Why in news?
The Government of Jharkhand observed Hul Diwas on 30 June 2025 to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the Santhal Rebellion, one of the earliest tribal uprisings against British colonial rule and feudal oppression.
Background
- The Santals, an Adivasi community, lived in the forested belt of present‑day Jharkhand and West Bengal. They practised settled agriculture and enjoyed communal land rights.
- Under the British East India Company, revenue settlements allowed zamindars and moneylenders (Mahajans) to impose high taxes and usurious interest. Many Santals were tricked into debt and forced into bonded labour (kamioti or harwahi). The legal system favoured landlords.
- By the 1840s large numbers of Santals had migrated to the Damin‑i‑Koh region after the Company promised land. However, exploitation continued and their grievances were ignored.
- Multiple portents, rumours and prophecies in 1855, such as the appearance of mysterious snakes and the sinking of a gold boat, stirred unrest. Seers like Margo Raja mobilised sentiment against the Company.
Course of the rebellion
- On 30 June 1855, leaders Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu assembled thousands of Santals at Bhognadih and announced rebellion. Tribal elders passed a resolution to establish their own governance and stop paying taxes.
- Santals attacked zamindars, moneylenders and police outposts. The East India Company (EIC) was caught off guard. Reports indicated 9,000 rebels gathering near Rajmahal and Bhagalpur.
- The rebels burned railway bungalows, cut telegraph lines and temporarily disrupted communications. They won early battles at Narayanpur and other sites but lacked modern weapons.
- The British deployed troops, including the 45th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry and Paharia Rangers. In November 1855 the Governor‑General declared martial law from Bhagalpur to Murshidabad. Summary executions and village burnings ensued.
- Sidhu and Kanhu, along with their brothers Chand and Bhairav and sisters Phulo and Jhano, continued guerrilla warfare. However, by December 1855 they were captured and executed.
- Martial law ended in January 1856; by then, an estimated 15,000 Santals and many colonial soldiers had been killed. Villages were destroyed, and thousands were displaced.
Outcomes and legacy
- The rebellion led to the formation of Santal Parganas district under Act 37 of 1855. Special regulations limited the powers of zamindars and recognised traditional tribal councils.
- Later, the Santal Parganas Tenancy Act 1876 provided land rights and protection against alienation. These measures acknowledged the uniqueness of Adivasi land tenure.
- The rebellion inspired later tribal movements (e.g., Birsa Munda’s Ulgulan). Hul Diwas is observed every year in Jharkhand to honour the struggle.
- The uprising is a reminder of the exploitative nature of colonial land revenue policies and the resilience of tribal communities.