SarvaiPapanna: The Social Bandit Fighting Against Imperial Authority
Author(s): N. Mallesham
Publication #: 2505030
Date of Publication: 08.12.2022
Country: India
Pages: 1-6
Published In: Volume 8 Issue 6 December-2022
Abstract
SarvaiPapanna also known as Papadu or SardharSarvaiPapanna Goud (died 1710) emerged as a significant figure in early 18th-century India, embodying the complexities of resistance against imperial and local authority during a time of political upheaval. Regarded as a freedom fighter and folklore hero, Papanna's life and exploits are captured through a blend of oral ballads, historical accounts, and scholarly interpretations. Described as a "social bandit," he is noted for his Robin Hood-like actions and his dual rebellion against both the Mughal Empire and local zamindars. Born into a Telugu toddy-tapping caste, Papanna's initial rejection of societal norms set the stage for his rise as a notorious bandit leader who conducted raids, captured forts, and amassed wealth and followers, primarily among the landless peasantry. His pivotal raid on Warangal exemplified his bold defiance of Mughal authority amidst the empire's disarray following Aurangzeb's death. Despite his ascent to power, Papanna faced unyielding opposition from hegemonic forces, culminating in his capture and execution in 1710. His legacy, preserved in popular culture and folklore, highlights the dynamics of class, caste, and rebellion within historical narratives. Papanna’s life illustrates the struggle for agency amid destabilizing socio-political changes, remaining a complex symbol of resistance and heroism in Indian history. This paper examines Papanna's life, exploits, and the historical context in which he operated, drawing solely on the provided source material to understand the nature of his movement, the sources of his support and opposition, and his ultimate fate.
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