This year marks the 169th anniversary of the beginning of the Santhal Hul.

• The Santhal Hul/rebellion was one of the earliest peasant uprisings against British colonial oppression. 
• Every year, the state of Jharkhand celebrates June 30 as ‘Hul Diwas’, marking the beginning of the rebellion.

Santhals

• About: The Santal people, also known as Santalis, were not the original inhabitants of modern-day Santhal Pargana, which includes Dumka, Pakur, Godda, Sahibganj, Deoghar, and parts of Jamtara. 
  • They migrated from the Birbhum and Manbhum regions (present-day Bengal), starting around the late 18th century.
• Reason for Migration: The 1770 famine in Bengal prompted the Santals to begin moving and the British turned to them for help. 
• Current Status: The Santal community is the third largest tribal community in India, spread across Jharkhand-Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Background of the Genesis of the Santhal Hul Revolt

• Permanent Settlement Act of 1790: With the enactment of the Permanent Settlement Act of 1790, the East India Company aimed to bring more area under settled agriculture to increase revenue.
• Settlement in Damin-i-Koh: The British chose the heavily forested area of Damin-i-Koh to be settled by the Santals to ensure a steady stream of revenue. 
  • The Santhals who migrated due to the 1770 famine in Bengal were promised settlement and agricultural opportunities in Damin-i-Koh.
• Colonial Oppression: 
  • Once settled, the Santals faced colonial oppression.
  • They faced repressive practices such as Land-grabbing and Begari (bonded labour).
    • Bonded labour was of two types: Kamioti and Harwahi.
  • Predatory money-lenders and the police became byproducts of the system, exacerbating their plight.

Santhal Hul of 1885

• About: Santhal Hul of 1855 was a revolt against imperialism led by four brothers, Sidho, Kanho, Chand, and Bhairav Murmu, along with sisters Phulo and Jhano.
• Fought against: The Santhals also fought against the upper castes, zamindars, darogas, and moneylenders, described by the umbrella term ‘diku’.
• Reason: In an attempt to safeguard the economic, cultural, and religious aspects of their lives.
• Place of Origin of the Revolt: The rebellion took place in the lush Damin-i-Koh region – ‘Damin-i-Koh’ meaning the ‘skirts of the hills’ – and took the British by complete surprise. 
  • These areas include present-day Sahibganj, Godda, Dumka, Deoghar, Pakur, and parts of Jamtara in Jharkhand, specifically around the Rajmahal Hills of eastern Jharkhand’s Sahibganj district.
• Leadership and Divine Inspiration: The Murmu brothers, inspired by the Santhal God Thakur Bonga’s divination, led the rebellion.
  • Around 60,000 Santhals participated in the uprising against the East India Company.
• Guerrilla Warfare: The Santhals engaged in guerrilla warfare that lasted almost six months.
  • More than 15,000 Santhals were killed, and 10,000 villages were destroyed.
• Suppression of the Rebellion:  The rebellion was finally crushed on January 3, 1856. The 
  • The British hanged Sidhu on August 9, 1855, and Kanhu in February 1856.
  • Although the insurrection ended, its impact was everlasting.

Legislations to safeguard the Adivasis in Jharkhand 

As a result of the Santhal Hul, two important land tenancy Acts were enacted:

• The Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (SPT Act): Enabled the right of the Santhals to self govern.
  • Enacted in: The SPT Act was enacted in 1876 by the british as a result of the Santhal Hul revolt, 
  • Act restricts: The Act prohibits the transfer of Adivasi lands (urban or rural land) to non-Adivasis. 
  • Act allows: The land can only be inherited as per the Act, thus retaining the rights of Santhals to self-govern their land.
• The Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, (CNT Act):
  • Enacted in: As a result of the Birsa Movement, this Act was enacted by the British in 1908.
  • Act Allows: This Act allows land transfers within the same caste and certain geographical areas with the approval of the District Collector. 
  • Act Restricts: 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.

Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store