Insurrections By Khattaks Against The British 1850-52

These Insurrections were carried by Khattak tribesmen from Bahadur khel, Darish Khel, Lawaghar against the British.

Background

The British wanted to make a military road so that they could control the salt mines of Bahadur Khel.The Khattak tribesmen weren't easily allowing this to happen.(1)

Insurrections

Attempted Insurrection

In January 1850 a very heavy increase was implemented on salt duty.At this time the British were busy in the Operations of the Kohat pass.In February the Khattaks of Bahadur Khel and Nearby Khattak areas started to show signs of insubordination.Upon this a small force was sent under lieutenant Pollock and no Insurrection happened.After this in April Salt taxes were reduced to low rates.(1)

First Insurrection

In October 1850 the first Insurrection took place.The Khattak tribesmen of Bahadur Khel and Darish Khel attacked the Multani Levies who were stationed for the protection of a working party who were employed on the Bannu Road near Totakki.The Khattak tribesmen defeated and,drove out the Multani Levies and seized the Bahadur Khel salt mines,after this a small force under Captain Coke and lieutenant Pollock arrived and suppressed the Insurrection.(1)

Khattak-Wazir Alliance

During this time the Khattaks and Wazirs made an alliance against the British.The alliance came to an end in November 1851 when the Wazirs attacked Bahadur Khel and were repulsed by the Khattak villagers and a company of the 4th Punjab infantry.(1)

Final Insurrection

The final insurrection took place in the summer of 1852.At this time Captain Coke and his regiment were busy in the Ranizai Expedition.Khattak tribesmen from Bahadur Khel, Lawaghar and Karak villages who were already angry on the military posts established in Nari and Latamber.Decided to revolt in an open insurrection.They Seized the salt mines once again,and the Khattak tribesmen of Lawaghar threatened the British Garrison of Nari,Captain Coke on hearing the news that the Khattak tribesmen had revolted this time marched with a larger force than before consisting of 1st Punjab Infantry, four companies of the 3rd Punjab Infantry and two squadrons of the 1st Punjab Cavalry.Captain Coke arrived at Kohat on 3rd June and soon the next day he marched 60 miles towards Bahadur Khel.When he reached there the tribesmen refused to surrender and retreated towards the hills.Due to the tribesmen not surrendering Captain Coke destroyed their village and this led to the submission of the tribesmen from Latamber and Surdag.Most of Bahadur Khel's rebels had submitted by the end of August.The only Tribesmen who didn't surrender were the Khattaks of Lawaghar who were aware of their remote and difficult terrain.They didn't surrender at first but when the winter season came they also submitted to the British.(1)

Aftermath

After the insurrections had ended the British built the road to Bannu and in 1853 the British built a fort at Bahadur Khel.

References

2.