Kuka Rebellion

GS 1 – MODERN INDIA

Context: On January 17, Punjab Chief Minister paid tribute at the Namdhari Shaheed Smarak in Malerkotla to honor the martyrs of the Kuka Rebellion, a significant anti-British movement in Punjab’s history.

What is the Kuka Rebellion?

• The Kuka Rebellion was an anti-British uprising initiated by the Namdhari sect, also known as Kukas, in Punjab.
• The movement blended religious reform with resistance to colonial authority.
• Peak Period: The rebellion culminated in January 1872, marked by major confrontations in Malerkotla and the Malaudh Fort.

Key Leaders

• Satguru Ram Singh: Founder of the Namdhari sect and key visionary of the movement.
• Other prominent leaders: Kuka Hira Singh and Lehna Singh.

Reasons Behind the Movement

1. Religious Reform:
   • Advocated against social vices such as meat consumption, alcohol, and foreign goods.
   • Promoted vegetarianism, self-reliance, and swadeshi principles.
2. Colonial Oppression:
   • Discontent with British rule and its native collaborators.
3. Cow Slaughter:
   • Protests against cow slaughter, which was deeply offensive to the sentiments of the Kukas.

Key Events

1. Attack on Malerkotla (January 13, 1872):
   • Kukas clashed with British-aligned officials after a cow slaughter incident.
2. Assault on Malaudh Fort (January 15, 1872):
   • Kuka forces attacked the fort, which was under a pro-British ruler, but faced heavy resistance.
3. Mass Executions:
   • After their surrender, 49 Kukas were executed on January 17 and 17 more on January 18.
   • The British, led by John Lambert Cowan, executed them by blowing them up with cannons.
   • Thousands of people were forced to witness the executions as a deterrent.

Impact of the Kuka Rebellion

1. Suppression of the Movement:
   • Satguru Ram Singh and other leaders were exiled to Rangoon, Burma.
2. Legacy of Martyrdom:
   • The sacrifices, including those of 12-year-old Bishan Singh and Waryam Singh, became symbols of bravery and inspired future resistance movements in India.