Guwahati, 18 October (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday paid tribute to the farmers who laid down their lives during the historic Phulaguri Dhawa peasant revolt, observed on its anniversary.

In a Facebook post, the Chief Minister said that long before the dawn of independence, a strong spirit of resistance against injustice had emerged in Assam. In October 1861, farmers from across the Phulaguri region united to protest against the oppression of British rule with courage, solidarity and self-respect.

Describing the uprising as a proud chapter in Assam’s history, Sarma said the revolt reflected the indomitable courage of the people who refused to surrender before injustice. He paid his respects to all the brave martyrs of Phulaguri Dhawa.

The Phulaguri Dhawa revolt, which took place on October 18, 1861, near the Kolong River in present-day Nagaon district, is regarded as the first peasant uprising in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam against British exploitation.

The predominantly Tiwa-inhabited Phulaguri village had extensive opium cultivation. Discontent grew after the British government prohibited opium cultivation and reports emerged of a proposed tax on betel nuts and betel leaves. These measures fuelled widespread resentment among farmers and triggered the uprising.

The revolt, in which peasants from different areas came together without formal leadership, marked an important beginning of organised peasant resistance against colonial policies in Assam. The name ‘Dhawa’ was reportedly used by the British to describe the uprising, with ‘Dhawa’ subsequently becoming ‘Dhawa’ or ‘Dhewa’ in popular usage.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash