DISARMING THE NATIVES: THE BRITISH POLICY OF WEAPONS CONTROL IN SOUTHERN MARATHA COUNTRY DURING THE REVOLT OF 1857

Abstract

The Revolt of 1857 posed a significant challenge for the British East India Company, leading them to adopt various measures to quell the uprising. Among their primary concerns were organized violent attacks by the native population, prompting the British to employ a strategy of weapons control. The belief was that disarming the natives would give the British administration a decisive advantage. This strategy involved raiding suspected arms hoards and forcing civilians to surrender objects that could be used as weapons.

The southern Maratha region, particularly Satara, became a focal point of contention. Exploiting the turmoil of the revolt, Rango Bapuji sought to weaken British rule and restore the authority of the Satara court. Organizing support and secret stations in Maharashtra and Karnataka, Rango aimed to place either the adopted son of Chatrapati Pratapsingh or Shahu on the throne. The rebellion involved coordination with various communities, financial arrangements with zamindars, and the manufacture of weapons.

As news of the revolt reached Satara, the British initiated a crackdown, leading to arrests and executions. After quelling the rebellion, the British decided to disarm the native population in the Satara region, issuing detailed proclamations with severe consequences for non-compliance. The orders included surrendering weapons to the government, melting down weapons, and limiting the possession of certain materials. The British aggressively implemented this policy, confiscating thousands of weapons and cannons, melting them down, and maintaining detailed records.

The success of the British in suppressing the revolt can be attributed, in part, to their effective implementation of the strategy to disarm the natives. By rendering the opposition toothless and preventing the possession of weapons, the numerical supremacy of native fighters was neutralized against the well-armed British units.