Class 9 Social History Chapter 3 The Moamoria Mass Uprising
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Part I: History
The Moamoria Mass Uprising
Lesson-Based Questions &Answers
Short Answer Type Questions
1. Q. What is Mayamara?
Ans: Mayamara is the name of a Satra. This Vaishnavite Satra was established in the post-Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhavdeva period.
2. Q. What is meant by Satra?
Ans: A Satra is a cultural institution established by Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhavdeva for the propagation and spread of Eka-Sarana-Nama Dharma(Vaishnavism).
3. Q. What is Samhati?
Ans: After the death of Srimanta Sankardeva, disputes arose among his disciples and followers. As a result, the Vaishnavite Satras were divided into four groups, which are called “Samhati”.
4. Q. During whose reign did the Moamoria Rebellion begin?
Ans: During the reign of Ahom king Lakshmi Singha.
5. Q. During whose reign did the Moamoria Rebellion end?
Ans: During the reign of Kamaleswar Singha.
6. Q. Which Ahom king is believed to have first adopted the title“Swargadeo / Swarganarayan”?
Ans: Ahom king Suhungmung.
7. Q. Which Moamoria Satradhikar was killed during the reign of Churumpa Bhaga Raja?
Ans: Guru Nityananda.
8. Q. Which Moamoria Satradhikar was insulted in the court of RudraSingha?
Ans: Chaturbhuj Mahanta.
9. Q. Name the chief deity of the Ahoms.
Ans: Somdeu.
10. Q. At whose refuge did Jayadhwaj Singha take shelter?
Ans: At the refuge of Satradhikar Niranjan Dev of Auniati Satra in Majuli.
11. Q. At whose refuge did Rudra Singha take shelter?
Ans: At the refuge of Keshab Mahanta of Auniati Satra in Majuli.
12. Q. Who was Krishnaram Bhattacharya?
Ans: Krishnaram Bhattacharya was a Shakta Brahmin from Nadia in Bengal.
13. Q. During whose reign did Shaktism become more prominent in Assam?
Ans: During the reign of Ahom king Siva Singha.
14. Q. Who was Gagini?
Ans: Gagini was the son of Moamoria Mahanta Ashtabhuja.
15. Q. Whom did the Moamorias first make their king?
Ans: Ramakanta or Ramananda, the son of Naharkhowa.
16. Q. From when to when did Captain Welsh stay in Assam?
Ans: From mid-November 1792 to May 1794.
17. Q. Where was salt produced in Assam?
Ans: In Sadiya and the Naga Hills.
18. Q. Why could common people in Assam not use salt?
Ans: Because salt was very expensive, common people could not afford to use it.
Essay Type Question-Answers
1. Who were the Moamorias? Can this rebellion be called a mass uprising?
Ans: The Moamorias were disciples of the ‘Mayamara’ Sattra belonging to the Mahapurushiya Vaishnavite Kal Sanghati. The Moamoria rebellion can be called a mass uprising. This is because the Moamorias were deeply devoted to their guru. By securing the complete loyalty and devotion of the disciples, the Moamoria Mahantas became powerful. As a result, religious conflicts began between the Moamoria Mahantas and the Ahom kings. The Moamoria rebellion in the history of Assam originated as a consequence of these religious conflicts. The rebellion continued intermittently for about 36years from 1769 to 1805. There were three major phases of the rebellion. In each phase, the Moamorias united and rose against the Ahom kings. For the Ahom rulers, this rebellion posed a serious threat. Therefore, it can be termed a mass uprising.
2. Analyze the political causes of the Moamoria rebellion.
Ans: Although the Moamoria rebellion began due to religious reasons, political causes were also associated with it. The political causes are mentioned below.
(a) During the reign of Ahom king Swargadeo Siva Singha’s successor Swargadeo Lakshmi Singha (Churampha, also known as Bhog Raja), the Sattradhikar of Mayamara Sattra, Nityananda Dev, was killed through a conspiracy. As a result, the Moamorias became determined to avenge the killing of their guru.
