The Manyam Hero

The ‘Manyam Hero’ and his battles with the British during the Independence struggle were obscured by time or history’s bias. His struggle is slowly moving out of the younger generation’s minds when the country is now, unearthing new war heroes. His heroics needs to be remembered and given due reverence.

The unparalleled courage and valiant efforts of Sitarama Raju in leading a full-scale war against the colonial police and army in a tribal protest known as the Rampa Rebellion (1922-1924), deserves loads of praise and appreciation. This was against forest grievances in the Madras Presidency. Between August 1922 and May 1924, for close to 2 years, Sitarama Raju led one of the most intense uprisings against the British.

The fact that the British government had to spend over ₹40 lakh in those days to defeat the rebellion says it is all about the success of the Rampa Rebellion. At 27 years, Sitarama Raju became a martyr after being captured by the British.

The Kshatriya Seva Samiti reminds us how awe-inspiring heroics were appreciated by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi. Many others have compared him to Rana Pratap and Chhatrapati Shivaji. “It’s time the country recognises his role and the Government of India celebrates it,” says Mr Naga Raju.

In the tribal areas, the villagers were exploited by Britishers, as they lacked knowledge and were powerless. Sri Alluri Seetarama became their voice and strength to them. He united various tribes, taught them guerrilla warfare and trained them to fight back. He was one of the bravest revolutionaries and freedom fighters. He was born on 4th July 1897 to Alluri Venkata Rama Raju and Suryanarayanamma. He remains an idol for the tribesmen of Andhra Pradesh.

When the British government passed the Forest Act, of 1882 (which banned the villagers from practising their traditional agricultural system of shifting cultivation, forcing them to raise particular types of crops). Alluri Seetarama initiated the famous “Rampa Rebellion'' or Manyam Rebellion in 1922-1924. During the period of two years, he fought multiple times with the British troops, always winning against them. This gave him the title of "Manyam Veerudu" or the "Hero of Jungle". The Britishers were focused on capturing and defeating him. He was captured by the British deployed Assam rifle battalion.

After putting up a massive effort for nearly two years, the British finally managed to capture Alluri in the forests of Chintapalle, he was then tied to a tree and executed by shooting on 7 May 1924 in the village of Koyyuru. A tomb of him currently lies in the village of Krishnadevipeta, near Visakhapatnam. His lieutenant, Ghantam Dora was killed on 6 June 1924, his brother Mallam Dora was caught and imprisoned, who after independence became a member of the Indian Lok Sabha.

In 2022, the Government of Andhra Pradesh carved out a new district named after Alluri from the erstwhile Visakhapatnam district, with Paderu as its headquarters.

The 1974 Telugu-language movie Alluri Seeta Rama Raju, featuring actor Krishna, depicts his life.

In 1986, the Indian Postal Department issued a commemorative stamp featuring him in the series 'India's struggle for freedom.

The government of Andhra Pradesh celebrates his birthday, 4th July, annually as a state festival.

Alluri Sitarama Raju Cricket Stadium in Eluru is named after him.

On 9 October 2017, at the request of members of parliament, Thota Narasimham and V. Vijayasai Reddy, the Government of India decided to install a statue of him in the precincts of the Parliament of India in recognition of his work as a freedom fighter, and for the welfare of the tribal people.

In 2019, a book named "Alluri Sita Ramaraju "was written by Sheikh Abdul Hakim Jaani in the Telugu language was published which describes the incidents of Alluri's life.

RRR (2022), an Indian Telugu language film directed by S. S. Rajamouli features a fictional story based on the lives of Komaram Bheem and Alluri Sita Ramaraju with Ram Charan portraying the role of Rama Raju. The plot of the film, set in 1920, revolves around both rebels who fought the British in colonial India.

A true patriot, Sitarama Raju would always remain etched in our hearts forever. His sacrifice and selfless service would inspire many generations to come.