Dynamics of early resistance against colonialism in South Kanara

Abstract

This paper examines the resistance movements which broke out in South Kanara against the British colonial rule in the early half of the nineteenth century. The British occupation of the region in 1799 and their administrative policies had resulted in several problems for the natives. Consequently, there were resistance movements led by the Rajas of Nileshwar, Vittal and Kumbla who wished to continue with their traditional political and socio-economic setup. At the same time, there were revolts of the peasants wherein the peasants and their leaders reacted against the colonial land revenue polices and other measures of exploitations and oppressions. The rebellion of Kalyanaswamy, which was actually a spill-over from Coorg, incited peasant protests in southern parts of Kanara in the 1830s. This study argues that the early resistance movements were organised to oppose decisions and policies of the colonial government which created much hardship for the people. However, these anti-colonial agitations were not motivated by the ideology of nationalism.