Read the following statements and mark the correct option:
Assertion (A): U Kiang Nangbah was hanged for revolting against British rule in the Jaintia Hills.
Reason (R): He led a successful revolt against British opium trade in the Khasi Hills.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer: Option 3 (A is true, but R is false)
Explanation:
Assertion (A) is true: U Kiang Nangbah was a great freedom fighter from the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. He led a rebellion against the oppressive taxes of British rule (especially the house tax and income tax). He was captured by the British and publicly hanged in Jowai on December 30, 1862.
Reason (R) is false: U Kiang Nangbah's rebellion was primarily in the Jaintia Hills, not the Khasi Hills. Furthermore, the famous rebellion against the British in the Khasi Hills was led by U Tirot Sing, not Nangbah. This rebellion was more against cultural interference and heavy taxation than against the opium trade.
Additional Facts:
Jaintia Rebellion: This rebellion began in 1860 when the British imposed a house tax on the Jaintia people.
U Tirot Sing: He is considered a hero of the Khasi Hills who fought against the British during 1829-1833.
Martyrdom: At the time of his execution, U Kiang Nangbah prophesied that if his face turned east after his execution, his country would be liberated within 100 years (which was historically quite accurate).
Possible Questions for the Upcoming Exam:
Which hill region did U Tirot Sing belong to?
(Answer: Khasi Hills, Meghalaya)
What was the main immediate cause of the rebellion in the Jaintia Hills?
(Answer: House tax imposed by the British and religious interference)
Where was U Kiang Nangbah hanged?
(Answer: Jowai)