International Journal of Research in Social Sciences
Year : 2018, Volume : 8, Issue : 7
First page : ( 599) Last page : ( 610)
Online ISSN : 2249–2496.

Surendra Sai: An inborn rebel and indomitable leader of resistance movement in Sambalpur against British Colonialism

Dr Naik Raghumani

Assistant Professor, Department of History, NSCB (Govt.Lead) College, Sambalpur (Odisha)

Online published on 1 August, 2019.

Abstract

The role of Veer Surendra Sai in the resistance movement against the British colonialism is a landmark in the annals of history of Sambalpur in particular and Orissa in general. Surendra Sai was a born rebel and an uncompromising enemy of the British Authority. His father Dharam Singh was a descendant of Aniruddha Sai, son of Madhukar Sai, the fourth Chauhan Raja of Sambalpur. The member of this Sai family demanded the throne of Sambalpur after the death of Maharaja Sai in 1827 A.D. However, the British set aside the claims of Surendra and installed Mohan Kumari, the widow Rani of Maharaja Sai, the throne of Sambalpur without caring for the legitimate right of Veer Surendra Sai. As a result, revolt erupted whole region of Western Odisha. Surendra Sai began protesting the British at the age of 18 in 1827. He revolted against the colonial power relentlessly for 20 years i.e. From 1827 to 1840 in the first phase and from 1857 to 1864 in the second phase but had never bowed down his head before the enemies. He spent 37 years of his life inside the prison. During this resistance movement his six brothers, uncle Dharam Singh and many Zamindars and Tribals helped him whole heartedly. This great rebel returned to his immortal soul on 28th February 1884 in Ashirgarh fort but he remained unsung, unrecognized and neglected.

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Keywords

Sambalpur, Chauhans, Surendra Sai, British, resistance movement.

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