Consider the following statements about Satnami Rebellion - 1. In 1672, they rebelled against the mighty Britishers. 2. The revolt triggered when a British soldier killed a Satnami. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
● Who are Satnamis? ◦ Originally, they were a militant sect of Hindu Worshippers. ◦ Founded by a saint named “ Birbhan ” in 1657 in Narnaul in Haryana. ◦ The major religious activity of this sect is to chant and meditate on the true names (Sat-Nam) of God, especially Rama and Krishna. ◦ This sect is thought to be an offshoot of the Ravidasi sect and comprised of lower strata of the Hindu society, particularly, leather workers, sweepers, carpenters, Goldsmiths, etc. ◦ The followers of this sect kept their heads shaven (thus called Mundiyas) and abstained from liquor and meat. ◦ The religious Granth of the Satnamis is called Pothi. ● The revolt of 1672: ◦ In 1672, they rebelled against the mighty Mughal Empire . Hence, Statement 1 is NOT correct . ◦ The revolt triggered when a Mughal soldier killed a Satnami . Hence, Statement 2 is NOT correct . ◦ The Satnamis killed the soldier in revenge and in turn, Mughal soldiers were sent. ◦ Satnamis attacked Narnaul, the main township in the area and destroyed the Mughal garrison. They even set up their own administration. ◦ Next, they marched towards Shahjahanabad (old Delhi), armed with the latest European-designed muskets that their leader had taught them to make. ◦ The rebellion was crushed when Aurangzeb himself took personal command and sent 10,000 troops with artillery to crush the Satnamis.