The Santhal Hul Rebellion was a major uprising in 1855 against British colonial rule in India. Led by Sido and Kanhu Murmu, along with their siblings, this rebellion occurred in the Damin-i-Koh region of present-day Jharkhand. It was a significant moment in the history of tribal resistance against colonial exploitation.
| Relevancy for Prelims: Santhal Hul Rebellion, Damin-i-Koh region, Sido and Kanhu Murmu, etc.
Relevancy for Mains: Factors that led to Santhal rebellion, Santhal rebellion impact on colonial policies, etc. |
Background of the Santhal Hul Rebellion
- 1832- Creation of Damin-i-Koh: The British created ‘Damin-i-Koh’, an area of 1,366 square miles, as a designated region for the Santhals.
- Invitation to Santhals: Santhals were invited to clear forests and cultivate land in this newly created area.
- British Motives: The British aimed to collect revenue from Santhal labor, viewing it as an opportunity for economic gain.
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Exploitation of Santhals
- Land Grabbing: Zamindars created fake documents to claim Santhal lands, depriving them of their rightful property.
- Exorbitant Interest Rates: Moneylenders charged interest rates as high as 500%, trapping Santhals in a cycle of debt.
- Corrupt Officials: British officers took bribes and ignored Santhal grievances, leaving them without recourse.
Leaders of the Santhal Hul Rebellion
- Sido and Kanhu Murmu: The main leaders from Bhognadih village who spearheaded the rebellion.
- Chand and Bhairav Murmu: Brothers who joined the cause and supported the rebellion.
- Phulo and Jhano: Sisters who provided crucial support to the rebellion effort.
The Spark of Santhal Hul Rebellion
- Divine Vision: Sido had a vision from Thakur Bonga, the Santhal deity, which inspired the rebellion.
- Divine Message: The message received was: “You are my son. Go, liberate your people.”
- Decision to Fight: This vision led to the decision to fight against the oppression faced by the Santhals.
Preparation for the Santhal Hul Rebellion
- Gathering Support: Leaders traveled village to village, rallying support for the cause.
- Weapon Crafting: Weapons were made from sal tree branches and bamboo, showcasing resourcefulness.
- Assembly at Bhognadih: 10,000 Santhals assembled at Bhognadih.
The Rebellion Begins
- Declaration of Independence: The rebels declared: “We will not recognize British rule anymore”
- Growing Army: The army swelled to 60,000 Santhals, showing widespread support.
- Guerrilla Tactics: The rebels used guerrilla warfare tactics against British forces.
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Suppression of the Santhal Hul Rebellion
- Santhals killed: Over 15,000.
- Villages destroyed: 10,000.
- Displaced Santhals: Thousands fled to jungles.
- Additional casualties: Many died of hunger and disease.
Fate of the Leaders
- Sido Murmu: Hanged on August 9, 1855, in Bhagalpur jail.
- Kanhu Murmu: Executed in February 1856 in Kolkata’s Alipur jail.
- Chand and Bhairav Murmu: Captured and met a tragic end.
- Administrative Changes: Formation of separate Santhal Pargana administrative unit.
- Governance System: Introduction of non- regulation system in Santhal areas.
- Land Reforms: Land revenue reforms and new survey conducted in 1856.
- Judicial Reforms: Implementation of Santhal Pargana Civil Rules in 1856 to address Santhal grievances.
- Financial Regulations: New regulations on moneylending practices to prevent exploitation.
- Forest Rights: Recognition of forest rights in the Indian Forest Act of 1865.
Key Legislation Following the Rebellion
- 1876: Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act enacted to protect Santhal land rights.
- 1908: Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act passed, further safeguarding tribal land.
- Ongoing: Both acts remain valid and continue to protect tribal land rights.
Long-term Impacts of the Sathal Hul Rebellion
- Tribal Rights Awareness: The rebellion led to increased awareness of tribal rights across India.
- Inspiration for Movements: It served as an inspiration for later tribal movements against exploitation.
- Legal Developments: The rebellion contributed to the development of land alienation laws to protect tribal interests.
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Conclusion
The Santhal Rebellion, led by Sido and Kanhu Murmu, catalyzed significant legal reforms and heightened awareness of tribal rights, inspiring future movements against exploitation.
July 1, 2024
