Question

How did the British forest policy adversely affect the Tribal peasants of Andhra Pradesh?Who led their movement and how?

Answer 1

The Madras Forest Act was formulated by the British which adveresely affected the tribal peasants. They were deprived of their rights. Restrictions were also imposed on their free movement in the forest areas. They were prevented from shifting cultivation and cutting of trees for domestic purposes.

Allur Ramachandra Raju (better known as Sitaram Raju) led the tribal movement in Andhra Pradesh. He organized a campaign in the East Godavari and Vishakapatnam districts of Andhra Pradesh. He raided many police stations. Along with his fellow revolutionaries, he blasted the Chintanalli police station. His two brothers, Mallu Dora and Gantam Dora, who were skilled in guerilla warfare, assisted him in the revolt. The British found it difficult to suppress the movement which lasted for a year.