Sultana Daku: The history of the myth that surrounds an outlaw

Abstract

An elusive daredevil, a defiant rebel, a noble robber who robs from the rich and give to the poor a dreaded brigand, and a trigger happy dacoit, and, these are some of the essential characteristics that make up the heroic outlaw tradition. Sultana daku, the famous outlaw of colonial period, came from the notorious bhantu tribe which was famous for robbing and terrorizing people in 1920s United Province (present Uttar Pradesh). The bandit was finally captured and hanged in 1924. Social banditry as stated in Bandits (1969), Eric Hobsbawm’s masterpiece, is a reality that motivates certain forms of political resistance to oppressive regimes within peasant societies (Bandit 2000). Sultana daku is also regarded as one such Indian bandit, whose legend, over the course of time has been revived, celebrated, and sold through various forms of media outlets. Though there are very few primary historical documents, accessible to common masses, which deal with Sultana’s life history in detail, but it was his myth blended with facts and fiction which intensified and gave birth to an ongoing afterlife. From fiction to movies, the popularity that the figure has gained is an apt example of the powerful role that oral tradition could play in making any myth powerful. In the proposed paper, I have tried to make an effort to encapsulate the essential elements which characterizes the figure of an outlaw, with special reference to Sultana daku. I have also tried to trace back some sources in oral tradition, which were crucial in making Sultana popular. Lastly, I have also attempted to present a brief history of Sultana, and the myths and realities that surround his figure.