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Modern Period
The advent of British Rule Marked the growth
of Sikh Power in this region and the consequent destruction by British in 1805.
The British in order to increase their sway beyond Yamuna took the Chiefs in Ambala
under their protection. The British Controlled the affairs of all states in the
region in a most effective manner through the political agency at Ambala . In 1845,
the Sikh chief showed passive obstruction or open hostility to the British. The
result was the police jurisdiction of most of the chief as well as transit
and custom duty were abolished and a commutation was accepted for the personal service
of the chief of his contingent. The political agency of Ambala was transformed
into Commissionership under the commissioner of the cis-Satluj states. By 1846 several
chiefships had lapsed owing to their failure to have male heirs and the so called
break down of administrative machinery. The British acquired strips of territory
around Ambala district in 1847. In 1849, Punjab was annexed and then it was declared
that expect Buria and Kalsia all chiefs would cease to hold sovereign powers.
The Revolt of 1857
The Ambala district played a significant role in uprising of 1857. Ambala was a
military depot of great Importance then. Sham Singh ,a sepoy of the 5th Native infantry
told Forsyth, the then Deputy Commissioner Ambala, in the end of April 1857, that
a general rising of the Sepoys would take place in the beginning of May. He was
proved Correct at approximately 9 A.M.on Sunday 10th May 1857 an Indian regiment
the 60th Native Infantry rose in open revolt at Ambala followed by 5th native
infantry at 12 noon but the Britsh were too alert and suppressed the revolt. Like
the sepoys, the civil population was also badly affected . Indeed everyone among
them irrespective of their caste , creed and religion stood against Britishers and
played a significant Role in Struggle.
Rise of National
Awakening
For a long time after the uprising the people of Haryana kept in suffering . On
account of their opposition and indifference towards the British in the crisis but
soon various changes swept in the country as well as the region as the result ,
the people of Ambala were influenced and became politically awakened and enlightened
. Some organizations took the task of reformation . The organizations which
rendered services in this district are as follows.
|
Year
|
Name of Organization |
Aims and Objectives
|
| 1883 | Arya Samaj Ambala Cantonment |
Socio-Religious reforms of Hindus |
| 1884 | Anjunam-Rifah-i-Am,Ambala City |
Socio-political awakening of India |
| 1886 | Anjuman-islamiya ,Ambala City |
Bettering Muslim 'lot |
| 1886 | Singh Sabha,Ambala City | Reforming sikh religion |
| 1886 | Central National Mohamedans Association Ambala City |
Bettering Muslim lot |
| 1888 | Anjuman -Islamiya,Ambala Cantoment | Bettering Muslims' lot |
| 1888 | Singh Sabha Ambala Cantoment |
Reforming Sikh religion |
| 1890 | Arya Samaj,Ambala City | Socio-religious reform of Hindus |
| 1896 | Sanatan Dharam Sabha Ambala Cantonment | Hindu revivalism |
During this period the people also made efforts to establish re-organization at
national level. Lala Murli Dhar of Ambala (1820-1924) was one of the founding fathers
of Indian National Congress at Bombay in 1885. Later on during early twentieth century
Indian National Congress organization spread its roots at various places in Ambala
District.
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