SANTHAL
REBELLION: HISTORY
NEWS: June 30 marks the
169th anniversary of the Santhal Hul, one of the earliest peasant uprisings
against the British.
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
The Prime Minister recently paid tribute to the sacrifices
and bravery of the Santhal tribal community.
Santhal Hul (1855)
Significance
- Hul Diwas: Observed on June
30 in Jharkhand to mark the Santhal Hul anniversary.
- Rebellion: One of the
earliest peasant uprisings against British rule.
Leaders
- Murmu Brothers: Sidho, Kanho, Chand, and Bhairav.
- Murmu Sisters: Phulo and Jhano.
Targets of Rebellion
- Opponents: British
imperialists, upper castes, zamindars, darogas, moneylenders (referred to
as 'diku').
Genesis of the
Uprising
- Santhal Pargana
(Damin-i-Koh): Designated in 1832, present-day
Jharkhand.
- Repressive
Practices: Land-grabbing and begari (bonded labor),
including kamioti and harwahi.
Revolt Details
- Guerrilla Warfare: Led by Murmu
brothers and around 60,000 Santhals against the East India Company.
- Leaders' Fate: Sidho hanged in
1855, Kanho in 1856.
Legal Acts
Santhal Pargana
Tenancy Act (1876):
- Prohibits transfer of Adivasi lands to
non-Adivasis.
- Ensures Santhals retain rights to
self-govern their land.
Chotanagpur Tenancy
Act (1908):
·
Allows land transfers within the same caste
and certain geographical areas with District Collector's approval.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/santhal-hul-land-tenancy-acts-9424054/