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- Introduction
The district of Malkangiri in southern Odisha, marked by dense forests and a predominantly tribal population, played a notable though often overlooked role in India’s freedom struggle. From the mid-19th century until independence, tribal chieftains, queens, and grassroots leaders mounted spirited and multifaceted resistance to British rule. This article examines the trajectory of colonial infringement, early revolts, guerrilla warfare, and ultimately Gandhian nonviolence culminating in martyrdom—an evocative tapestry of resistance from Queen Bangaru Devi to Laxman Nayak.
- Historical and Geographical Context
2.1. Pre-Colonial Malkangiri
Malkangiri, historically known as Malikamardhangiri, was established by King Malakimardhan Krishna Dev in the late 17th century—named for his victory over Malik Mohammad and his French-Golconda allied forces . Tribal legends and epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata link the region with mythological visits—Sita bathing in Sitakund and Pandavas staying here during their exile .
By the 19th century, Malkangiri was a taluk under Koraput, then part of the Madras Presidency. In 1823, the nearby Jeypore kingdom fell under British influence, with tribal territories like Malkangiri being drawn into their administrative fold .
- Early Indigenous Resistance
3.1. Queen Bangaru Devi (1855–1872/1885)
Queen Bangaru Devi, the last ruler of Malkangiri, headed a fierce Koya tribal army against British and Jeypore forces from 1855 to 1872 AD . Tribal memory sanctifies her as a rebel who never capitulated. According to one account, she continued resistance until her death in prison around 1885 .
3.2. Tama Dora and the Koya Rebellion (c. 1880)
In 1880, a young Koya leader, Tama Dora, spearheaded what became known as the Koya Revolution. He led a raid that killed one inspector and six policemen of Podia Police Station, briefly declaring himself as ruler of Podia and Motu. Colonel Macqoid’s contingent of 100 men was defeated, but within the same year, Tama Dora was killed by the military police near the Rampa forest .
- Guerrilla Warfare and Alluri Sitarama Raju
After a lull post-Koya rebellion, resistance re-emerged between 1915 and 1924. Alluri Sitarama Raju unified various tribal groups, forming a guerrilla force headquartered at Chitrakonda and Kondakamberu .
Raju’s bold actions included:
Rescuing Biraya Dora from Raja Bamangi jail
Killing two British officers (Wrighter and Cobbard) and injuring a third (Themoy Heir) in September 1922
Looting the Malkangiri police station and treasury in September 1923
British retaliation involved the Assam Rifles and Malabar troops, leading to Raju’s capture in early 1924. Lured into a discussion with the Collector, he was executed on orders of Major Guddal .
- Gandhian Influence and the Quit India Movement
5.1. Laxman Nayak: The Gandhi of Malkangiri
Laxman Nayak (Naik) (1899–1943), a Bhumia tribal leader from Tentuligumma (now Malkangiri), emerged as an influential Gandhian activist. Influenced by Congress training and ideals, he promoted adult education, non-violence, and the charkha among tribal households .
During the Quit India Movement (1942), he led a peaceful procession on 21 August 1942 to hoist the Congress flag at Mathili Police Station. The police responded with indiscriminate firing, causing fatalities and injuries among tribal protestors. Bloc authorities falsely accused Nayak of murdering a forest guard, resulting in a death sentence on 13 November 1942. He was executed by hanging on 29 March 1943 at Berhampur Jail .
- Broader Tribal Involvement in the Freedom Movement
Beyond Nayak, other tribal localities participated in the independence struggle (salt satyagraha, individual satyagraha, Quit India movement). Attacks on police stations occurred across the region—Umerkote, Dabugam, Papadahandi, Mathili, and Nandpur. Tribal martyrs included Rabi Singh Majhi, Baga Pujari, Sone Majhi, Madhab Pradhani, Neelakantha Gomango, among others .
- Impact of Colonial Policies on Malkangiri
7.1. Administrative Absorption
After 1823, the Jeypore kingdom accepted British oversight and tax arrangements, undermining the autonomy of local tribal Muthadars, leading to multiple small revolts .
In 1936, Malkangiri, formerly in Madras Presidency, was incorporated into Odisha when Koraput district was formed under the new Orissa Province . Later, in 1962, it became a subdivision of Koraput, and on 2 October 1992, Malkangiri became an independent district .
7.2. Famine and Neglect
The Orissa famine of 1866, which devastated the region, claimed at least a million lives—highlighting colonial mismanagement and inadequate relief in regions like Malkangiri .
- Legacy and Memory
Queen Bangaru Devi is venerated locally, sometimes worshipped as Chandika or Goddess Durga among the Koya .
Alluri Sitarama Raju remains a source of inspiration for armed resistance and tribal unity.
Laxman Nayak, often called the “Gandhi of Malkangiri,” symbolizes non-violent resistance and martyrdom .
- Conclusion
The freedom struggle in Malkangiri was rooted deeply in tribal identity and resistance. From Queen Bangaru Devi’s early defiance to guerrilla warfare and Gandhian mass movements, Malkangiri’s story is one of resilience and courage. These narratives affirm that freedom wasn’t just won in urban centers—it was fiercely claimed by remote tribal nation‑builders.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. While based on credible sources, it may contain inadvertent errors or omissions. Readers are encouraged to cross‑verify facts from primary records or reputable scholarly works. The perspectives and interpretations presented here do not represent any official historical account.