(b) Swargadeo Gadadhar Singha had to wander in hiding for several years in Dihing and Dipang regions to escape the wrath of Lora Raja. During that time, he personally witnessed the wealth and influence of the Moamoria Sattradhikars and became suspicious. Therefore, after ascending the throne, he destroyed many Sattras and confiscated their wealth. The Vaishnavite Mahantas were forced into physical labour. Some were exiled, and those who protested were punished. Such autocratic actions of the king angered the Moamorias greatly, leading them to rebel against the Ahom rule.
(c) Phuleswari, the chief queen of Siva Singha, adopted the Shakta faith and performed rituals, distributed prasad, and even smeared the blood of sacrifices on the foreheads of Vaishnavite Mahantas, devotees, and Sattradhikars. This insult enraged the Moamorias, and they rose in rebellion against the Ahom king. Thus, political factors also fueled the outbreak of the Moamoriarebellion.
3. Do you think the change in the religious policy of the Ahoms was a cause of the Moamoria rebellion? Discuss.
Ans: There is sufficient reason to believe that changes in the religious policy of the Ahom kings contributed to the Moamoria rebellion. The Ahoms originally followed their traditional religious beliefs, and their principal deity was Chomdeo. However, over time, they became attracted to Hindu religious traditions. Ahom king Jayadhwaj Singha accepted Vaishnavism under the influence of Niranjan Dev, the Sattradhikar of Auniati Sattra, and extended royal patronage to Vaishnavism.
Later, competition arose among the Sattras to gain royal favor. Subsequently, the Ahom kings abruptly changed their policy from patronage to suppression of the Vaishnavite Sattras. This repressive policy reached its peak during the reign of Gadadhar Singha. Considering the Sattradhikars as potential political rivals, he persecuted many of them and exiled others.
His successor, Rudra Singha reversed this policy, recalled the exiled and persecuted Sattradhikars, and settled them near Garhgaon. He also took initiation from Keshav Dev of Auniati Sattra and gave special status to Brahminical Sattras, which created conflict with the Shudra Sattradhikars. During the reign of Siva Singha, Queen Phuleswari became highly influential, and Shaktism gained prominence. Once, she insulted the Vaishnavite Mahantas by forcing them to accept offerings of Shakta rituals and marking their foreheads with sacrificial blood. This provoked the Moamorias to rebel against the Ahom state. Therefore, it can be concluded that frequent changes in religious policy and religious intolerance of the Ahom kings were major causes of the Moamoria rebellion.
4. To what extent was the Paik system responsible for the Moamoriarebellion? Present your own opinion.
Ans: During the Ahom period, common people excluding the nobility and officials, were called ‘Paiks’. They had to render physical labour to the state. This Paik system was one of the causes of the Moamoria rebellion.
The Moamorias mainly belonged to the Shudra or lower class. They were required to provide labour under the Paik system. Moreover, they were skilled artisans and had to perform various tasks such as making weapons, building war boats, and training elephants for war. The Ahom kings exploited their practical skills. Compared to Paiks of other communities, they had to work more for the state. In addition, they were subjected to economic and social exploitation.
Due to these reasons, the Moamoria Paiks became highly dissatisfied with the Ahom rulers. At that time, the Paiks were divided into two categories—Kari Paiks and Chamua Paiks. Those under common administrative units were called Kari Paiks. They were compelled to perform tasks such as constructing embankments, digging ponds, building temples, and constructing royal buildings. In return, each Kari Paik received two puras of tax-free land.
On the other hand, the descendants of noble officials and the original Ahoms who came with Sukapha were called Chamua Paiks or higher Paiks. They were exempted from labour in exchange for a small monetary payment. Over time, the number of Chamua Paiks increased, and the workload on Kari Paiks rose significantly. This created conflict between the two groups. Particularly, the Moamoria Paiks became more discontented and eventually revolted against the Ahom rulers.
5. Discuss the results of the Moamoria rebellion.
Ans: The Moamoria rebellion was a prolonged and severe uprising during the Ahom rule, which significantly weakened the Ahom state and contributed to its downfall. The results can be discussed under two categories: political
and economic.
