In 1858, the Andaman and Nicobar islands were preoccupied by the British. From this time onwards the aborigines of the islands constantly troubled the British authorities. As a result of the policy of the British to civilize them, the aboriginal population of the islands dwindled to an alarming extent.
The aborigines resisted such attempts. The Onges and Jarawas were the most hostile tribes against the British.
In the British territories of Khandesh, the Bhils disturbed the peace of the area. In 1829, the British raised a Bhil corps for establishing peace and order in the region. In Malva, a British administered area, Bhils were a constant source of trouble to authorities. In 1846, an uprising of the Bhils was suppressed.
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Thus, in the 19th century, the tribal population of India was dissatisfied to a great extent with the policies of the British. Consequently, there were frequent revolts, uprisings or severe disturbances against the British by the tribals. L.P. Mathur, a historian of modern India (1988) very rightly assesses the British-tribal relations:
Although the princely states were not directly administered by the British and British promised not to interfere in their internal affairs, they through their political agents virtually directed the princely states to act in accordance with their wishes.
The policy towards the tribals residing in the states was also more or less framed by their rulers in accordance with the directions of the British. Consequently, the tribes living in the territories of the princely states also began to express their resentment against the policies followed towards them.