Due to his outstanding gallantry during the war, Rasu rose from the rank of khatib to Imam Perang (equivalent to a 'Captain general').
[7] In recognition of his exploits in the war, Rasu received the title Orang Kaya Imam Perang Indera Gajah of Pahang, where the nickname Tok Gajah was derived, and he was further rewarded with the gift of Pulau Tawar as his personal fief.
This had effectively plunged the state into a seething cauldron of discontent with clashes between traditional chiefs and the British.
Tok Bahaman, the chief of Semantan, joined by other nobleman of the interior including Rasu and his son Mat Kilau, rose to arm and openly challenged the British encroachment in the state.
The ensuing Pahang Uprising which was won by the British, had made Rasu and his son exiles in Terengganu, where he died in 1901.