(a) Political results: From the time of the rebellion, the Ahom political power gradually weakened. The three chief officials—Burhagohain, Borgohain, and Borpatragohain—became powerful. Eventually, the Ahom kings became puppets in their hands. Conflicts for power arose among these three officials, leading to misuse of authority and the increased suffering of the common people. Taking advantage of the weakened Ahom power, Badan Chandra Borphukan invited the Burmese (Mans) to Assam for personal gain. The Burmese invasion proved extremely destructive, like adding fuel to the fire, and pushed the Ahom kingdom towards collapse. Another major political outcome was that due to the Moamoria rebellion and Burmese invasions, the British entered Assam, leading to the eventual loss of Assam’s independence.
(b) Economic results: The rebellion severely weakened the economic condition of Assam. The royal treasury became empty, and the common people suffered from economic exploitation, increasing their misery. Moreover, many skilled Moamorias lost their lives in the rebellion, resulting in a shortage of artisans and skilled workers. Consequently, the economy of the region collapsed.
6. Do you consider the Moamoria rebellion successful or unsuccessful?Give reasons.
Ans: The Moamoria rebellion cannot be considered successful. The reasons are:
(a) During the rebellion of 1788, the Moamorias defeated the forces of Ahom king Swargadeo Gaurinath Singha and captured the capital city, Garhgaon. The king fled to Guwahati. The Moamorias installed Bharat Singhaas king. However, after gaining power, they began killing Ahom officials, spread terror in royal Sattras, and forced common people to accept discipleship under the Moamoria Sattra. Thus, they failed to win the support of the people and could not establish a stable rule.
(b) After capturing power, internal conflicts arose among the Moamorias. They also lacked prior experience in administration, which led to failure in governance. Taking advantage of this situation, the Ahoms killed their leader Raghav Moran. As a result, the Moamorias soon lost control of the kingdom.
(c) The Moamorias failed to bring any significant reforms in administration. Therefore, the common people could not place their trust in them.
(d) The Moamorias were intolerant towards other Hindu groups such as Shaktas and Brahmins. As a result, they failed to restore unity and peace inthe kingdom. For these reasons, the Moamoria rebellion cannot be regarded as successful.
7. Under what circumstances did Captain Welsh come to Assam? Why did he return without completing his mission?
Ans: In 1788, the Moamorias revolted, defeated the royal forces, and captured the capital. The Ahom king Gaurinath Singha fled the capital. In order to regain the kingdom from the Moamorias, the Ahoms sought help from the East India Company. Responding to the king’s appeal, the British sent Captain Welsh to Assam. The main objectives of his mission were to gather detailed information about Assam and to help the Ahom king regain his throne.
At that time, Sir John Shore succeeded Cornwallis as the Governor-General of India. Sir John Shore adopted a policy of non-intervention, meaning he preferred not to interfere in the affairs of other states. Therefore, he ordered Captain Welsh to return from Assam as soon as possible. Following the Governor-General’s instructions, Captain Welsh was compelled to leave Assam without completing his mission.
8. Describe the role of Welsh in suppressing the Moamoria rebellion. How far do you think he was successful?
Ans: Captain Welsh played a significant role in suppressing the Maori rebellion of 1788. The rebellion was a severe blow to the Ahom state. After being defeated, Ahom king Gaurinath Singha fled from the capital to Guwahati. Hoping to recover his kingdom, he sought help from the East India Company. Taking advantage of the king’s difficult situation, several subordinate rulers such as Krishna Narayan of Darrang, Hardatta-Biradatta of North Kamrup, and Sindhura Hazarika of Nagaon declared rebellion against the Ahom king.
At the same time, in Guwahati, some members of the Kaivarta community set fire to the king’s residence, forcing him to flee again. While travelling along the Brahmaputra, the king met Captain Welsh, who was coming from Bengal. With Welsh’s support, the king returned to Guwahati and regained control of the city.
The combined forces of Captain Welsh and the king defeated and capturedKrishna Narayan of Darrang, Sindhura Hazarika of Nagaon, and Hardatta Biradatta of North Kamrup.
After suppressing the rebellion in Guwahati, Captain Welsh proceeded towards Rangpur to recover Upper Assam from the Moamorias. The joint forces of the British and Purnananda Burhagohain defeated the Moamorias and forced them to abandon Rangpur. Finally, after about six years, GaurinathSingha regained his throne with British assistance. Therefore, it can be said that Captain Welsh was largely successful in suppressing the Moamoria rebellion.
