Colonialism in Orissa- Resisting Colonialism: Shifting Paradigms

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This book deals with various political movements that have taken place in southern part of Orissa during colonial rule 1.e. from the second half of Eighteenth Century to the first half of Twentieth Century. Unwilling to reconcile themselves with the colonial dominance the patriotic and freedom loving people of this region challenged the colonial authority. The discontent of people were reflected in a series of political against colonial rule spearheaded by Zamindars, tribes, peasants, elitist citizens and common people. These movements gave a new shape and dimension to the course of events of Orissan History. This work is a humble presentation of regional political History covering a long period of colonial rule.

Dr. Subash Chandra Padhy is a historian of great repute. At present he works as Professor & Head, Post Graduate Department of History. Berhampur University. Orissa. He is the author a number of books such as "British Relation With Chiefs & Rajas of Orissa 1803 1858": "Tribals of Orissa : Their problems and prospects"; "Freedom movement: Prelude to sequel": Co-author of book "Peasants & Land Reforms in Orissa 1936 1976"; edited "Socio Cultural History of Orissa" and Co editor of "Society, Culture & Polity in Eastern India". He is presently working on "Placing Tribals in History"; A Comparative Study of India and Canada". Besides he has published a number of research papers in various journals.

Dr. Chitta Ranjan Satapathy is an eminent research scholar in History. He had a bright academic career. He did his honours degree and masters degree in History from Utkal University and obtained his PhD Degree from Berhampur University. In the year 1992 he joined Orissa Education Service and since then he has served as a lecturer in History in different Government Colleges in Orissa. At present is works as lecturer in History, Government College Chatrapur, Ganjam, Orissa.

This work "Resisting Colonialism-Shifting Paradigms" is an attempt to present a comprehensive and intensive study based on new interpretations of the various political movements of South Orissa during the colonial rule. An analysis of various political movements in the Eighteenth & Nineteenth Century shows that these movements, local in geographical extent, were anti-colonial in nature and mainly organised by non-elitist section of the society and that the role of elite in such movements was in many cases limited and marginal. With the growth of political consciousness in Twentieth Century, a nationalist elite emerged which tried to rouse and unite people in the anti-colonial struggle. The character of the nationalist movement had regional variations because of divergence of ethos and problems. In different parts of the country the anti-colonial movement was mixed up with local issues and problems. Hence there is need for regional and micro level studies. So far as South Orissa is concerned, zamindar and tribal resistance to colonialism, the role of an emerging Oriya elite in the Oriya movement which had its bearing on the nationalist movement, peasant movements of Twentieth Century are important fields of study. The present work throws light on different aspects of various political movements lunched in southern part of Orissa from second half of Eighteenth Century to the first half of Twentieth Century covering a long period of colonial rule.

The colonial and commercial rivalry among the various imperialistic powers of Europe was manifested in the growth of modern imperialism, which led to the foundation of colonial empires all over the world. It had its impact in India and in the process India became a field of colonial exploits in the beginning of sixteenth century. The Portuguese, the Dutch, the French and the English landed here one after another, to exploit her wealth and natural resources. But the business and trade rivalry led these foreign powers to be the bitter rivals of each other and with the help of indigenous rulers each one tried to gain supremacy in her territorial, political and commercial design over the other. It was the French company that made the first attempt to set up the colonial empire followed by the English.

**Contents and Sample Pages**