U Tirot Sing Syiem

U Tirot Sing Syiem, Khasi chief of Nongkhlaw, led an early revolt (1829–33) against British rule; died in captivity on July 17, 1835.

Syllabus: Indian History (UPSC Prelims)

U Tirot Sing Syiem was the chief of Nongkhlaw, one of the Khasi states in present-day Meghalaya.¹
He belonged to the Syiemlieh clan and is revered as one of the earliest freedom fighters from North-East India.

After the Treaty of Yandabu (1826), the British East India Company gained control over:
- The Brahmaputra Valley, and
- The Surma Valley (parts of modern Assam and Bangladesh).
To connect these regions, the British planned to build a road through the Khasi Hills for military and trade purposes.

Initial Agreement:
- British political agent David Scott sought permission from Tirot Sing to build the road.
- In return, he promised control of the duars (passes) and free trade rights to the Khasis.
- After consulting his durbar (council), Tirot Sing agreed.
Breach of Trust:
- Dispute arose when the Raja of Ranee, Balaram Singh, contested Tirot Sing’s rights over the duars.
- The British failed to support Tirot Sing, violating their promise.
Outbreak of Revolt (1829):
- Learning that the British were bringing reinforcements from Guwahati and Sylhet, Tirot Sing ordered them to vacate Nongkhlaw.
- When they refused, Khasi forces attacked the British garrison on April 4, 1829, killing two officers.

The British launched a retaliatory campaign, but Tirot Sing used guerrilla warfare to resist for nearly four years.
Despite their courage, the Khasis were outmatched by superior British weaponry.
Wounded in battle, Tirot Sing hid in a cave but was betrayed and captured in January 1833.
He was tried and deported to Dhaka, where he died in captivity on July 17, 1835.

U Tirot Sing Day is observed annually on July 17 in Meghalaya to honor his sacrifice.
He symbolizes early tribal resistance against British colonial expansion in North-East India.

Aspect	Details
Name	U Tirot Sing Syiem
Region	Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
Event	Revolt against British road construction (1829–1833)
Battle Style	Guerrilla warfare
Death	July 17, 1835, in Dhaka jail
Significance	Early symbol of resistance in North-East India