Nonia Rebellion: A Forgotten Uprising Against British Rule
- vidyarthee2021
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
Why in News:The Union Agriculture Minister recently paid tribute to Buddhu Nonia, a freedom fighter from the Nonia community, during his centenary celebrations, highlighting the historical importance of the Nonia Rebellion of the 18th century.
About the Nonia Rebellion
Timeline: Around 1750–1780, overlapping with the Sanyasi Rebellion in eastern India.
Nature: A popular uprising aimed at expelling British rule, led by the Lonia (Nonia) community.
Region: The rebellion was concentrated in Hajipur, Tirhut, Saran, and Purnia—all in present-day Bihar.
Community Role: The Nonia/Lonia were traditionally engaged in the manufacture of saltpetre, sulfur, and acid, making them crucial to early local economies.
Buddhu Nonia’s Role
Participated in Salt Satyagraha (1930) in response to Gandhiji’s call.
Engaged in salt-making, an act of defiance against British monopoly.
He was deceitfully arrested and killed, becoming a martyr for India’s freedom struggle.
Etymology and Occupation
"Lonia" derives from the Sanskrit word ‘Lavan’ meaning salt.
Their economic role in salt and related chemicals made them targets of British colonial exploitation and suppression.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 1: Modern Indian History – Popular uprisings and revolts
GS Paper 2: Role of marginalized communities in nation-building
Useful for Essay and Ethics (inclusion and recognition of subaltern voices in history)
UPSC Prelims Practice Question (Statement-Type)
Q. With reference to the Nonia Rebellion, consider the following statements:
It took place primarily in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
The rebellion was led by the Lonia community, known for salt-related occupations.
Buddhu Nonia played a key role in the rebellion during the 1770s.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: B. 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: The rebellion occurred in Bihar, not Uttar Pradesh.
Statement 2 is correct: The Lonia community, known for salt work, led the revolt.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Buddhu Nonia was associated with the Salt Satyagraha (1930s), not the 1770s rebellion.
UPSC Mains Question (GS Paper 1)
Discuss the significance of lesser-known regional uprisings like the Nonia Rebellion in India’s freedom movement. How can mainstream historical discourse become more inclusive of such marginalized narratives?
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