Key Points:

Alluri Sitarama Raju was a freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in the Indian Independence Movement against British rule decades ago. His presence and clarity of mind often led people to believe that Alluri possessed special powers and was even an incarnation of God.

He led the Rampa Rebellion (1922–1924) for the tribal community against the suppressive British rule in the Madras Presidency over a century ago. Alluri Sitarama Raju was not just an ordinary Kshatriya sanyasi—he was a force not to be reckoned with.

He organized and led a rebellion of the tribal people against the British administration to resist the British imposed forest regulations which curtailed the rights of the indigenous tribals living in the eastern ghats of Andhra Pradesh.

The locals referred to Alluri Sitarama Raju as Manyam Veerudu—the “Hero of the Jungle.”

Alluri Sitarama Raju used guerrilla tactics to fight back against the British. His powerful leadership united the tribal communities and showcased the strength of the oppressed. His mission in life was to protect tribal rights, and the strong influence of Mahatma Gandhi inspired him to follow the path of a freedom fighter.

The “Hero of the Jungle” was eventually captured and executed by British forces on 7 May 1924. His undying sacrifice during the independence movement is still remembered by locals and tribal communities across the nation.

Who Was Alluri Sitarama Raju: The Hero of the Jungle?

Alluri Sitarama Raju was born on 4 July 1897 (or 1898) into a Telugu family in Andhra Pradesh, India. He lost his father at the age of eight, and in his teenage years, he adopted the life of a sanyasi. By a young age, he had mastered Telugu, Sanskrit, Hindi, and English. He developed a keen interest in astrology, herbal medicine, and palmistry—the study of palms for fortune telling.

While traveling through the Eastern Ghats of the tribal hills as a young sanyasi, Alluri grew close to the tribal communities. Locals often regarded him as a divine presence. Many believed he could predict the future accurately and heal the sick. Stories spread that he had even survived bullet wounds, which made the people see him as an incarnation of God.

Known for his vast knowledge and burning resolve, Alluri was determined to join the freedom struggle and liberate the tribals from British oppression. His travels across India exposed him to the severe impact of colonial rule.

See Also:

Witnessing the socio-economic suffering of tribal communities deeply affected him. Determined to seek justice, he organized local Adivasis in the forest areas of Visakhapatnam and Godavari districts, forming a rebel group to fight the British. This movement became known as the Rampa Revolt of 1922.

1822 Madras Forest Act and the Rampa Revolt of 1922

The tribes living in the Rampa region of Andhra Pradesh relied on the traditional Podu system—shifting cultivation using slash-and-burn methods. This practice was disrupted by the 1882 Madras Forest Act, enacted by the British colonial government. The act restricted tribal movement and closed large forest areas in the Gudem hills of the Madras Presidency.

Located in present-day Godavari districts, the Rampa area was home mostly to tribal populations. The Forest Act allowed the British to commercialize forest lands, forcing the indigenous people to abandon Podu cultivation. This led to starvation and pushed many into forced labor for colonial construction projects.

The discontent was shared by the muttadars, hereditary tax collectors who lost their power after British arrival. Alluri Sitarama Raju channelled this shared frustration into a united anti-colonial movement. The muttadars and tribal communities joined hands under his leadership, launching the Rampa Rebellion of 1922.

Sitarama Raju led around 500 tribals in raids on British police stations across the Madras Presidency. The uprising began with targeted attacks but also drew inspiration from Gandhian principles of non-cooperation, self-governance, and swaraj. He promoted khadi, spearheaded anti-liquor campaigns, and encouraged people to settle disputes through panchayat courts instead of colonial courts.

Despite his respect for Gandhi’s ideals, Alluri’s methods often differed. He actively armed the Adivasis and trained them in guerrilla warfare. Between 22–24 August 1922, his troop of 500 raided police stations at Chintapalli, Krishnadevipeta, and Rajavommangi. They seized 26 muskets, six .303 Lee-Enfield rifles, a revolver, and other weapons.

The rebellion demonstrated the unity and strength of the tribal communities. British forces struggled to capture the rebels, despite placing bounties on Alluri and his associates, including Gam Goutham Dora and Gam Mallaya Dora.

The End of the Rebellion

Alluri Sitarama Raju was captured by the British forces in the forests of Chintapalli on 7 May 1924. They tied him to a tree in the village of Koyyuru and executed him by shooting. His death marked the end of the tribal uprising.

However, his fierce determination, fearless leadership, and unwavering willpower etched his name permanently into India’s history of freedom struggle. Alluri Sitarama Raju’s legacy stands as a testament to fighting for justice even for a community he was not born into and remains a symbol of resistance against oppression. [Rh/VS]

Also Read: