The 1857 First War of Independence saw instances of heroism and valour. However, there is only one instance where an entire community chose the supreme sacrifice of self-immolation to defend their rights. Halagali is a small village in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, which was then a part of the Mudhol Princely State. The village comprised the Beda community, who were famous as hunters and soldiers. As was the custom, the community kept arms as a symbol of their worship and subsistence.
In response to the 1857 Uprising, the British government passed the Disarming Act to regulate the possession of arms. As per the new law, all kinds of arms would be confiscated and returned only after the government had granted the owners a license. Ironically, it was common knowledge that no native had ever had their weapons returned. Despite knowing that the British government had the power to crush them, the people of Halagali refused to give up their arms. Their blatant reluctance culminated in an armed confrontation on 29th November 1857 between the villagers and the British army.
Although outnumbered, the Bedas fired courageously and used their houses as bastions. Sensing defeat, Colonel Malcolm ordered his troops to set the houses of the Bedas ablaze so that the flames would force them to come outside. Despite seeing their houses on fire, the Bedas refused to come out. They preferred to self-immolate themselves rather than get captured by the enemy. Such was the fearless spirit and valour of the community. It is said that those who survived were tried for treason and sentenced to death.
Source: India Culture Portal