Revolt of Rajab Ali facts for kids

Rajab Ali Khan (Bengali: রজব আলী খাঁন), also known as Havildar Rajab Ali, was a brave soldier. He was part of the Bengal Regiment in India. In 1857, he joined a big uprising against the British. This event is known as the Sepoy Revolt. Rajab Ali led the rebel soldiers in a city called Chittagong. British forces chased him and his group all the way to Sylhet and Manipur.

Who Was Rajab Ali Khan?

The exact details about Havildar Rajab Ali are not fully clear. Many historians believe he came from Sandwip. This is an island off the coast of Chittagong.

When he was young, Rajab Ali joined the Bengal Regiment. He started as a regular soldier, called a sepoy. Later, he was promoted to a Havildar in the 4th Company. A Havildar was a non-commissioned officer, similar to a sergeant. At that time, the 34th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry had 120 Havildars. Rajab Ali lived in an army camp near Pahartali. Captain PHK Dewaal was in charge of this camp.

The 1857 Rebellion

On November 12, 1857, about 400 sepoys from the 34th Regiment started a rebellion. They rose up against the British East India Company. Some of these sepoys were from Barrackpore. It is thought they came to Chittagong to spread the revolt.

The rebel soldiers first attacked the armoury and treasury. They took weapons and other supplies. Then, they attacked the British jail. They freed all the prisoners held there. Rajab Ali Khan led the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th regiments. Another sepoy named Jamal Khan also helped lead. Many British officers were hurt during these attacks. British soldiers panicked and hid on ships at sea. For 30 hours, Chittagong was free from British rule.

After the attacks, the rebels left Chittagong. They took elephants, ammunition, and other important supplies. However, they later faced problems because they ran out of supplies.

Journey to Tripura

The rebels decided to find safety in independent Tripura. Havildar Rajab Ali Khan took charge of the rebel sepoys. Captain PHK Dewaal of the Bengal Regiment reported on their movements. Local people said Rajab Ali and his forces crossed the Feni River. They were heading towards the Tripura border.

But the British commissioner in Chittagong sent a message. He warned the Maharaja of Tripura, Ishan Chandra Manikya. The message asked the king to stop the rebel sepoys. The king of Tripura decided to help the British. He prepared his army to block the rebels.

On December 2, the rebels reached the border of independent Tripura. They had traveled through Sitakunda. They saw many armed soldiers waiting to stop them. So, the rebels had to change direction. They moved towards the hilly areas of British Tripura (Comilla). The army of Tripura still chased them.

Battles in Sylhet

The rebels then traveled through difficult, hilly roads. They reached Sylhet, near the British protectorate of Manipur. Major Baing of the Sylhet Light Infantry attacked them there. A fierce battle took place. Major Baing was killed, and his British forces were defeated.

Even after this, the British and local forces kept fighting. Many rebels died in several battles. The survivors had to hide in the nearby mountains.

The Final Battle

Finally, on January 9, 1858, Rajab Ali Khan fought his last battle. It happened against British forces at Malgram in Karimganj. His forces had crossed hills near the Kachari Kingdom. They took a position near Mohanpur Tea Garden, at a place called Sabashpur.

The British forces learned about their location. Local zamindars (landowners) told them. Lieutenant Ross led a surprise attack. Rajab Ali Khan fought with his small group of soldiers. But they were defeated because they lost many men. About 70 sepoys were killed in this battle. Many more were injured.

Only three or four people, including Rajab Ali Khan, survived the battle. The British forces kept chasing them. Rajab Ali Khan and the others hid in the deep hilly forests near Manipur. The final report from the British forces said they could not find them. After this, Havildar Rajab Ali Khan was never seen again.