Firangi raj
Topic: The Revolt of 1857 · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 2 "Rebels and the Raj"
Meaning
Firangi raj means "rule of the foreigners". It is what the rebels of 1857 called British rule. Firangi comes from "Frank" and was a scornful word for foreigners. The rebels rejected this rule completely. For them it stood for annexed kingdoms, broken treaties, harsh land revenue, imported goods that ruined artisans and weavers, and a threat to caste and religion. So the fight against firangi raj was a fight for livelihood, faith, honour and identity.
Example
In 1857, rebel proclamations in Hindi, Urdu and Persian called on Hindus and Muslims to drive out the firangis. In Pargana Barout (UP), the Jat cultivator Shah Mal destroyed bridges and roads, which were symbols of British rule. In his area, people came to feel that firangi raj was over.
Don't confuse with
- British Raj (Crown rule): this is the direct rule of the British Crown that began in 1858 and replaced the East India Company. Firangi raj is the rebels' own scornful name for foreign rule during the revolt.
Related concepts
- Arzi
- Ishtahar
- Azamgarh Proclamation
- Badshahi government
- Hindu-Muslim unity in 1857
- Rebel administration in 1857