9. Discuss Captain Welsh’s account of Assam.
Ans: At the request of Ahom king Gaurinath Singha, who had lost his kingdom to the Moamoria rebels, the British officer Captain Welsh came to Assam in 1792. After travelling across Assam, he recorded important observations about its political, social, and natural conditions.
According to Welsh, the political situation in Assam at that time was highly unstable. The five ministers of the Ahom king were very powerful and engaged in conflicts for power among themselves. He identified the autocratic behavior of Kirti Chandra Barbarua, the unjust deprivation of Mohanmala Gohain from the throne, the killing of the Moamoria Mahanta, and the rivalry among the elite as major causes of political instability.
Regarding natural resources and agriculture, Welsh noted that Assam produced abundant rice, sugarcane, ginger, indigo, and betel nut. However, there was a severe scarcity of salt.
He described Guwahati as a large and populous city spread on both banks of the Brahmaputra. The surrounding areas were used for cultivation. All land belonged to the king. There was no regular buying and selling in markets, and rice was never sold.
There was a shortage of currency, yet Assam was a prosperous region. Gaurinath Singha was capable of maintaining the British troops.
10. Write short notes: Kirti Chandra Barbarua, Mayamara Sattra, Purnananda Burhagohain, Kari Paik and Chamua Paik, Trade Agreement between Welsh and Gaurinath Singha, Bar Raja Phuleswari, Parbatiya Gosain, Sarbananda, Rangpur City, Bharat Singha.
Ans: Kirti Chandra Barbarua: Kirti Chandra Barbarua was the son of Rupchandra Barbarua. He was appointed to the post of Barbarua by SivaSingha. His ancestors were tailors by profession but later attained the position through merit. He was a powerful Barbarua. During the Moamoria rebellion, he was killed in 1769. Due to his conspiracy, after the death of Rudra Singha, Rajeshwar Singha ascended the throne instead of Mohanmala, the eldest son. Mayamara Sattra: Mayamara was a Vaishnavite Sattra established after the time of Sankaradeva and Madhavdeva. Its disciples mainly belonged to the Moran community, though people from Kachari, Chutiya, Kaivarta, and Ahom communities also joined. The Sattradhikars belonged to the Shudra class. Over time, the Sattra became wealthy and influential, which alarmed Gadadhar Singha, who viewed it as a political rival.
Purnananda Burhagohain: During the reign of Gaurinath Singha, Purnananda held the position of Burhagohain. He was the son of Ghanashyam Burhagohain and served in that position for about 35 years. He was far-sighted and worked for the welfare of both the king and the people. During the Moamoria rebellion of 1788, when Rangpur was captured, he skillfully resisted the rebels in Upper Assam. Eventually, he was killed by the rebels. Kari Paik and Chamua Paik: In the Ahom period, common people were called Paiks and had to provide labour. They were divided into Kari Paiks and Chamua Paiks. Kari Paiks performed physical labour such as construction work and received tax-free land. Chamua Paiks, belonging to higher classes, were exempted from labour in exchange for money. Over time, the burden onKari Paiks increased, causing dissatisfaction and contributing to rebellion.
Trade Agreement: A trade agreement was concluded in 1793 between Ahom king Gaurinath Singha and Captain Welsh. Its terms were:
(a) A 10% tax on goods imported into Assam from British territories.
(b) A 10% tax on goods exported from Assam to British regions.
(c) No tax on rice and paddy.
(d) Establishment of customs posts at Guwahati and Kandahar for regulating trade.
(e) No European trader other than the British could trade in Assam without permission. Bar Raja Phuleswari: She was the chief queen of Siva Singha. After astrologers predicted danger to the king, he placed her on the throne. She became very powerful and influenced the king. Being a follower of Shaktism, she once forced Vaishnavite Mahantas to accept sacrificial blood marks, causing religious conflict and contributing to the Moamoria rebellion.
Parbatiya Gosain: His original name was Krishnaram Bhattacharya. AS hakta priest, he was brought from Nadia by Siva Singha, who became his disciple. The king adopted Shaktism under his influence. Krishnaram was given land and made the head priest of Kamakhya temple, and later became known as Parbatiya Gosain.
