Durjan Singh | |
|---|---|
| Known for | Chuar Rebellion |
| Title | zamindar of Raipur estate |
Durjan Singh was a great leader ofChuar Rebellion ofBengal. Singh was azamindar of Raipur in theBishnupur district ofBengal.[1] He led the Chuar Rebellion in 1798–99 inMidnapore district against theBritish East India Company, but it was brutally crushed at its peak..[2][3]
InBengal, theBhumijs ofJungle Mahals were calledchuars . Some of them becamezamindars, and called themselvesRajas orSardars. Their rebellions during theCompany rule were calledChuar Rebellion.[4]
Raja Durjan Singh was theBhumijzamindar of Raipur, from where he was dispossessed by the British. To get back his Raipur estate, Durjan Singh joined the Chuar Rebellion started byJagannath Singh,zamindar ofDhalbhum and attacked the British with around 15,000 of his companions and caused havoc in Raipur and surrounding areas.[5][6] He was also supported by other dispossessed Bhumijzamindars,Rajas and Bagri leaders ofMidnapore,Dhalbhum,Bankura[when?] including Mohan Singh, Lal Singh, Govardhan.[7] He established his rule over 30 villages and attacked theEast India Company establishments. TheChuars (Bhumijs) spread the rebellion inRaipur,Bankura,Phulkusma, Bhalaidiha,Shyamsunderpur andSimlapal.[8][9][10][11]