The Santhal rebellion took place in the year 1855-56.
When the British rule was ruling all over India. Big leaders used to avoid speaking in front of him. Even the contractors and Kotedars living under the patronage of the British had created terror. They would occupy the lands of the Santhal community people. They would give them loans and then harass them in the name of interest. When the people of the tribal community, who live in the forests and earn their livelihood, got fed up of their terror, a big movement started, which later came to be known as Hool Day.
Come, let us understand the whole story on the pretext of Holi Day. It is celebrated every year on 30 June. Hool Day reminds us of the bravery of the Santhal community. It is celebrated in his memory. The Santhal rebellion took place in the year 1855-56. This rebellion was carried out by the tribal community against sacrilege and injustice, due to which the British and their officials also fell prey to it.
After all, who were the Santhals?
Santhal is a tribal community. They lived in the forests of Eastern India. The then Eastern India mainly consisted of today’s Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar and Odisha. Their livelihood depended on farming and forest produce. He had no special connection with the society outside the forest. They followed their customs and traditions. No one could force them.
In the year 1855, the Santhals got organized and revolted against the British. Photo: The Illustrated London News
What was the reason for the rebellion of Santhal community?
The British rule and local brokers started occupying their land. Landlords and contractors imposed heavy taxes. Moneylenders gave loans and when repayment was not made they confiscated the land. The new white-collar servants and railway workers also played with them. The rules of the forests were changed. After this, the daily lifestyle of the people of the community gradually deteriorated. This rebellion started due to some concrete reasons.
They did not understand the new laws
When the British started tightening their grip on the country, people of the Santhal community also became its victims. Because they lived in the forest. While eating and drinking the produce there, he did not understand English law. Gradually the British adopted many methods to put pressure on them. The contractors cheated them. It was not the local Naxalites, but contractors and landlords, who were claiming rights over the land of the Santhal community with the support of the British rule. Many times women and children were also tortured. Cultural and economic freedom started breaking down. All this together was enough to spark rebellion.
The British rule and local brokers had captured the land of the Santhal community.
This is how the rebellion started
When terror increased, the Santhals organized and revolted in the year 1855. This rebellion did not come suddenly. Anger was already building. The problems of land and debt had deepened. People started gathering under the leadership of leaders named Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu. Gradually local leaders also started joining. As anger increased, people took up arms and started protesting against contractors and government institutions. Some attacks also started happening. Both Sidhu and Kanhu were like brothers. They were simple and effective. He called the villagers and united them. His aim was to end oppression. He was very courageous and directly challenged the British and the contractors. People started believing in him and following him.
Then the rebellion grew
Within no time the rebellion soon took a widespread form. Santhals attacked many positions of the British. Some towns and police posts were targeted. The British administration initially considered it a local riot. But as the situation escalated, the British officers sent military forces. Many battles took place. There was also bloodshed. Then Santhals got their first success. But, it was difficult for them to survive in front of modern weapons and organized army.
Many leaders were hanged, hundreds were arrested
The British sent a large number of soldiers. They resorted to extreme violence. Villages were destroyed. Many Santhals were killed. Hundreds were arrested. In this way the rebellion was suppressed. Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu were caught by the British administration and later hanged. His brothers Chand and Bhairav and sisters Phulojhano also lost their lives in this struggle. Some leaders were caught and hanged or sent to jail. After this violence, the Santhal community suffered huge losses and the rebellion weakened.
New administrative units established in Santhal areas
After suppressing the rebellion, the British administration took another step. Santhal areas were made a separate administrative unit. Its objective was to establish peace by separating those areas. New administrative boundaries and rules provided some protection. But the roots of the problem were not completely eliminated. The British changed many policies later.
Why is Hool Day celebrated on 30th June?
Hool is a word of Santhali language. In fact, on June 30, 1855, a big Santhal meeting was held in Bhognadih village. On the same day Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu announced the beginning of the rebellion. Therefore, every year June 30 is remembered as Hool Day. Hundreds of thousands of Santhal people gathered in Bhognadih. There he decided to organize a rebellion against the British, moneylenders and landlords.
They stood up demanding protection of their rights and land. This incident is recorded in history as Hool. This day is dedicated to the memory and sacrifice of Santhals. Programs are held at different places. There are public vigils, poetry recitations, dances and speeches. People respect the bravery of their ancestors. This day also reminds us of tribal rights.
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