Rangpur City: Rangpur was the capital of the Ahom kingdom with an area of about 20 miles. It was well fortified and remained the capital for many years. In 1788, it fell to the Moamoria rebels. Historical sites like Rang Ghar,
Talatal Ghar, Sivadol, Joysagar, and Joydol are located there.
Sarbananda: Sarbananda was a Singpho leader. During the reign of Kamaleswar Singha, he led a rebellion against the Ahom king. Burhagohain Purnananda made an agreement with him, allowing him to rule independently over a region between the Brahmaputra and Dihing rivers. This region later became the Matak kingdom.
Bharat Singha: During the Moamoria rebellion of 1788, the rebels captured Rangpur and installed Bharat Singha as king. However, in 1793, he was defeated by Captain Welsh and fled. Later, in 1802, he again rebelled against the Ahom king but was defeated and killed.
Additional Questions and Answers
1. To which Sanghati did the ‘Mayamara Sattra’ belong?
Ans: Kal Sanghati.
2. Which Sattradhikar was killed on the orders of Gadadhar Singha?
Ans: Vaikuntha Mahanta.
3. The Mayamara Mahantas belonged to which community?
Ans: Shudra community.
4. What was the Hindu name of Kinaram?
Ans: Kamaleswar Singha.
5. When did the Moamoria rebellion come to an end?
Ans: In 1805.
6. What is the name of the Buranji written during the reign of Ahom king Suhungmung?
Ans: Sri Sri Swarganarayan Maharajar Janma Katha.
7. What were the soldiers brought from Bengal by Hardatta called?
Ans: Barkandaz.
8. What items did Sarbananda promise to give annually to the Ahom king as tribute?
Ans: Elephant tusks and Muga silk cloth.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Who were the Moamorias?
(a) Ahom nobles
(b) Disciples of Mayamara Satra
(c) Mughal soldiers
(d) British officers
Ans: (b)
2. The Moamoria Rebellion began during the reign of which Ahom king?
(a) Rudra Singha
(b) Gadadhar Singha
(c) Lakshmi Singha
(d) Kamaleswar Singha
Ans: (c)
3. The Moamoria Rebellion ended during the reign of:
(a) Gaurinath Singha
(b) Kamaleswar Singha
(c) Rudra Singha
(d) Shiva Singha
Ans: (b)
4. Mayamara was a:
(a) Kingdom
(b) River
(c) Satra
(d) Fort
Ans: (c)
5. The Moamoria Rebellion lasted approximately:
(a) 10 years
(b) 20 years
(c) 36 years
(d) 50 years
Ans: (c)
6. Who was killed during Churampha’s reign?
(a) Nityananda
(b) Kesava Mahanta
(c) Niranjan Dev
(d) Gopinath
Ans: (a)
7. The main religion followed by the Moamorias was:
(a) Shaivism
(b) Shaktism
(c) Vaishnavism
(d) Buddhism
Ans: (c)
8. Who insulted the Moamoria Mahantas in Rudra Singha’s court?
(a) Shiva Singha
(b) Court nobles
(c) King himself
(d) Priests
Ans: (b)
9. Who was the chief deity of the Ahoms?
(a) Vishnu
(b) Shiva
(c) Somdeu
(d) Indra
Ans: (c)
10. The Moamoria rebels first made whom their king?
(a) Bharat Singha
(b) Raghav Moran
(c) Ramakanta
(d) Gaurinath Singha
Ans: (c)
11. Paiks were:
(a) Soldiers only
(b) Priests
(c) Common people doing labour service
(d) Traders
Ans: (c)
12. The Paik system was a:
(a) Tax system
(b) Labour system
(c) Religious system
(d) Trade system
Ans: (b)
13. Who adopted oppressive policies against Satras?
(a) Rudra Singha
(b) Gadadhar Singha
(c) Jayadhwaj Singha
(d) Lakshmi Singha
Ans: (b)
14. Queen Phuleswari followed:
(a) Vaishnavism
(b) Buddhism
(c) Shaktism
(d) Jainism
Ans: (c)
