Historical Timeline
-
1897: Born in Mogallu, West Godavari District
Alluri Sitarama Raju was born in Pandrangi village (Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh) in 1897. His upbringing amidst nature shaped his affinity with the tribal people and their struggles under British rule. As a youth, he was drawn to spiritualism and nationalism, often reading scriptures and revolutionary ideas instead of pursuing regular employment.
-
1919–1921: Travelled extensively across India
Between 1919 and 1921, he journeyed across India visiting Varanasi, Haridwar, and Himalayan regions. During these travels, he gained deep knowledge of Indian culture, British injustices, tribal suffering, and guerrilla tacticsHis spiritual and intellectual journey across India exposed him to the larger freedom movement and prepared him for future rebellion leadership.
-
Early 1920s: Formed connections with tribal communities
Upon returning, he connected with the tribal people of the Eastern Ghats (Manyam region), who faced severe oppression under colonial forest laws. He inspired them to resist and began training them in guerrilla warfare. Understanding the suffering of tribal communities, Alluri bonded with them, won their trust, and emerged as their leader and savior.
-
1922: Rampa Rebellion begins
In August 1922, the Rampa Rebellion erupted as Alluri led a tribal uprising against the British, attacking police stations and seizing weapons without harming civilians—earning massive support from villagers.He initiated the tribal uprising against the British by launching guerrilla warfare in the Eastern Ghats region.
-
1922–1924: Guerrilla attacks & British resistance
For nearly two years, Alluri led over 60 daring attacks,The British launched a manhunt but failed repeatedly due to his jungle strategy, disguise, and support from locals.. Alluri and his warriors fiercely resisted British forces using strategic strikes and local terrain knowledge.
-
May 1924: Captured & Martyred
In May 1924, Raju voluntarily surrendered to protect villagers from British retaliation. He was executed without trial near Koyyuru, becoming a martyr at just 27 years old. But his martyrdom ignited flames of rebellion in the hearts of millions.
-
Post-1924: Legacy Spreads – Fall of British Authority
He was a healer, a “tribal doctor” known for curing the wounds of his fellow fighters using herbs and traditional methods. His deep knowledge of local medicine and empathy earned him divine respect among Adivasis, who believed he was sent by God to protect them.His memory lived on through songs, statues, and stories. The British could kill the man but not the movement he inspired.
-
1947: India Achieves Independence
The sacrifice of leaders like Alluri Sitarama Raju played a crucial role in igniting patriotic fervor, culminating in India’s freedom from British rule.Though he never lived to see independence, Alluri became a symbol of rural resistance and courage. His message of tribal unity, anti-colonial struggle, and self-sacrifice lit a spark among future freedom fighters.
-
Modern Day: Honored in Statues & Textbooks
Today, Alluri is remembered as one of the bravest sons of India. Statues, memorials, and history books salute his indomitable spirit.he earned the title "Manyam Veerudu" (Hero of the Forest). Though captured and martyred at the young age of 27, his legacy lives on as a symbol of defiance, sacrifice, and unbreakable patriotism in the Indian freedom movement.
-
2022: 125th Birth Anniversary Commemoration
In 2022, India celebrated his 125th birth anniversary. The Prime Minister inaugurated a bronze statue in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, and praised Alluri as an inspiration for generations to come. of Alluri’s birth with nationwide celebrations, documentaries, and tributes to his fearless fight for tribal rights.
