Home > Indian History > History of India > Benaras Rebellion
Benaras Rebellion
Benaras Rebellion flared up due to the callousness of Warren Hastings to see in the right direction.

Share this Article:

Hyder Ali, British IndiaIn 1781, in response to the need for revenue to fight the war in Madras against Hyder Ali, Warren Hastings, the Governor-General of India, had pressed Chait Singh (d.1810), ruler of Benaras, to make additional revenue payments in 1778 and 1779 of five lakhs as a sort of war tax. In 1780, Sir Eyre Coote (1726-1783) had requested that Chait Singh be asked to supply troops 2000 in number. After a period of no response, Chait Singh offered 500 infantry and 500 cavalry troops. Hastings felt this to be an insufficient response and in July 1781 left for Benaras to "discipline" Chait Singh.

On 13th August, some miles outside Benaras, Hastings met with Chait Singh and after unsatisfactory negotiations felt Singh should be arrested. On 16th August, two companies of the Bengal Army proceeded to Benaras to arrest Chait Singh, but were cut to pieces when the city exploded in rebellion. The rebel ruler escaped with his treasury to Ramnagar. Hastings brought up additional Company troops to recapture lost areas and to drive Chait Singh towards Bundelkhand.

On 19th September, Hastings concluded the Treaty of Chunar.

In January 1782, Hastings remained in the Benaras region for a time to settle the area. Holding the belief that the mother and grandmother of Asaf-ud-daula, Nawab of Oudh, had been in conspiracy with Chait Singh, Company forces captured the fort at Faizabad, where the two begums were staying. He then confiscated some fifty-five lakhs of rupees for the Company treasury.

During the years of 1783-1830, the issue of the Nawab of Carnatic`s debts came to the forefront when Fox`s India Bill of 1783 was discussed in the House of Commons. From 1767 to 1777, the Nawab had become indebted to the servants of the British East India Company to the amount of 3,440,000 pounds. The Company arranged for the Nawab to make annual payments of 480,000 pounds and saw the debt paid off by 1804. At that time, however, it was determined that the Nawab`s new indebtedness totalled 30,000,000 pounds. In 1805 a commission of Bengal civilians began to investigate these claims and by 1830 determined that 2,687,000 pounds represented a valid total.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.