SANTHAL HUL - MODERN
HISTORY
News: PM Modi pays tribute to
Santhal freedom fighters
What's in the news?
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 111th episode
of Mann Ki Baat, the first after assuming office for the third consecutive
term, paid tributes to the sacrifices and bravery of the Santhal tribal
community.
Santhal Hul:
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The Santhal
people revolted against the British East India Company and the Zamindari
system, also known as the Santhal Rebellion or Santhal Hul.
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The rebellion began on June 30, 1855.
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Martial Law was imposed on November 10, 1855, by the
East India Company, lasting until January 3, 1856, when the rebellion was
suppressed.
Santhals:
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Santhals were agricultural people living in the Rajmahal Hills of Bihar.
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Ol Chiki (Ol Chemet) is the writing script of
Santhals.
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The British asked them to clear forests for
agriculture to increase revenue.
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Damin-i-Koh (1832) was created as a designated
area for Santhals, now known as Santhal Pargana.
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Over time, the British began exploiting the
Santhals, leading to the Santhal Rebellion.
Causes of the Santhal
Revolt:
1. Permanent Settlement
System (1793):
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Introduced by the British East India Company,
giving Zamindars long-lasting property rights.
2. Oppression by
Zamindars:
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Zamindars misused their power to oppress and
enslave peasants, leading to resentment.
3. Exploitation and Debt:
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Santhals faced exploitation through high-interest
loans and lost their land and freedom.
4. Violent Suppressions:
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British police supported Zamindars and moneylenders
in evicting Santhals violently.
5. Disruption of
Traditional Structures:
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Traditional social and political structures of the
Santhals were disrupted, pushing them into debt and poverty.
6. Economic Hardship:
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Led to the Santhals revolting against the British
and Zamindars to escape their predicament.