15. The Moamoria rebels captured which capital?
(a) Guwahati
(b) Rangpur
(c) Jorhat
(d) Sibsagar
Ans: (b)
16. Who was the Ahom king during the 1788 rebellion?
(a) Kamaleswar Singha
(b) Gaurinath Singha
(c) Rudra Singha
(d) Shiva Singha
Ans: (b)
17. Captain Welsh came to Assam in:
(a) 1788
(b) 1792
(c) 1805
(d) 1770
Ans: (b)
18. Captain Welsh represented:
(a) Mughal Empire
(b) East India Company
(c) French traders
(d) Portuguese
Ans: (b)
19. The Moamoria rebellion is called a mass uprising because:
(a) Only kings participated
(b) Only nobles participated
(c) Large number of common people participated
(d) Only foreigners participated
Ans: (c)
20. The rebellion weakened:
(a) Mughal rule
(b) British rule
(c) Ahom rule
(d) Maratha rule
Ans: (c)
21. The division of Satras into groups is called:
(a) Samaj
(b) Sanghati
(c) Sabha
(d) Parishad
Ans: (b)
22. The Moamorias mainly belonged to:
(a) Upper caste
(b) Royal family
(c) Lower caste groups
(d) Foreign origin
Ans: (c)
23. What was one major cause of rebellion?
(a) Foreign invasion
(b) Religious conflict
(c) Natural disaster
(d) Trade issues
Ans: (b)
24. Who was insulted by Queen Phuleswari?
(a) Brahmins
(b) Vaishnav Mahantas
(c) Soldiers
(d) Traders
Ans: (b)
25. The rebellion caused:
(a) Economic growth
(b) Political stability
(c) Weakening of Ahom kingdom
(d) Expansion of territory
Ans: (c)
26. The Ahom nobles became:
(a) Weak
(b) More united
(c) Powerful and divided
(d) Loyal
Ans: (c)
27. The rebellion led to the entry of:
(a) Mughals
(b) British
(c) French
(d) Portuguese
Ans: (b)
28. Moamoria rebels failed because:
(a) Lack of unity
(b) Strong leadership
(c) Foreign support
(d) Good governance
Ans: (a)
29. Which system created dissatisfaction among people?
(a) Zamindari
(b) Paik system
(c) Ryotwari
(d) Mahalwari
Ans: (b)
30. The rebellion is significant because it:
(a) Strengthened Ahom rule
(b) Destroyed Mughal power
(c) Led to fall of Ahom kingdom
(d) Established new empire
Ans: (c)
31. Which factor transformed a religious conflict into a political rebellion?
(a) Foreign invasion
(b) Economic crisis
(c) State oppression and power struggle
(d) Trade decline
Ans: (c)
32. Why did Gadadhar Singha suppress the Satras?
(a) Religious belief
(b) Fear of political rivalry
(c) Economic reasons
(d) Foreign pressure
Ans: (b)
33. The Paik system created inequality mainly between:
(a) Kings and priests
(b) Kari Paik and Chamua Paik
(c) Traders and farmers
(d) Soldiers and nobles
Ans: (b)
34. What was the long-term political impact of the rebellion?(a) Strengthening monarchy
(b) Decline of central authority
(c) Expansion of territory
(d) Rise of democracy
Ans: (b)
35. Which group benefited from the weakened Ahom rule?
(a) Farmers
(b) British
(c) Priests
(d) Traders
Ans: (b)
36. The rebellion highlighted conflict between:
(a) Foreign and local rulers
(b) Religion and state power
(c) Trade and agriculture
(d) Army and navy
Ans: (b)
37. Why is the rebellion considered unsuccessful?
(a) No participation
(b) Failure to establish stable rule
(c) Strong opposition
(d) Foreign invasion
Ans: (b)
38. The repeated religious policy changes of Ahom rulers led to:
(a) Stability
(b) Prosperity
(c) Social unrest
(d) Unity
Ans: (c)
39. What was a key economic impact of the rebellion?
(a) Increased trade
(b) Wealth accumulation
(c) Economic decline
(d) Industrial growth
Ans: (c)
40. The Moamoria Rebellion can best be described as:
(a) Purely religious movement
(b) Purely political revolt
(c) Socio-religious and political uprising
(d) Foreign invasion
Ans: (c)
