Question

The first tribal leader who was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and his ideology was
1. Alluri Sitaram Raju
2. Jodanang
3. Jhabkar Bapa
4. Rani Gaidinliu

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Jodanang

The correct answer is Jodanang.

• Haipou Jodanang
  • He was a political and spiritual leader from Manipur and belonged to the Rongmei Naga (Manipur's tribe) community.
  • He launched 'Heraka movement' (socio-religious movement) against the growing influence of Christianity to save the traditional religion and society of the Nagas.
  • He had heard about Mahatama Gandhi's Civil disobedience movement and was influenced by him. Like Gandhiji, he was also against British rule due to the forced porter system, heavy hill house taxes, and imposition of new laws.
  • He organized an army called Riphen and sought the support of the various Naga tribes.
  • This annoyed the British officials and thus was hanged by the British in 1931.

• ​Alluri Sitaram Raju
  • ​He was against the Forest Act ruled by the British which denied the tribal people their right of free movement in the forests and of practicing shifting agriculture.
  • He claimed of having special powers. Tribal people got fascinated by him and started a guerrilla movement (Rampa rebellion) was started under his leadership in the Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradesh.
  • He praised Mahatama Gandhi, persuaded people to wear khadi clothes, but at the same time argued that freedom could only be attained by force and not non-violence.
• Rani Gaidinliu
  • She was the cousin of Jodanang and succeeded him after he was hanged by the British.
  • The Heraka Movement started by Jodanang was continued later by Rani Gaidinliu, as she was also against the Christian influence.
  • She was arrested by British officials and while she was in jail, Jawahar Lal Nehru went to meet her and promised to help her to get freedom. He wrote a letter for her release from jail. She got the 'Rani' title from that time.
  • After India got independence, she was released from prison and she resolved to work for her tribal people.