Sahibganj (Jharkhand): The historic village of Bhognadih in Jharkhand’s Sahibganj district is preparing to commemorate the 171st anniversary of the Santhal Hul, one of India’s earliest and most significant anti-colonial uprisings. Thousands of people are expected to gather on June 30 beneath the centuries-old banyan tree at Pachkatia, where the historic rebellion was launched in 1855.
It was at this very site on June 30, 1855, that tribal leaders Sidhu Murmu, Kanhu Murmu, Chand Murmu, Bairab Murmu, Phulo Murmu and Jhano Murmu called upon their people to rise against British colonial rule, exploitative moneylenders and the feudal system. Their movement began two years before the Revolt of 1857 and is regarded by many historians as India’s first organised freedom struggle.
The Jharkhand government will organise a state-level programme at Bhognadih to pay tribute to the martyrs of the uprising. Hul Diwas is observed across the state every year, but the birthplace of the rebellion remains the focal point of the commemorations, drawing people from Jharkhand as well as neighbouring states.
Over the years, Hul Diwas has evolved into more than a remembrance ceremony. It has become a symbol of tribal identity, resistance and pride, highlighting the sacrifices made by indigenous communities in the fight against colonial oppression.
While conventional history books often describe the 1857 uprising as India’s First War of Independence, several tribal historians argue that the Santhal Hul deserves that recognition. They contend that it was a well-organised mass movement with a clear objective of ending British rule and liberating local communities from economic and social exploitation.
Ranendra, former Director of the Ram Dayal Munda Tribal Research Institute and a retired IAS officer, has pointed out that the significance of the Santhal Hul extended beyond India. Political philosopher Karl Marx referred to the uprising in his writings, including Notes on Indian History, while newspapers in London reported extensively on the fierce resistance mounted by the Santhal community.
Historical records indicate that nearly 20,000 people assembled at Bhognadih under the leadership of Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu and their siblings before declaring their resolve to drive the British out of the region. What followed was a large-scale armed rebellion involving Santhals and several other indigenous and agrarian communities.
Armed mainly with bows, arrows, axes and other traditional weapons, the rebels inflicted significant losses on the East India Company’s forces despite lacking modern arms. They fought notable battles at Pirpainti on July 16, 1855, and Birbhum on July 21, 1855.
According to research cited by Sudhir Pal, author of the Jharkhand Encyclopaedia, the movement had a well-developed organisational structure, including military units, intelligence networks, communication systems and supply chains. The uprising also received support from several communities, including the Paharias, Ahirs, Lohars and other local groups, reflecting its broad social base.
Historians estimate that more than 50,000 people from around 52 villages participated in the rebellion, with over 10,000 sacrificing their lives during the year-long struggle.
Alarmed by the scale of the revolt, British authorities launched massive military operations to suppress it. Chand and Bairab Murmu were killed in the fighting, while Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu were eventually captured and executed. Sidhu was hanged from the banyan tree at Pachkatia, which continues to stand as a powerful symbol of sacrifice, while Kanhu was executed in Bhognadih.
Independent India has acknowledged the contribution of the Santhal leaders to some extent. In 2002, the Central government issued a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu. However, many scholars and tribal leaders believe the Santhal Hul still does not occupy the place it deserves in the national narrative of India’s freedom movement.
As Jharkhand marks the 171st anniversary of the historic uprising, Bhognadih once again becomes a place of remembrance, honouring the courage and sacrifice of the tribal heroes whose struggle for justice, dignity and self-rule continues to inspire generations.
With inputs from IANS