Pinki BorahSanthal Rebellion
The Santhal Rebellion was one of the first major tribal revolts in India against the British colonial government and their allies like moneylenders, zamindars, and traders. It started in the year 1855 and is remembered as a bold and brave fight by the Santhal tribal community to protect their land, rights, and dignity.
The word Hul, in the Santhali language, means revolution or rebellion. Therefore, the Santhal Rebellion is also called the Santhal Hul. It took place two years before the Revolt of 1857, showing that tribal people were already standing up against colonial injustice even before the rest of India joined the freedom struggle.
Who Were the Santhals and What Was Their Way of Life?
The Santhals are an indigenous tribal community primarily living in the regions of present-day Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam. They have a deep connection with nature and forests. Traditionally, they were farmers, hunters, and forest dwellers.
The Santhals lived simple lives based on community values, respect for nature, and self-reliance. They had their own language called Santhali, as well as rich customs, dances, songs, and festivals.
Before the arrival of the British and their system, Santhals lived freely, cultivating land and practicing their own traditions. They respected their elders, lived in harmony, and did not rely on outside moneylenders or landlords.
Causes of the Santhal Rebellion
1. British Rule and Exploitation
The British East India Company established its power in eastern India and began tax collection through a system known as the Zamindari system. In this system, zamindars (landlords) collected heavy taxes from poor Santhal farmers. These taxes were often unfair and cruel, making life very difficult for the Santhals.
2. Loss of Tribal Land
Santhals were slowly being pushed out of their lands. Outsiders like moneylenders, traders, and landlords, with the support of British policies, took control of tribal lands using fake documents or illegal methods. The Santhals, who lived freely on their ancestral land, were now made tenants or even laborers on their own land.
3. Debt Slavery and Cheating by Moneylenders
Santhal farmers often needed small loans. But the moneylenders (known as mahajans) charged very high interest rates. When the Santhals could not repay, they were forced to work as bonded laborers without pay or for very little wages. Their cattle, grains, and even land were taken away.
4. Oppression by Local Officials and Police
The Santhals also suffered from police brutality and corruption. Many government officers, police, and courts did not support the tribal people. Instead, they worked with zamindars and moneylenders. Santhals were treated as inferior and uncivilized, and their complaints were often ignored.
When and Where Did the Santhal Rebellion Take Place?
The Santhal Rebellion began on 30th June 1855 in the village of Bhognadih, which is now in the Sahibganj district of Jharkhand. It quickly spread across the Santhal Parganas region, covering parts of modern-day Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal.
Over 60,000 Santhals from around 400 villages joined the movement. They stood united to challenge the British rule and restore their freedom.
Leadership During the Santhal Rebellion
1. Sidhu Murmu
Sidhu Murmu was a visionary leader who inspired thousands of Santhals to join the rebellion. He played a central role in organizing the resistance.
2. Kanhu Murmu
Kanhu Murmu, Sidhu’s brother, worked closely with him and led the armed forces during battles against the British troops.
3. Chand and Bhairav Murmu
They were also brothers of Sidhu and Kanhu and contributed greatly to the military and spiritual strength of the Santhal army.
Together, these four brothers became legendary figures in Santhal history and are still honored for their leadership, bravery, and sacrifice.
How the Santhal Rebellion Was Fought
The Santhal fighters used traditional weapons like bows, arrows, axes, and spears. They did not have modern guns like the British. However, their determination, courage, and unity gave them strength.
The Santhals:
- Burned government offices
- Destroyed records of debt and land ownership
- Attacked corrupt moneylenders and British police stations
- Established their own form of governance, collecting taxes and settling disputes without British help
The Santhals believed in freedom, equality, and justice, and they were ready to die for it.
British Reaction to the Santhal Rebellion
At first, the British officials were shocked and unprepared. But soon, they brought in a large number of trained British and Indian troops. The Santhals were surrounded and attacked from many directions.
Due to their lack of advanced weapons, many Santhal fighters were killed. Their villages were burned, and thousands of Santhal men, women, and children lost their lives. Even Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu were captured and executed.
By the middle of 1856, the rebellion was completely crushed, but the spirit of the Santhal people could never be broken.
Aftermath and Legacy of the Santhal Rebellion
1. British Policy Changes
After seeing the tribal anger, the British created a separate administrative region called Santhal Parganas to provide some protection to tribal land and culture. Laws like the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act were later passed to control exploitation.
2. Tribal Identity and Pride
The Santhal Rebellion gave tribal people a sense of identity, dignity, and history. It reminded India that even poor and marginalized communities could rise and fight for justice.
3. Memorials and Celebrations
- June 30 is celebrated every year as Santhal Hul Diwas
- Statues of Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu have been built in many towns
- Schools, colleges, and roads are named in their memory
- Their story is taught in Indian history books as a symbol of tribal resistance
Importance of the Santhal Rebellion in Indian History
- It was India’s first large-scale tribal revolt against the British
- It occurred before the Revolt of 1857, showing the early anger against colonial rule
- It challenged the British economic and social system
- It raised the demand for land rights, justice, and tribal self-rule
- It inspired later tribal movements and freedom struggles across India
Conclusion: Why the Santhal Rebellion Still Matters
The Santhal Rebellion is not just a story of the past. It teaches us the importance of:
- Fighting against injustice
- Protecting one’s land and culture
- Standing united for a common cause
The courage shown by the Santhal community, led by Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav Murmu, continues to inspire people in India today. Their sacrifice reminds us that even the most humble people can rise to become heroes of history when they fight for truth, dignity, and freedom.
Neha Baruah
Pinki Borah
Asik Syed
Tazrin Jakaria