Why in News?
Police resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas on tribal villagers in Jharkhand’s Bhognadih during Hul Diwas. Villagers were protesting against the dismantling of their stage set up to commemorate the Santhal rebellion. The incident drew widespread political condemnation.
Description:
- Observed on: June 30 (every year in Jharkhand)
- Occasion: To mark the beginning of the Santhal Rebellion (1855).
- Hul means revolution in the Santali language.
- Celebrates the resistance by Adivasis (especially the Santhals) against British colonial rule.
Santhal Rebellion (1855–56):
- Leaders: Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu (Santhal brothers)
- Other notable leaders: Chand and Bhairav Murmu; Phulo and Jhano (led by 1,000 women).
- Seen by some as the first war of Indian independence.
Reasons for Revolt:
- Oppression by:
- British officials, zamindars, and moneylenders
- Forced evictions, extortion, usurious loans (up to 500%)
- Injustice in courts, false market measures
- Economic and social exploitation post 1770 Bengal famine and migration.
Region:
- Damin-i-Koh region (present-day Rajmahal Hills, Sahibganj district, Jharkhand).
- Migration from Birbhum and Manbhum (West Bengal) to Santhal Pargana region (Dumka, Pakur, etc.).
Revolt Characteristics:
- Started with 6,000 Santhals from 400 villages on June 30, 1855.
- Declared autonomy from British rule.
- Estimated 60,000 Santhals joined.
- Attacks on: British officers, police stations, railway and post offices.
- Military organisation: Guerrilla units, spy networks, secret bases, logistics teams.
British Response:
- Declared Martial Law.
- Brutal suppression: mass killings, village burnings, public hangings.
- Rebellion crushed by 1856.
- The British blamed moneylenders (mahajans) more than land policies.
Legacy:
- Commemorated as Hul Diwas in Jharkhand.
- Symbol of tribal assertion, resistance, and sacrifice.
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