Author BL Ven with a copy of his novel Durgada Bedardrange, based on an attempt to rebell Palegars against the British in Chitradurg in 1849. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The story of the Seven Chiefs (Palegars), who attempted a rebellion against the British government in Chitradurz, eight years before Sepoy, is one of the lesser -known episodes in the fight against the British Raja. Records of the British officer Major Major RS Dobbs show that a group of people made a brave effort to overthrow the British in Chitradurg in 1849, but failed.
Chitradurga, about 200 km from Bengalur, was dominated by Palegars, who were previously feudatories under the Vijayanagara empire. After being defeated by Hyder Ali of Mysur in 1779, the region came under the rule of Kings Mysore. After the Fourth War of Anglo-Massur, in which Sultan’s tip died, the place was under the rule of the Wadiyars of Mysur, who were led by the British inhabitants. Later in 1831, the British took over the administration due to riots caused by oppression cultivating in the state.
Limited to bengaluru
Under the British government were members of the Palegar family who lost power, forced to stay in Bengalur, at the headquarters of the government, and were limited from visiting villages without special permission. Among them, seven Palegars created the group “escaped from Bengalur” and continued to the city of Dodderi near Challake. They kept Dodderi as a center and moved to mobilize support and organize meetings during the night. They hired about 50 people and gained support for many others.
All this development was recorded by Mr. Dobbs, who was a Commissioner of Chitradurg these days. The short remark of the rebellion, which occurred in 1849, in his book Reminiscences of Life in Mysore in South Africa and Burm, published in 1882. Mr. Dobbs says in his description of the events that he sent information to the main commissioners in Bengalur and commissioners in neighboring districts. As the days went, a group of insurgents moved to Holeskere and settled by the hill.
Mr. Dobbs ordered the commanding officer in Chitradurg to get on the hill. Lieutenant Harkness, another young British officer, accompanied by soldiers, attacked Palegars and captured everyone.
The well -known writer BL Ven, who is known for his historical novels, wrote Durgada Bedadange in 2021. He told the basic facts of the uprising of Mr. Dobbs and other sources, told the story. “I got an idea of this novel after listening to a lecture by B. Nanjundaswamy, a researcher based in Tumacur, in February 2018,” he said.
In the novel British officers hang rebels in the historical fortress Chitradurga. Mr. Venu was convinced that the British had to punish the death penalty, as was the case with other rebels, including Sangolli Rayann in the past. “There were many rebellions against the British, much in front of Sepoy’s rebellion of 1857, which we call the first war of Indian independence,” he said.
Mr. Ven said that the rebellion of the people of Chitradurg was an important episode in the history of Karnataka. “However, the rebellion did not receive proper recognition. It should have further research and the state government should build a memorial so that the current generation remembers the victim of our ancestors,” he added.
Published – August 15 2025 20:15
