Regional Leadership and Resistance Narratives

Vijay Singh Pathik and Political Assertion in the Princely States of Rajputana

Abstract

This paper examines the role of regional leadership in shaping resistance narratives within the princely states of colonial India, with a specific focus on the political interventions of Vijay Singh Pathik in the Rajputana region. While dominant historiography has centred the colonial experience of British-administered provinces, this study redirects attention to the often-overlooked socio-political struggles in the semi-autonomous princely states. Through an exploration of
Pathik’s leadership in the Bijolia peasant movement and his broader mobilisation strategies, the paper highlights how he emerged as a key representative of marginalised voices. Pathik’s multifaceted approach, engaging with local communities, princely authorities, and international networks, reflects a nuanced model of protest leadership that combined grassroots activism with broader political articulation. Divided into three sections, the paper explores regional
political assertion in Rajputana, critically analyses Pathik’s leadership in the Bijolia agitation, and contextualises his efforts in constructing a cohesive resistance narrative for the subjects of princely India. By foregrounding regional leadership and its role in democratising political discourse, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of protest politics, marginalisation, and state-society relations in colonial India.