The Muharram Rebellion of 1782, initiated by leaders Hada and Mada Miah, was a significant uprising against British colonial rule in the Sylhet region of present-day Bangladesh. Occurring during the sacred month of Muharram, this rebellion was fueled by local grievances against the oppressive policies of the British East India Company, which had increasingly asserted control over trade and administration in the subcontinent. Utilizing the spiritual and communal significance of the Muharram observances, the leadership inspired the local Muslim population to resist British forces led by Colonel Robert Lindsay who was stationed in Sylhet. The rebellion highlighted a critical moment of resistance, indicating early signs of anti-colonial sentiment among local leaders and communities.

The rebellion unfolded amid rising tensions between the East India Company and local rulers, which previously thrived under more autonomy. The British aimed to consolidate their foothold in Bengal following the devastating effects of prior conflicts, leading to stricter regulations and heavy taxation that sparked discontent. Hada and Mada Miah’s revolt, thus, was not only about specific local conditions but a broader expression of resistance against the British imposition, reflecting a nascent nationalist spirit that would continue to evolve over the following decades. Utilizing religious gatherings as a platform for mobilization, they were able to attract a diverse group of followers, reinforcing the community's solidarity in their struggle.

The resistance faced significant military responses, with Robert Lindsay leading an aggressive campaign to subdue the insurrection. Despite the eventual quelling of the uprising, the rebellion left an indelible mark on the local psyche, demonstrating the potential for organized resistance against colonial powers. While the immediate goals of the insurgents were not realized, the Muharram Rebellion served as a precursor to subsequent anti-colonial movements and highlighted the broader dynamics of conflict that characterized British rule in India.