Tracing subaltern voices -the case of Dondia Vagha and his ways of expression of the spirit of freedom
Dr. Puttaraj K
Lecturer in History
Sri MV Post Graduate Centre, Tubinakere, Mandya Dist.
University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka, India
PH : 9901643890
Mail: dr.puttarajuk10@gmail.com
Abstract
This paper re-sketches the immaculate personality of Dondia Vagha , a young sepoy in the service of Tipu sultan and traces his spirit of freedom through his outstanding fights against the mighty British . Dondia Vagha took up an almost single handed fight against the mighty British colonial government. The acts of Dondia Vagha were instrumental in creation of a spirit of fight for freedom from colonial yoke in later years. Several parts of present state of Karnataka underwent a huge impact towards freedom struggle. His constant wars against the colonial government helped other leaders to march against the British repercussion. His tragic demise left a huge void and other volunteers were up against the British rule more aggressively than ever.
The struggle of Vagha becomes gains significance because he learned his military diplomacy while serving with Tipu sultan and used it very sprightly against the British. The model of the Vagha towards fighting the British reflected the spirit of freedom and self determination as he was fighting an international enemy with very little local sources. Vagha was keen to make his fight a lesson for those who wished to see their mother land freed from foreign yoke. But ,history texts miss the valorous hero and his heroic fight towards freedom. It is time to make our young students remember the courageous deeds and achievements of this great hero through further research and investigation.
Key words: Dondia Vagha, subaltern voices, spirit of freedom, impact on youth
Introduction: The stray incidents of fight against the British colonial government after the fall of Tipu sultan
Review of literature – The articles has used the secondary literary sources for the preparation of the article. The following books are reviwed
Early life: Dondia Vagha was born in Channagiri present day Shivamogga district of Present Karnataka state. He belonged to Maratha family house name Pawar. During Hyde Ali is usurpation of Mysore Princedom he joined Mysore army as a trooper.
Rise to power- He was commissioned to work under the bale guidance of Bishnu Pandit , an able commander Later he rose to the position of Shiledar, meaning a cavalry officer.
Plunder amassing by Vagha-
During Third Anglo Mysore war he left the army service of Tipu Sultan along with huge plunder. He was offered shelter by Desai , a Maratha revenue collector , after the closure of the war he proclaimed himself as the ruler of the Mysore Maratha region. In and around present day Dhaarwadha region he was known as the ruler, as he collected revenue, and levied taxes. His ambitions rose multi fold as he raided Savanuru, Haveri and other neighbouring border areas and looted sufficient plunder.
Raids against Maratha armies-
Vagha also raided regions which were ceded to Maratha by the Mysore Princedom according to treaty of Srirangapattana. In 1794 Maratha General Parashurama Bhavu sent an army commanded by Dhondo Pant Gokhale to contain Vagha. Gokhale was successful in making Dondia towards Tipu sultan.
Styling as Malik Jahan Khan.
Recognizing his ability as a warrior Tipu Sultan forgave him and requested him to convert to Islam religion. Thus, Vagha was converted to ISLAM religion where he was given a new name sheikh Ahmad. But several times he styled himself as Malik Jahan Khan. After the armies of the British East India Company under the able leadership of Lord Wellesley defeated Tipu sultan in the decisive fourth Mysore war of 1799, Dondia and other prisoners were freed by the British troops.
Raising independent band of soldiers
Vagha later came to Shikaripura , in present day Shivamogga district, where he raised an independent band of soldiers, selecting them form old Tipu Sultan’s army. He instantly gained support from Krishnappa naik of Balam region who supported his endeavours in raising a troop.
Ubhaya Lokadheeshwara
This support was very much helpful and accommodating to Dondia Vagha and he called himself as Ubhaya Lokadheeshwara. This title strongly supported him in his deeds of reflection of local heroism. He was followed ardently by hoard of followers for whom he was an icon. He voluntarily engaged himself in training the local youth. He and his men trained youth and aspirants in modern war fare modus operandi.
Rise to power as nayaka-
Later Vagha become a local hero and he had a huge following. His words meant right decision and right judgement. His followers obeyed him and stood by him. This adhering support tempted Vagha to assume the title of Nayaka meaning local governor. Vagha benefitted from the occasion where British troops were busy strengthening their hold over newly gained Mysore region. Vagha started collecting small taxes and tolls from local traders, cultivators , farmers and sahukars. The following local chieftains called popularly as poleyagars acclaimed Vagha as their leader and started paying Vagha small tributes annually.
All these and such other smaller sub regional officers acknowledged his captaincy. It is also accounted through contemporary literary documents that Vagha had a Cavalry of 90 thousand and infantry of 80 thousand. Besides Vagha had several local chiefs who were constantly ready to comply with any pronouncements taken by their master.
Close Watch by the British-
British were closely observing Vagha’s endless ambitions Vagha’s swift rise to becoming a threat to British administration was visualized by the Colonial administrators. The administration took the matter seriously and arranged for extra military forces from madras and Bombay presidency.
The initial plans of the Administration-
The initial plan of the British administration was to tackle the mass hero directly, but assessing the mass popularity of Vagha , the British shelved other huge plans. They quickly arranged for additional military personnel and planned to cover Vagha from other routes and decided to have direct hold over him as early as possible. The timely arrival of support armies was complementary for the British.The administration took the matter seriously and arranged for extra military forces from madras and Bombay presidency. The initial plan of the British administration was to tackle the mass hero directly, but assessing the mass popularity of Vagha , the British shelved other huge plans. They quickly arranged for additional military personnel and planned to cover Vagha from other routes and decided to have direct hold over him as early as possible. The timely arrival of support armies was complementary for the British in their endeavours to over ran Vagha and his band.
But all these clearly depicted the bravery of a very common man who could envision the rampant turbulence the mighty British army was causing in these rural regions. He was quick to assess the factors of the British colonial administration that were looking for filling up the exchequer which was ransacked due to Anglo Mysore wars and ready to fill it up through imposition of subsidiary treaty in 1799. Mysore administration agreed to all terms and conditions of the Subsidiary alliance and immediately signed the treaty. But , several leaders who fought against the British in the Anglo Mysore wars opposed such treaty conditions and tried to remain aggressive to British colonial moves.
The activities of the historical fight of Dondia are gloomy and dismal as the very few remaining historical records do not give the complete picture. The need to conduct research about his intelligent army moves, his aggressive leadership, his rapid raids etc my throw more light .
Conclusion
The fights of Vagha were suppressed by the British administration ruthlessly as he was charged for treachery and deceit. The single handed battle of the Vagha stands as an epitome of bravery and gallantry. The factors leading for his rise and fall of Vagha are ubiquitously accepted as linking the lives of several of such unsung heroes against the mighty British. The struggle of Vagha becomes more unforgettable because he learned his military diplomacy while serving with Tipu sultan and used it very sprightly against the British. The model of the Vagha towards fighting the British reflected the spirit of freedom and self determination. For centuries his fight will be a lesson for those who wish to see their mother land freed from foreign yoke.
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