Syllabus |
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Topics for Prelims |
Santhal Hul of 1855, Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act of 1876, Diku, Tribal Revolts, Munda Rebellion. |
Topics for Mains |
Tribal revolts in colonial India, Tribal land rights and colonial policies, Modern Indian history |
The Santhal Rebellion (1855-1856), also known as the Santhal Hul, was one of the most influential tribal revolts against British rule in India. Led by Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, it developed in the Santhal Parganas, an area now part of modern-day Jharkhand. This rebellion marked a vital moment in the history of India's freedom struggle.
The Santhal Rebellion was a reaction to the exploitation and pressure faced by the Santhals at the hands of the British authorities and their collaborators, including landlords (zamindars), money-lenders (Mahajan), and corrupt officials.
The Santhal Rebellion is a topic relevant to the UPSC CSE context under General Studies Paper I. It is a basic topic for aspirants to understand the dynamic aspect of the Santhal Rebellion . The Santhal Rebellion is an essential topic for UPSC Civil Services because it highlights the Santhal Rebellion, which are frequently discussed in the exam. The Santhal Rebellion is significant from the perspective of UPSC IAS Examinations for both prelims and mains. In this article, we shall discuss in detail about the Santhal Rebellion. Join UPSC Coaching today to boost your preparation.
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The Santhal Rebellion (1855-1856) was caused by extreme social and economic exploitation by the Santhals, a primarily pastoral tribal group. Inspired by the British to settle in the Rajmahal foothills to increase agricultural revenue, the Santhals disputed land with the Paharias. While the Santhals embraced settled farming, the Paharias depended on shifting cultivation, leading to a long-standing rivalry.
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The Santhals were one of the largest tribal communities in India, primarily residing in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. They were known for their rich cultural heritage, distinct language (Santhali), and profound relationship to their inhabited motherland.
The Santhal Revolt was significant in India in the mid-19th century. The Santhals were a tribal community residing in present-day Jharkhand and West Bengal regions. They were facing oppression and exploitation by moneylenders, landlords, and British colonial authorities.
The revolt began in 1855 under the leadership of two brothers, Sidhu and Kanhu, who rallied the Santhal community against the unjust policies and excessive taxation imposed on them. The santhal revolt spread quickly. The Santhal revolt displayed remarkable bravery and unity in their resistance. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Santhal people in their fight for justice and equality.
Study the article Military Causes of Revolt of 1857 here.
The Santhal Revolt was different from other modern historical revolts in several ways. It occurred in India during the mid-19th century and was led by the Santhal tribe, a marginalized indigenous community. The revolt was primarily a fight against the oppressive actions of moneylenders, landlords, and the British colonial administration.
Secondly, unlike other revolts focused on political or religious issues, the Santhal Revolt was primarily an agrarian uprising. The Santhals were farmers who faced exploitative land laws, high taxes, and forced labor. Their main objective was to reclaim their traditional lands and achieve economic freedom.
Lastly, the Santhal Revolt was characterized by a strong sense of tribal unity and organization. The Santhals formed a large army led by tribal chiefs and adopted guerrilla warfare tactics to challenge the British forces.
Check out this article, Revolt of 1857
Read the Revolt of 1857: Political and Economic Causes for UPSC Exam.
The British East India Company made the local indigenous people follow the zamindari system. The Santhal Rebellion showed how harsh it was and exposed the exploitative behavior of moneylenders. The rebellion took place in Jharkhand, which was created in 2000. It influenced the Naxalite movement, which aimed to address land rights and the exploitation of tribal communities.
The uprising was significant for the Santhali identity and resistance against persecution. It led the British government to pass the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act in 1876, offering protection to some tribal members. The rebellion marked a turning point in developing the modern Santhali identity and resistance against persecution.
Study the article Champaran Satyagraha here.
Date |
Event |
June 30th, 1855 |
Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, along with 10,000 Santhal leaders, declared a revolt against the British East India Company. Their aim was to free their country from British rule. Phulo and Jhano, the Murmu brothers' sisters, also participated. |
Tactics |
The Santhal employed guerrilla tactics, targeting zamindars, moneylenders, and their supporters. They gained control over areas including the Rajmahal Hills, Bhirbhum, and the Bhagalpur district. The villagers resisted the arrest of the Murmu brothers by killing the policemen. They also disrupted postal and railway services. |
British Response |
The British government initially sent a small force to suppress the rebellion but failed. As the situation escalated, the East India Company dispatched additional troops. Martial law was imposed from November 10, 1855, to January 3, 1856. |
Outcome |
Approximately 15,000 Santhal peasants, including Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, were killed by British soldiers, who also burned their villages. Local professions such as milkmen and blacksmiths supported the Santhal uprising, while landlords sided with the government. Although the rebellion was eventually suppressed, it had a lasting impact on the relationship between the Santhal community and British authority. |
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