4th July 2024 (10 Topics)
The Santhal Hul of 1855
Context
June 30 marks the 169th anniversary of the Santhal Hul, one of the earliest uprisings against British colonial oppression in India.
About the Uprising
- The Santhal Hul (revolution) was a tribal revolt against the atrocities of the upper-caste landlords, moneylenders, traders, police, and administrative officials from the East India Company in the erstwhile Bengal presidency.
- Led by: Murmu brothers — Sidho, Kanho, Chand, and Bhairav — along with sisters Phulo and Jhano.
- The Santhals, originally settled in areas of present-day Jharkhand, faced severe exploitation following their displacement from various regions under British rule.
- Promised lands for settlement and agriculture, they instead experienced land-grabbing and bonded labor practices known as begari.
- The Uprising
- In response to these injustices, around 60,000 Santhals rallied against the East India Company in 1855.
- Their resistance was guided by their belief in Thakur Bonga, their spiritual deity.
- Engaging in guerrilla warfare, they fought for nearly six months before the British finally suppressed the revolt in January 1856.
- The brutal aftermath saw over 15,000 Santhals killed and thousands of villages destroyed.
- Legacy and Impact: Despite the suppression, the Santhal Hul left an enduring impact. The sacrifices of leaders like Sidho and Kanho Murmu catalyzed legislative changes aimed at protecting Adivasi rights.
- The Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act of 1876 (SPT Act) and the Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act of 1908 (CNT Act) were direct outcomes of these struggles.
- The Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act of 1876 (SPT Act): Prohibits the transfer of Adivasi lands (urban or rural land) to non-Adivasis, was the result of the Hul. The land can only be inherited as per the Act, thus retaining the rights of Santhals to self-govern their land.
- The Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act, (CNT Act) enacted by the British in 1908 a result of the Birsa Movement, allows land transfers within the same caste and certain geographical areas with the approval of the District Collector. This Act also restricts the sale of Adivasi and Dalit land, while allowing land transfers between Adivasi individuals from the same police station and Dalits in the same district.
Major Tribal Uprisings
|
Year |
Tribal Uprising |
Features |
|
1776 |
Chuar Uprising |
It was initiated by indigenous tribespeople of Midnapore, in response to land revenue demands and economic hardships. |
|
1818-1831 and 1913 |
Bhil Uprising |
The Uprising took place in the Western Ghats as a resistance against the rule of the Company. It resulted in the formation of Bhil Raj. In 1913, under the leadership of Govind Guru, the Bhil community reorganized and continued their fight for the establishment of Bhil Raj. |
|
1820–37 |
Ho and Munda Uprisings |
The Ho and Munda Uprisings were initiated by the Ho tribals under the leadership of Raja Parahat in the Singhbhum and Chottanagpur regions. These uprisings were in response to the implementation of a new farming revenue policy. Over time, the Ho uprising transformed into the Munda rebellion. |
|
1822-29 |
Ramosi Uprising |
It was led by the Ramosi tribals residing in the Western Ghats. Under the leadership of Chittur Singh, they revolted against the British occupation of the region. |
|
1829 |
Koli Uprising |
The Uprising witnessed multiple revolts by the tribal communities of Gujarat and Maharashtra. They rebelled against the control of the East India Company in the years 1829, 1839, and once more during the period of 1844-48. |
|
1832 |
Kol Rebellion |
It occurred when the tribal communities of Chottanagpur, led by Buddho Bagat, revolted against the British colonial rule and oppressive money lenders. |
|
1837-56 |
Khond Rebellion |
The Rebellion saw the tribal communities residing in the hills from Tamil Nadu to Bengal, led by Chakra Bisoi, rise up against the interference in their tribal customs and the imposition of new taxes. |
|
1899-1900 |
Munda Rebellion |
It involved the tribal population of the Chotanagpur area who, under the leadership of Birsa Munda, revolted against the 'Dikus' (a term used to refer to outsiders or non-tribal people). |
|
1879-80 |
Koya Uprising |
The Uprising witnessed the tribal communities of the eastern Godavari region, led by Tomma Sora and Raja Annantyar, rebelling against the oppressive actions of the police and moneylenders. |
|
1910 |
Bastar Revolt |
The Revolt was staged by the tribal population of Jagdalpur as a protest against the imposition of new feudal and forest levies. |
|
1921-22 |
Chenchus Uprising |
The Uprising took place when the tribal community of Nallamalla Hills, led by K. Hanumanthu, revolted against the forest laws imposed by the British authorities. |
|
1922-24 |
Rampa Rebellion |
It was led by Alluri Sitaraman Raju, a member of the Koya tribe in Andhra Pradesh. The rebellion was launched in response to British interference in the region. |
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