Santhal Hul – 170th Anniversary of Tribal Rebellion

Current Context: Santhal Hul or the Santhal Rebellion, began in June 1855, marks its 170th anniversary in 2025. Observed as ‘Hul Diwas’ annually on June 30 in Jharkhand

About the Rebellion:

• Organised tribal uprising by the Santhal community against British colonialism
• Led by Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, along with Chand and Bhairav
• Took place in the region of Damin-i-Koh (now in Jharkhand)

Causes:

• Exploitative practices by British officials, zamindars, and moneylenders
• Land alienation, bonded labour (kamioti/harwahi), and broken promises of cultivation rights
• Initiated after prolonged oppression since Santhal settlement in 1832

Course of Rebellion:

• Started on 30 June 1855 at Bhognadih
• Around 60,000 Santhals rose in revolt
• Fought using guerrilla tactics, but were ultimately defeated by the British military
• Leaders Sidhu and Kanhu were captured and executed

About the Santhal Tribe:

• Originally from Birbhum and Manbhum (Bengal Presidency)
• Migrated due to the 1770 Bengal famine and British land policies
• Now one of India’s largest tribal groups, residing mainly in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal
• First large-scale tribal uprising in India (preceded 1857 Revolt)
• Led to administrative reforms like the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act, 1876.