Revolt in Midnapore and Dhalbhum (1766-74): Initial Conditions

• The English took hold of Midnapore in 1760.
• At that time, there were about 3,000 zamindars and talukdars in the region.
• These zamindars and talukdars had cordial relations with their ryots.

Changes due to British Policies: Disrupting Established Harmony

• The harmonious scenario changed after the introduction of the new land revenue system by the English in 1772.
• According to the British governor Vansittart, the zamindars of Midnapore sided with the ryots in conflicts between the ryots and English revenue collecting officials.

Impact on Zamindars: Loss of Land and Power

• The zamindars of Dhalbhum, Manbhum, Raipur, Panchet, Jhatibuni, Karnagarh, and Bagri lived in the vast tract of Jungle Mahals of west and north-west Midnapore.
• By the 1800s, these zamindars were ultimately dispossessed of their zamindaries.

Leaders of the Uprisings: Key Figures of Resistance

• The important leaders of the uprisings were Damodar Singh and Jagannath Dhal.