Question

Why is Alluri Sitaram Raju well known?

Answer 1

Alluri Sitarama Raju was an Indian Revolutionary who took part in the Indian Independence Movement. Alluri led the Rampa Rebellion of 1922. Alluri Sitarama Raju died on May 7, 1924.

Alluri Sitarama Raju – Causes and Events of Rampa Rebellion 1922

• The British passed the Madras Forest Act of 1882.
• As per the 1882 Madras Forest Act, the movement of Tribal people was restricted in the forests.
• This act prevented the tribals from engaging in the Podu Agricultural System.
• The above system is involved adopting shifting agricultural practices.
• It led to the starvation of tribal people.
• To fight against the above injustice meted out by the British laws, Alluri Sitarama Raju led the rebellion against the British.
• Even aspects of the non-cooperation movement were used. For justice, local courts were approached and the colonial courts were boycotted.
• Alluri Sitarama Raju led the tribal people and other sympathizers in the fight. Muttadars were his sympathizers, as they had lost their powers due to British rule.
• The rebellion was fought in the border areas of the Visakhapatnam region and East Godavari region of the former Madras Presidency, currently located in Andhra Pradesh.
• The local people referred to Alluri Sitarama Raju as Manyam Veerudu translated as the ‘Hero of the Jungle’
• Alluri Sitarama Raju led raids against police stations located in places such as Krishna Devi Peta, Dammanapalli, Annavaram, Narsipatnam, Rampachodavaram, Addateegala, Rajavommangi, and Chintapalle.
• The rebels killed British officers, and stole ammunition, and guns.
• The British laid a trap on Alluri Sitarama Raju in the forests of Chintapalle.
• He was tied to a tree and executed by the British using gunfire in Koyyuru village.
• Krishnadevipeta village has a tomb of Alluri Sitarama Raju.

Recognitions

• Birthday of Alluri Sitarama Raju on 4th July, is celebrated as a state festival, annually by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
• It was decided to install the statue of Alluri Sitarama Raju in the precincts of Parliament of India at the request of Members of Parliament, in recognition of his efforts as a freedom fighter and for his work done for the welfare of tribal people.
• A commemorative stamp was released by the Indian Postal Department in 1986, featuring Alluri Sitarama Raju.