What were the causes and results of the Bastar rebellion?

The various causes of the Bastar rebellion were:

• In 1905, two-thirds of the forest land was reserved by the colonial government. They also were not allowed to do shifting cultivation, hunting and collection of forest produce.

• Even though some villagers were allowed to stay on the reserved forest land but on the condition that they have to work free for the forest department in cutting and transporting trees, and in protecting the forest from fires.

• Villagers were also removed from the land without any notice or compensation.

• The people were also worried about the increasing land rents and demand by the colonial government for free labour and goods.

• Famines, in 1899-1900 and again in 1907-1908 contributed to this situation.

This became the issue of discussion in bazaars and festivals. Mango boughs, a lump of earth, chillies and arrows, began circulating between villages in 1910. These were the messages to invite the villagers to revolt against the British. As a result, Bazaars were looted, the houses of officials and traders, schools and police stations were burnt and robbed, and grain redistributed.

Britishers send troops to suppress the rebellion. They punished all those who participated in the rebellion. The Britishers were able to regain control in 3 months. Finally, with a lot of struggle, they were able to force the government to reduce the area under reservation before 1910 and to suspend reservation, but this happened on a temporary basis.