cover image The Tupac Amaru Rebellion

The Tupac Amaru Rebellion

Charles F. Walker. Harvard/Belknap, $29.95 (354p) ISBN 978-0-674-05825-5

Drawing on two historical collections, University of California-Davis history professor Walker explores the 1780 indigenous Peruvian uprising against Bourbon Spanish colonialism launched by Tupac Amaru II. Dismayed by the Bourbon reforms on the indigenous poor who suffered from tax increases, forced purchase of goods at inflated prices, and forced labor conscription into silver mines, the uprising's leader took the name of his alleged ancestor and the last Inca king. An absolute victory against the royalists in Sangarara in November 1780 was soon followed by a number of military defeats; atrocities committed by rebel and royalist troops; Amaru's demoralizing excommunication from the Catholic Church; and his 1781 capture, torture, and gruesome execution along with his wife, eldest son, and members of the revolt's inner circle. The rebellion continued after Tupac's death under various leaders until it was repressed in 1783 with more executions, deportations to Spain, and a campaign against Andean culture. Walker argues convincingly that Tupac Amaru's wife, Micaela Bastidas, was his fierce, full partner and confidante, running the rebel camp, overseeing provisions, keeping discipline, and rooting out spies. Although the writing lacks focus and sharpness, it's an interesting and accessible treatment of Peru's infamously vicious conflict and of its leader, who became a potent symbol for indigenous rights throughout Latin America. Illus. (Apr.)