Thursday, September 19, 2019
Santhal Rebellion 1855:
The Santhal Rebellion, also known as the Santhal Hool or the Santhal Revolt, took place in 1855-1856 in the Chotanagpur plateau region, which is now part of the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar in India. The rebellion was led by the Santhal tribal community against the oppressive policies and actions of the British colonial administration and the local landlords.
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| Santhal Rebellion 1855 |
Here are key aspects of the Santhal Rebellion:
1. Background:
The Santhals were an Adivasi (indigenous) community living in the hilly areas of Chotanagpur.
The British colonial administration and local landlords imposed various oppressive policies, including heavy land taxes and forced labor, which affected the traditional agrarian life of the Santhals.
2. Leadership:
The rebellion was led by two brothers, Sidhu and Kanhu, who were joined by another leader, Chand, and their followers.
The leaders mobilized the Santhal community against the British and the local landlords.
3. Causes:
The Santhals were discontented with the imposition of the Permanent Settlement of 1793, which led to the alienation of their lands.
Heavy land taxes, extortion by moneylenders, and oppressive labor practices fueled the discontent among the Santhals.
4. Outbreak of Rebellion:
The rebellion began on June 30, 1855, when the Santhals rose in open revolt against the British and the local authorities.
The Santhals attacked symbols of authority, including police stations, government offices, and the houses of landlords.
5. Nature of Rebellion:
The Santhals, relying on guerrilla tactics, engaged in hit-and-run warfare against the British forces.
The rebels also sought to establish their own rule and protect their traditional way of life.
6. Suppression:
The British responded with a strong military force to suppress the rebellion.
The conflict resulted in several battles and skirmishes between the Santhals and the British forces.
7. Outcome:
The rebellion was eventually crushed by the British, and the leaders, Sidhu, Kanhu, and Chand, were captured and executed.
The Santhal Rebellion did, however, draw attention to the issues faced by indigenous communities and contributed to discussions on land reforms and tribal rights.
8. Impact:
The rebellion had a lasting impact on the Santhal community's consciousness and its struggle for identity and rights.
The grievances of the Santhals were considered in later land and forest policies.
The Santhal Rebellion remains a significant episode in the history of tribal resistance against British colonialism in India.