Adya Krantikarak Raje Umaji Naik

Early Life and Background

Raje Umaji Naik is remembered as one of the brave warriors of India’s freedom struggle who raised the banner of revolt against British rule with his courage, determination, and patriotism. He is often called the Adya Krantikarak (the first revolutionary) because he led one of the earliest and most impactful uprisings against the British even before the Revolt of 1857. His life, actions, and sacrifice continue to inspire generations.

Umaji Naik was born on 7 September 1791 in the small village of Bhivadi in Pune district. He belonged to the Ramoshi community, which had a significant role during the Maratha period. The Ramoshis were entrusted with night patrol, policing duties, and security of forts. In return, they had the right to collect taxes from certain villages. However, after the Maratha Confederacy was defeated by the British, these rights were taken away. This injustice fueled anger within the Ramoshi community and eventually led them to resist British authority. Umaji Naik’s brother’s name was Krishnaji Naik.

Revolt Against the British

Soon after the fall of the Maratha Confederacy, Umaji Naik formed a small army against the British. In 1826, he declared himself king and issued a manifesto calling upon the people to rise against foreign rule. His call was clear—destroy British forces, attack their cavalry, and loot their wealth to distribute among the poor. He lived in the mountainous regions of Satara, Kurud, Manddevi Kalbai hills, Khopoli-Khandala, and Borghat, from where he carried out guerrilla warfare against the British. Umaji even issued his own stamp that read, “Umajiraje Naik, Mukkam Dongar,” meaning “Hero Umaji, residing in the mountains.”

He attacked several British police headquarters and their loyal supporters. One notable incident was his attack on the police station at Jejuri, where British policemen were killed. The Ramoshi community punished those who remained loyal to the British. Umaji Naik looted money from the British government and rich landlords (sahukars), redistributing it to the common people. For this, he earned recognition as a people’s hero.

Treaty with the British and Renewed Revolt

In 1828, the British entered into a treaty with Umaji Naik. He was granted 120 bighas of land, and the British promised to provide government jobs to the Ramoshi people. For a while, peace prevailed, but it was short-lived. The British failed to keep their promises, leading Umaji to once again take up arms in 1831. This time, he expanded his movement and issued a proclamation for a larger revolt against British rule.

Arrest and Sacrifice

The British government announced a bounty of 10,000 rupees for Umaji Naik’s capture. Officer Makcintosh, along with other officers such as Captain Wide, Livingston, and Lukan, devised plans to arrest him. Eventually, betrayal led to his capture. Some records mention that his sister Jijai was bribed with ownership of four villages to assist in his arrest, while another version states that a Ramoshi named Nana Raghu Chavan betrayed him for the bounty reward.

Umaji Naik was imprisoned in Pune. In the dark chamber known as Andhar Kothi, he was interrogated by Captain Makcintosh. Later, he was put on trial in court and sentenced to death. On 3 February 1832, he was hanged in Pune at the Tehsil office premises. Today, his memorial (samadhi) still stands at that site.

Legacy and Inspiration

The life of Umaji Naik is a shining example of how even a common farmer and a member of the Ramoshi community could rewrite history through courage and determination. He proved that freedom was not only the responsibility of kings or great leaders, but ordinary men could also sacrifice their lives for the nation’s cause.

Even today, the ballads and folk songs of Maharashtra narrate his heroic deeds. He is remembered as a people’s hero who stood for the rights of the poor and fought against injustice and foreign oppression. His story teaches us that one must always resist exploitation and tyranny, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

Umaji Naik’s contribution remains vital in the history of India’s independence movement. His uprising was among the early struggles that weakened the foundations of British power. He belongs to the league of great revolutionaries whose sacrifices paved the way for future generations.

In the truest sense, Umaji Naik was a social reformer, a freedom fighter, and a people’s leader. His name will always be inscribed in golden letters in history, and Indians will forever bow to his sacrifice.

Read also in Hindi : Raje Umaji naik : आद्य क्रांतिवीर राजे उमाजी नाईक

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umaji_Naik