Phulaguri Dhewa: First farmer’s uprising in Brahmaputra valley

The 164th anniversary of the historic Phulaguri Dhewa Day is being observed in Raha, Nagaon today. The Phulaguri Dhewa Smiti Raksha Samiti organized various programs to commemorate the day, which marks the first farmer's uprising in Brahmaputra valley against the unjust policies of British rule.

The British imposed heavy taxes on everyday items in Assam, making life difficult for the people. In 1861, peasants in Phulaguri village protested against a betel nut tax, but the British administration responded with force, killing 39 peasants and hanging many leaders. This uprising, known as the Phulaguri Dhewa, was the first peasant movement in Assam against British rule and inspired many more movements to follow.

The Phulaguri Dhewa uprising is considered a significant event in Indian history, marking the first farmer's uprising in the Brahmaputra Valley against British rule. The British had sent many  farmers to the Kalapani (cellular jail) for their involvement in the uprising.

Today, celebrations in Raha began with the hoisting of the flag by Prabin Hazarika, chairman of the Dhewa Celebration Committee. Minister Keshab Mahanta was present at the program and lit a lamp at the Phulaguri Dhewa Memorial. While lighting the lamp, the minister remembered the sacrifices of the peasant farmers who laid down their lives in the British firing on October 18, 1861.

Nagaon district commissioner Debashish Sharma also attended the program and lit a lamp at the memorial. He announced that the historic government land known as 'Manuh Pora Bil', where the people killed in the British firing were secretly cremated, will be freed from encroachment and registered in the name of Phulaguri Dhewa.

Raha MLA Shashikanta Das participated in the program and promised to build a memorial in Manuh Pora Bil to honor the martyrs. The Phulaguri Dhewa Memorial Committee has been observing Phulaguri Dhewa Day every year on October 18 to commemorate the memory of Phulaguri Dhewa and the self-sacrifice of the peasant farmers.