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Santhal Rebellion: Background, Causes, Significance - UPSC Notes
IMPORTANT LINKS
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Syllabus |
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Topics for Prelims |
Santhal Hul of 1855, Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act of 1876, Diku, Tribal Revolts, Munda Rebellion. |
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Topics for Mains |
Tribal revolts in colonial India, Tribal land rights and colonial policies, Modern Indian history |
Santhal Rebellion - Background
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.
- The British tried to intervene by creating Damin-i-Koh in 1832-33, allocating land to the Santhals.
- Over time, British policies and the exploitation by Zamindars and money lenders deprived the Santhals of their land and forced them into more severe poverty.
- The resulting pressure culminated in the Santhal Rebellion, marking a pivotal revolt against British colonial rule.
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Who were the Santhal Tribes?
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.
- Traditionally, the Santhals had been agriculturists, relying on the land for their livelihood. Their spiritual practices were closely linked to their agricultural lifestyle.
- The Santhal community had a robust social structure, with their society being classified into different clans known as 'parhas.'
- They followed animism, a thought system powerfully rooted in nature worship.
- They honored spirits associated with the earth, water, and forests.
Background to the Santhal Revolt (1855 - 56)
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.
How Was the Revolt Different From the Other Revolts?
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
Causes of the Santhal Revolt
- In 1793, the British East India Company introduced the Permanent Settlement System.
- Zamindars gained long-lasting rights to property by paying set amounts to the government.
- Zamindars misused their power to oppress and enslave peasants, leading to resentment among the Santhal community.
- Santhals faced exploitation through high-interest loans and lost their land and freedom.
- The British police supported zamindars and moneylenders in violently evicting the Santhals.
- The traditional social and political structures of the Santhals were disrupted, pushing them into debt and poverty.
- Santhals revolted against the British and Zamindars due to economic hardship.
- Unfamiliar with money, Santhals relied on moneylenders at exorbitant rates, trapping them in debt.
- To escape their predicament, resistance against the British and reclaiming their traditional lifestyle were the only options for the Santhals.
Read the Revolt of 1857: Political and Economic Causes for UPSC Exam.
Significance of the Santhal Rebellion
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.
Santhal Rebellion Events
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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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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Subject-wise Prelims Previous Year Questions |
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Santhal Revolt FAQs
Who was the prominent leader of the Santhal revolt?
The prominent leader of the Santhal revolt was Sidhu Murmu.
What was the importance of the Santhal revolt?
The Santhal revolt was an important tribal uprising against British colonial rule in India. It highlighted the grievances of the Santhal community and their struggle for land rights and autonomy.
What were the consequences of the Santhal revolt?
The consequences of the Santhal revolt included a violent suppression by the British, the displacement of many Santhal people from their lands, and the eventual loss of their autonomy.
What was the failure of the Santhal rebellion?
The Santhal rebellion failed to achieve its main objectives of securing land rights and independence from British rule. The British forces managed to quell the uprising and maintain their control over the region.
What was created after the Santhal revolt?
After the Santhal revolt, the British colonial administration implemented stricter land laws and regulations that further marginalized the Santhal community and limited their access to resources.
Why did the Santhals revolt against the British?
The Santhals revolted against the British due to their exploitation and oppression, particularly regarding land issues. They sought to reclaim their traditional lands and protect their way of life.