Examine the causes and consequences of the 'Phulaguri Dhawa (1861)' as a peasant resistance movement. To what extent it was successful?

The Phulaguri Dhawa (1861) in Nagaon district was the first organized peasant uprising in British Assam, marking a transition from elite-led resistance to a mass-based agrarian movement.

Causes:

1. Ban on Poppy Cultivation (1860): The primary trigger was the sudden prohibition of opium cultivation, which was a source of both consumption and supplementary income for the Tiwa (Lalung) and other local peasants.
2. Rumors of New Taxes: Fear spread that the British intended to impose taxes on betel nut (tamul) and betel leaf (pan), essential parts of local culture and economy.
3. Agrarian Distress: High land revenue and the oppressive nature of the colonial administration created deep-seated resentment.

Consequences:

1. Violent Confrontation: During a Raij-Mel (people’s assembly), the Assistant Commissioner, Lt. Singer, was killed by the agitated crowd.
2. Brutal Suppression: The British retaliated with military force. Leaders like Lakshman Singh Deka and others were executed or transported for life.
3. Inspiration: It laid the foundation for future peasant movements, such as the uprisings in Patharughat (1894) and Rangia.

Extent of Success: In the short term, the movement failed as it was crushed and the oppressive policies continued. However, in the long term, it was a significant success as it awakened the political consciousness of the Assamese peasantry and demonstrated the power of the Raij-Mel as a tool of democratic resistance against colonial rule.