Explore the civil uprisings in Gorakhpur, Basti, and Bahraich in 1781, triggered by Warren Hastings' revenue policies. Learn about the causes, key events, and outcomes of the revolt against Major Hannay's oppressive demands.

The Civil Uprisings in Gorakhpur, Basti, and Bahraich (1781) were a direct reaction to the oppressive revenue farming policies introduced under British influence in Awadh. Led by discontented zamindars and peasants, the revolt exposed the exploitative practices of Major Alexander Hannay, who had been appointed as an izaradar (revenue farmer). The events highlighted the clash between traditional agrarian structures and colonial economic experiments.

Civil Uprisings in Gorakhpur, Basti, and Bahraich (1781): Causes

• Warren Hastings’ Revenue Experiment

  • (i) To raise funds for wars against the Marathas and Mysore, Warren Hastings implemented a system where English officers acted as izaradars (revenue farmers).
  • (ii) In 1778, Major Alexander Hannay, familiar with the region, was appointed as an izaradar.
  • (iii) Hannay secured the izaras of Gorakhpur and Bahraich for 22 lakh rupees annually.
  • (iv) This arrangement was a secret experiment by the Company to evaluate the surplus revenue capacity of the region.

• Impact of Hannay’s Oppressive Demands

  • (i) Hannay’s excessive revenue extractions created panic among peasants and zamindars, destabilizing a region that had previously prospered under the Nawab.
  • (ii) In 1781, the zamindars and cultivators openly revolted against these harsh demands.
  • (iii) Within weeks, zamindari guerrilla forces killed or besieged nearly all of Hannay’s subordinates.

• Outcome and Consequences of the 1781 Uprising

  • (i) The revolt was eventually suppressed, but it exposed the flaws in the Company’s revenue farming policy.
  • (ii) Major Hannay was dismissed from his post, and his izaras were taken away.
  • (iii) The revenue collection system was reconsidered, reducing the direct role of European izaradars.