Alluri Sitarama Raju

Why in news?

• PM Modi unveils statue of legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju (1897 – 1924) in Andhra Pradesh

About Alluri Sitarama Raju:

• Alluri Sitarama Raju was an Indian revolutionary who waged an armed campaign against British colonial rule in India.
• Born in present-day Andhra Pradesh, he became involved in anti-British activities in response to the 1882 Madras Forest Act, which effectively restricted the free movement of Adivasis (tribal communities) in their forest habitats and prevented them from practicing a traditional form of agriculture known as podu (shifting cultivation).
• Rising discontent towards the British led to the Rampa Rebellion/Manyam Rebellion of 1922, in which he played a major part as a leader.
• Initially, Sitarama Raju, under the influence of Gandhi’s Non-cooperation movement, inspired thetribals to seek justice in the local panchayat courts and boycott the colonial courts.
• He was nicknamed "Manyam Veerudu" (Hero of the Jungle) by local villagers for his heroic exploits.
• In 1924, Raju was taken into police custody, tied to a tree, and shot by a public execution, effectively ending the armed rebellion.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Alluri Sitarama Raju’:

1. He led the Rampa Rebellion or Manyam Rebellion of 1922

2. He was influenced by Gandhi’s Non-cooperation movement

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer