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Which of the following statements about the Sanyasi and Faqir disturbances/rebellions are correct ? 1. Governor-General Warren Hastings faced the persistent Sanyasi and Faqir disturbances in Bengal and Bihar. 2. There were a number of Shaivite Naga Sanyasis who formed into armed bands. 3. Majnu Shah, who led bands into Bengal from 1771, was their prominent leader. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Explanation
The Sanyasi and Faqir rebellion (1763–1800) was a significant early resistance against British rule in Bengal and Bihar [1]. Governor-General Warren Hastings faced persistent challenges from these groups and eventually used military force to subdue them, though he could not entirely quell the movement [3]. The rebellion involved armed bands of Shaivite Naga Sanyasis, specifically from the Dasnami sect (Giri and Puri orders), who were known for their martial traditions and involvement in trade and moneylending. The Faqirs, primarily from the Madari Sufi order, joined forces with the Sanyasis. Majnu Shah was a prominent leader of the Faqirs who led armed bands into Bengal starting around 1771, conducting raids on Company factories and treasuries [3]. The movement was characterized by Hindu-Muslim unity and was later immortalized in Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel 'Anandamath' [2].
Sources
- [1] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: The Colonial Era in India > The 'Sannyasi-Fakir rebellion' > p. 105
- [3] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 6: People’s Resistance Against British Before 1857 > Sanyasi Revolt (1763-1800) > p. 139
- [2] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: The Colonial Era in India > The 'Sannyasi-Fakir rebellion' > p. 106