Santhal Rebellion (Hul) - 170th Anniversary

On June 30, 2025, India marked the 170th anniversary of the Santhal Rebellion, or Hul, which began in 1855 and was one of the earliest tribal uprisings against British colonialism. The Santhal Rebellion is significant not only as an act of defiance against colonial oppression but also as a precursor to the larger Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Background of the Rebellion

The Santhal Rebellion took place in the Rajmahal hills of Jharkhand, two years before the much-discussed 1857 Uprising. The Santhals, a large tribal community, had been subjected to multiple forms of exploitation by the British colonial administration and their collaborators, particularly zamindars (landowners) and moneylenders.

The roots of the rebellion trace back to 1832 when the British East India Company created the Damin-i-Koh region. This area, in the forested belt of the Rajmahal hills, was allocated to the Santhals who had been displaced from their original homelands in the Bengal Presidency, including Birbhum, Murshidabad, Bhagalpur, Barabhum, Manbhum, Palamau, and Chhotanagpur.

While the British promised settlement and agriculture for the Santhals, the actual situation turned out to be exploitative. The Santhals faced:

• Land-grabbing by British officials and their collaborators.

• Begari (bonded labor) in two forms: kamioti (work for food) and harwahi (forced labor).

• Rising economic exploitation through corrupt moneylenders.

The Rebellion Leaders: Sidhu and Kanhu

The Santhal Rebellion was spearheaded by two brothers, Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, who led the uprising against British oppression. These leaders communicated their plans using a unique system of folded sal leaves called Dharwak, which helped them mobilize support.

Sidhu and Kanhu were joined by several other members of their family and community, including:

• Their brothers, Chand and Bairab.

• Their sisters, Phulo and Jhano Murmu, who played a pivotal role in inspiring women to join the rebellion and take up arms against the British.

The Santhals gathered 10,000 people for the revolt, and the rebellion rapidly spread across a wide region of the Rajmahal hills. The community-based nature of the uprising was such that it united 32 castes and communities who rallied around the Santhal cause.

Course of the Rebellion

The rebellion was a well-organized revolt against colonialism, and the Santhals fought valiantly, employing guerrilla warfare tactics. However, despite their efforts, they were overpowered by the British forces, which used modern firearms and even war elephants to crush the rebellion. After months of conflict, the British defeated the Santhals in 1856, and both Sidhu and Kanhu were killed.

The defeat, however, did not extinguish the Santhal spirit. Their bravery continues to inspire tribal communities across India to this day.

The Santhal Tribe: Who are They?

The Santhal tribe was one of the largest tribal communities in India, primarily residing in Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.

• Cultural Heritage: The Santhals have a rich cultural heritage with their distinct language (Santhali) and a deep connection to their land and the nature surrounding them.

  Traditional Occupation: The Santhals were primarily agriculturists, heavily dependent on farming for their livelihood. They had a deep spiritual connection to the land, believing in animism and the worship of spirits associated with nature (earth, water, and forests).

  Social Structure: The Santhal community had a well-organized social system, with its society divided into various clans known as ‘parhas’.

  Beliefs: The Santhals followed animism, a belief system that focuses on the reverence of nature and spirits. They worshipped natural elements like forests, rivers, and earth, reflecting their deep connection to the environment.

Significance of the Santhal Rebellion

The Santhal Rebellion was a precursor to other uprisings against British colonial rule, including the 1857 Uprising. It marked the first organized revolt by tribal communities against British exploitation, setting the stage for further movements of resistance.

• Tribal Uprisings: The rebellion highlighted the growing discontent of tribal communities, which were being systematically dispossessed of their land, resources, and autonomy by the colonial state.

  Inspiration for Future Movements: It also served as a cultural and political inspiration for subsequent resistance movements and was instrumental in fostering a sense of tribal identity and unity in later years.

Conclusion

The Santhal Rebellion remains a critical chapter in the history of India’s struggle against British colonialism. The courage and determination of leaders like Sidhu, Kanhu, and the contributions of their family members, especially Phulo and Jhano, were significant in shaping tribal resistance movements. Although the rebellion was eventually crushed, its legacy is still celebrated today as a symbol of indigenous resistance and the fight for justice and freedom.