The Chuar Rebellion, which emerged as a culmination of the economic grievances of ordinary peasants and hereditary workers, reached its peak during which of the following years?

The correct answer is 1798-99.

Key Points

• The Chuar Rebellion was a series of uprisings by the tribal communities, primarily the Chuar and Bhumij tribes, in Bengal and Bihar against British colonial rule.
• The rebellion occurred due to severe economic grievances, including the imposition of heavy land revenue and exploitation by British officials.
• The peak of the Chuar rebellion was witnessed during the years 1798-99, when widespread unrest impacted regions such as Midnapore and Jungle Mahal.
• British policies, such as the Permanent Settlement Act of 1793, further alienated the tribal population by depriving them of their traditional rights to land and forest resources.
• The rebellion was ultimately suppressed through military interventions and administrative measures by the British.

Additional Information

• Permanent Settlement Act (1793):
  • Implemented by Lord Cornwallis, this act introduced the zamindari system of land revenue collection.
  • It fixed the revenue payable by zamindars permanently, depriving the tribal communities of their customary land rights.
• Jungle Mahal:
  • A region in Bengal that included parts of present-day West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand.
  • The area was historically inhabited by tribal communities such as the Bhumij and Chuar.
• Tribal Uprisings:
  • In the 18th and 19th centuries, several tribal rebellions occurred due to British exploitation, including the Santhal Rebellion (1855-56) and the Kol Rebellion (1831-32).
  • These uprisings highlighted the socio-economic struggles faced by tribal populations under colonial rule.
• Colonial Economic Policies:
  • British colonial policies disrupted the traditional tribal economy, leading to widespread poverty and dispossession.
  • Heavy land taxes and restrictions on forest use exacerbated the grievances of tribal communities.