DAYA SAGAR
The First War of Independence, the British called that The Indian Rebellion of 1857, was a major uprising against British rule in India through the East India Company , with Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi emerging as a prominent leader. But many Princely states had chosen to side with the ‘British’. Maharaja Jayajirao Scindia of Gwalior, Maharaja Tukojirao Holkar II of Indore, Sikander Begum of Bhopal, Maharaja Gulab Singh Of Jammu and Kashmir and Maharaja Ishwari Prasad Narayan Singh of Rewa were key allies. The Indian Rebellion of 1857, a significant uprising against ‘British’ colonial rule, saw varied responses from the rulers of Indian princely states. While Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi became a symbol of resistance, several rulers chose to align with the British East India Company, often due to strategic alliances, fear of annexation, or to secure their own positions. The rebellion, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny in the then government records began on May 10, 1857, in Meerut and spread across northern and central India, with significant activity in regions like Jhansi, Gwalior, and Lucknow. Rani Lakshmi Bai, after the annexation of Jhansi by the East India Company (EIC) under the Doctrine of Lapse, led war against British forces and later joined by forces of/with other rebels, even capturing Gwalior in June 1858. The British response involved leveraging loyal princely states, especially in Central India, to suppress the revolt. These states, bound by subsidiary alliances, often provided troops to EIC , resources, and logistical support, playing a crucial role .The British policy of rewarding loyal rulers with titles, honours (e.g., the ‘Most Exalted Order of the Star of India’), and assurances of autonomy post-rebellion incentivized loyalty in some Princes . The Doctrine of Lapse, which led to Jhansi’s annexation and fueled Rani Lakshmi Bai’s rebellion, was a cautionary tale for other rulers who feared losing their states.Annual Administrative report of The Jammu and Kashmir State for the Samvat1997-98 ( 16th Oct 1940-15th oct 1941) released in 1942 : Lieutenant -General His Highness Raj Rajeshwar Maharajadhiraj Maharaja Shri Hari singh ji Bahadur Inadar Mahindar, Sipar-I- Saltnat-E- Inglishia Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir : Reads on page-22< In 1856 , the Maharaja’shealth began to FaiAt the our break of the Mutiny – 1857, when he was on his death bed he called his Council and sent a Contingent of 2000 infantry, 200 cavalry and six guns under the command of his son and heir- apparent , Sri Ranbir Singhji. The Maharaja died in August 1857, at the age of 66 before the Mutiny had been finally quelled. For the . brave part played by the state forces in putting down the Mutiny, Maharaja Ranbir Singh, who succeeded his father ,was offered a Jagir in Oudh, which he declined declaring that he had acted as a loyal friend and ally of the British.>
Doctrine of Lapse, denied adopted son’s right to rule Rani Lakshmi Bai had no any incentive to align with the Britishas her state of Jansi was already annexedand she became a symbol of resistance against colonial rule. The rebellion was most intense in northern and central India (e.g., Jhansi, Delhi, Lucknow), but many southern and western princely states (e.g., Mysore, Travancore, Rajputana) remained unaffected and some loyal too, as they had less direct grievance against the British or were tightly bound by yielding treaties.
The Scindia rulers of Gwalior, under Maharaja Jayajirao Scindia, were loyal allies of the British. When Rani Lakshmi Bai , also known as Jansi ki Rani ,and other rebels captured Gwalior in June 1858, Jayajirao Scindia is said to have gone to Agra to seek British protection and later assisted in the British counter offensive to recapture Gwalior. Gwalior’s strategic importance made Scindia’s support critical for the British, especially after Rani Lakshmi Bai’s forces took the Gwalior fortress.His troops did not fully join the rebels, and his loyalty ensured British support for his continued rule.
The Holkar rulers of Indore, led by Maharaja Tukojirao Holkar II, maintained loyalty to the British during the 1857 revolt. Although some of Holkar’s troops initially joined the rebels, the Maharaja himself declared support for the British, and it was suspected he played a double game to secure his position. Indore’s support was significant in Central India, where Jhansi and other rebel strongholds were active. The princely state of Patiala, under Maharaja Narinder Singh, was a staunch British ally during the 1857 revolt. Patiala provided troops and resources to assist the British in suppressing the rebellion, particularly in the Punjab region and areas around Delhi. The Maharaja’s loyalty was rewarded with honors such as the ‘Most Exalted Order of the Star of India’ in 1861. While Patiala’s direct involvement against rebels was limited, its support strengthened British efforts in North India, indirectly impacting the broader campaign against rebels like Rani Lakshmi Bhai.
To be continued
(The writer is a senior journalist and analyst of J&K Affairs)