U Tirot Sing was a tribal chief who led a fierce resistance against the British attempts to build roads through his territory in which region?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Answer: Khasi Hills.
Explanation:
- U Tirot Sing was a brave tribal chieftain of the Khasi Hills in Meghalaya. He led the 'Khasi Rebellion' against the British in 1829. The primary cause of this rebellion was the British attempt to construct a road through the Khasi Hills to connect the Brahmaputra Valley with Sylhet (now in Bangladesh).
- Tirot Sing initially granted the British permission for the road construction; however, when he realized that the British intended to establish complete control over the region and planned to impose taxes upon his people, he rose in rebellion. Employing guerrilla warfare tactics, he put up a fierce resistance against the British forces for nearly four years. Ultimately, in 1833, he was captured and exiled to Dhaka (present-day Bangladesh), where he passed away in 1835. He is revered as a national hero in Meghalaya.
Additional Points:
- Historical Significance: U Tirot Sing is hailed as the 'Lion of Meghalaya.' Every year on July 17th, his death anniversary is observed as 'Tirot Sing Day' in Meghalaya.
- Khasi Rebellion (1829–1833): This was one of the earliest and most organized acts of resistance against British expansion in Northeast India.
- Other Tribal Leaders: Birsa Munda (Munda Rebellion – Jharkhand), Alluri Sitarama Raju (Rampa Rebellion – Andhra Pradesh), and Sidhu-Kanhu (Santhal Rebellion – Bengal/Bihar).
Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
- Question: U Tirot Sing was the chieftain of which tribe?
- Answer: The Khasi tribe (Meghalaya).
- Question: What was the primary cause of the Khasi Rebellion?
- Answer: Opposition to the British construction of a road through the Khasi Hills.
- Question: When is 'Tirot Sing Day' observed in memory of U Tirot Sing?
- Answer: On July 17th.