and Assam TET aspirants, this highlights the social dimension of the uprising — it was a community resistance, not merely a male-dominated political revolt.
Why Phulaguri Matters in Assam’s History
The Phulaguri Uprising is often described as Assam’s first peasant revolt against British rule. It predates the famous Patharughat Uprising of 1894 and laid the foundation for later agrarian resistance.
Its significance lies in three major aspects:
- It was a collective rural movement, not an isolated tribal clash.
- It reflected organized resistance through Raij Mel, an indigenous democratic practice.
- It exposed the exploitative nature of colonial revenue administration in Assam.
For APSC and other state-level exams, examiners often frame questions such as:
- “Discuss the causes and significance of the Phulaguri Uprising.”
- “Compare Phulaguri (1861) and Patharughat (1894).”
- “Examine tribal resistance movements in colonial Assam.”
Such analytical questions require both factual clarity and contextual understanding.
Relevance for APSC, Assam TET, ADRE, and Other Exams
For APSC Prelims, factual questions may be asked regarding:
- Year of uprising (1861)
- Location (Phulaguri, Nagaon district)
- Immediate cause (taxation and revenue policies)
- Officer killed (Lt. G. B. Singer)
For APSC Mains, answers must focus on:
- Agrarian distress
- Colonial economic exploitation
- Indigenous political organization through Raij Mel
- Long-term impact on Assam’s socio-political consciousness
For Assam TET and ADRE, short objective questions from Assam history are common. The Phulaguri Uprising is a recurring topic in Assam GK sections.
A Legacy Beyond Suppression
Though the revolt was suppressed, it marked the beginning of a pattern. Rural Assam would not remain silent in the face of injustice. From Phulaguri in 1861 to Patharughat in 1894, the message was clear: economic oppression would face organized resistance.
Today, the Phulaguri Uprising stands as a symbol of early agrarian assertion in Assam. It reminds aspirants and scholars alike that history is not only shaped by kings and governors but also by farmers who dared to assemble and speak.
For serious APSC, Assam TET, and ADRE aspirants, understanding events like Phulaguri is not optional. It is foundational to mastering Assam’s modern history.
Source – 163 Years of Phulaguri Dhewa: