Long before the better-known freedom struggle of 1857, resistance to British rule had already taken root in coastal Karnataka. Among those who joined the 1837 Amara Sullia uprising was Manja Baidya of Uppinangady (Ubar Manja Baidya) , a local figure whose story is closely linked to the region's early resistance against colonial rule.
Baidya was working as a clerk at the British taluk office in Uppinangady when the rebellion broke out. According to accounts cited in recent reports, he knew English and was familiar with the functioning of the British administration. When news of the uprising reached Uppinangady, he turned against the administration and joined the rebels.
From British clerk to rebel
The 1837 uprising, popularly associated with the Kalyanappa Katukai or Amara Sullia rebellion, was driven largely by opposition to British revenue policies. Farmers faced higher revenue demands and were required to pay taxes in cash. These policies created widespread resentment in the region.
Manja Baidya chose to join the resistance despite being employed by the British administration. Reports state that he helped seize the treasury at Uppinangady and then travelled with a group of young men to join the rebel forces.
His knowledge of English and experience in administration were reportedly useful to the rebels. He was subsequently made a sub-commander in the rebel force led by figures including Kedambadi Ramayya Gowda and Kalyanaswamy.
The march to Mangaluru
The rebellion spread from the Sullia region to several parts of present-day Dakshina Kannada. The rebels eventually marched towards Mangaluru. On April 5, 1837, they reached the district headquarters and brought down the British flag at Bavutagudda, according to historical accounts cited in recent reports.
The rebels briefly gained control of parts of the region before British forces launched a counter-offensive. The uprising was eventually suppressed. Several leaders and participants were captured and faced severe punishment.
Manja Baidya's final days
Manja Baidya was among those captured by the British. According to accounts cited by the Puttur MLA and recent reports, a British military court sentenced Baidya and other prominent rebels to death. He was publicly hanged in Mangaluru on May 27, 1837.
His execution marked the end of one chapter in the life of a man who had moved from working inside the colonial administration to directly opposing it.
Why Manja Baidya matters to Puttur today
Manja Baidya's story has a particularly strong local connection because Uppinangady was his home.
His name has also returned to public discussion in recent years. In May 2025, Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai announced that the main road in Uppinangady would be named after Manja Baidya and said a statue would also be unveiled in Gejjegeiri. In June 2026, a forum again demanded that a statue of Ubar Manja Baidya be installed in Uppinangady.
This renewed interest gives his story a contemporary relevance. For today's generation, Manja Baidya represents a lesser-known part of the region's history — the story of local people who resisted British rule two decades before the 1857 uprising.
A forgotten chapter of coastal Karnataka's history
The story of Manja Baidya also shows why the history of India's freedom struggle cannot be understood only through its most famous national leaders.
The 1837 uprising brought together local farmers, leaders and fighters across the region. Kedambadi Ramayya Gowda, Kalyanaswamy, Guddemane Appayya Gowda and Manja Baidya were among the figures associated with the resistance.
For Puttur and Uppinangady, their stories are part of the area's own historical landscape. Nearly 190 years later, the question is not only who remembers Manja Baidya, but how much of this local freedom history has reached the next generation.
Editorial note: Since there does not appear to be an authenticated contemporary photograph of Manja Baidya, we used AI Generated image for representation.
Keywords
Manja Baidya, Ubar Manja Baidya, Uppinangady freedom fighter, Amara Sullia rebellion, 1837 rebellion, Puttur history