Resistance and Resilience: Bar Areas of Punjab's Struggle against Colonial British Rule in 1857

Abstract

Punjab was the last state annexed by the East India Company in 1849. It was subjugated by the help of Bengal Army. British played religious card to annex Punjab. They sought the help of Muslim population against Sikh Raj. After eight years, Bengal Army revolted and this conflict converted into full scale mass revolt by the Indians. Bar areas of the Punjab were the arid area in the province between Sutlej, Bias, Ravi, Chenab and Sindh Rivers. The main war against British in Punjab was fought in this area especially Ganji and Sandal bar on the both banks of river Ravi. Gogera as district headquarters was the center of the War along with cities of Harappa, Chichawatni and Kamalia. This are closed the British communication between Lahore and Multan and this way halting the supply line to Delhi. Conflict in this area remains continued till 1958 summer even after an year of Delhi fall. Folk lore of the area describe valor, highly civilized manners of the society and their love for land. Official record confirms the events of the war and mass movement in the area described in the folk lore. Events of war in this area told the untold part of first war of Indian Independence.