Santhal Hul: The First Great Tribal Uprising Against British Rule
The Santhal Hul of 1855–56 stands as one of the earliest and most powerful uprisings against British colonial rule in India. Occurring two years before the Revolt of 1857, it was a mass tribal movement that shook the foundations of the East India Company’s administration. Led by the legendary brothers Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, along with their courageous sisters Phulo and Jhano, the rebellion showcased the collective strength, unity, and indomitable spirit of the Santhal people. More than just a revolt, the Santhal Hul was a declaration of dignity, justice, and the right to live freely on one’s own land.
This article explores the background, causes, leadership, progression, and lasting impact of the Santhal Hul, highlighting its critical place in India’s freedom struggle.
Who Are the Santhals?
The Santhals are one of India’s largest Adivasi communities, known for their rich cultural heritage, music, dance, and deep bond with forests and land. Historically, they inhabited regions of present-day Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. The British encouraged them to migrate to the Damin-i-Koh area of the Rajmahal Hills in the early 19th century to cultivate land and develop agriculture.
Initially, the Santhals enjoyed a peaceful life, clearing forests and establishing prosperous villages. But within a few decades, the region turned into a site of extreme exploitation as the British administrative system empowered outsiders—moneylenders, landlords, and corrupt officials—who gradually destroyed the Santhals’ way of life.
Causes of the Santhal Hul
The Santhal Hul was not born out of a sudden spark but out of years of injustice and suffering. The major causes include:
1. Exploitation by Dikus
The Santhals used the word “dikus” to refer to exploitative outsiders. These included zamindars, mahajans (moneylenders), and middlemen who forced the Santhals into debt bondage, seized their land, and extorted illegal taxes. Many Santhals became slaves on their own land.
2. British-Supported Corruption
British officials consistently sided with moneylenders and landlords. Complaints by Santhals were ignored, and the colonial legal system was alien and inaccessible. Instead of receiving justice, Santhals faced more oppression.
3. Brutality of the Colonial Police
The British-established police force became synonymous with torture and extortion. They imposed false cases and used violence without accountability.
4. Loss of Traditional Livelihood
As forests were taken over and commercial activities expanded, Santhals lost access to hunting, gathering, and shifting agriculture—activities central to their culture and survival.
5. Threat to Tribal Identity
Missionary pressures, forced conversions, and attacks on traditional Santhal customs created widespread resentment.
These factors combined to create a climate of anger and resistance that eventually erupted into a large-scale uprising.
Leadership of the Murmu Siblings
The soul of the Santhal Hul lay in its charismatic leaders—Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu. According to Santhal oral tradition, the brothers proclaimed they had received divine inspiration from Thakur, the supreme deity of the Santhals, to overthrow British rule and restore justice.
Their sisters Phulo and Jhano Murmu also played a remarkable role in mobilizing women warriors and strengthening the organizational framework of the rebellion. The unity of the Murmu siblings inspired tens of thousands of Santhals to join the movement.
The Outbreak of the Rebellion
1. Declaration of the Hul
On 30 June 1855, nearly 10,000 Santhals gathered at Bhognadih in present-day Sahibganj district. Sidhu and Kanhu declared the beginning of “Hul”, a Santhali word meaning liberation, movement, or revolution. The message was clear: the time had come to free themselves from British oppression and the cruelty of dikus.
2. Rapid Spread of the Uprising
The movement spread like wildfire across hundreds of villages. More than 60,000 Santhals joined the revolt, armed with bows, arrows, axes, and traditional weapons. Their knowledge of local geography gave them early victories.
3. Initial Successes
The rebels attacked police stations, revenue offices, and symbols of colonial authority. They liberated villages from oppressive landlords and briefly re-established Santhal autonomy over large areas.
4. British Military Response
Alarmed by the scale and intensity of the uprising, the British deployed heavily armed regiments from Bengal and Bihar. The British used modern guns, cannons, and brutal scorched-earth tactics. Entire Santhal villages were burned, and people were massacred indiscriminately.
5. Martyrdom of Sidhu, Kanhu, Phulo, and Jhano
Sidhu Murmu was captured and executed in 1855. Kanhu continued the fight but was later arrested and killed. Phulo and Jhano fought fearlessly but were surrounded and martyred. Their sacrifices became legendary, immortalized in Santhal songs and folklore.
Despite losing their leaders, Santhals continued resistance until early 1856, after which the movement gradually subsided due to overwhelming military suppression.
Impact of the Santhal Hul
1. Formation of Santhal Parganas
Recognizing the legitimate grievances of the Santhals, the British were forced to create a separate administrative district called Santhal Parganas in 1855. This was a direct concession to the rebellion.
2. Prelude to the Revolt of 1857
The Santhal Hul was among the first major uprisings that shook the colonial government. It set the tone for the larger national revolt of 1857.
3. Strengthening of Tribal Identity
The rebellion reinforced Santhal pride, unity, and cultural strength. It became a symbol of resistance for other tribal movements across India.
4. Influence on Future Tribal Rights Movements
Modern laws related to Adivasi land rights, forest rights, and protection of indigenous communities find ideological roots in uprisings like the Santhal Hul.
Legacy
The legacy of the Santhal Hul continues to inspire generations:
- 30 June is observed every year as Hul Diwas.
- Statues, memorials, and the Sidhu-Kanhu Murmu University honour the leaders.
- The rebellion is remembered through Santhali songs, dances, and oral histories.
- It stands as a powerful reminder that the fight for freedom was waged not only in major cities but also in remote tribal hamlets.
Conclusion
The Santhal Hul was a landmark moment in India’s history—a mass uprising driven by the pursuit of justice, dignity, and survival. The sacrifices of Sidhu, Kanhu, Phulo, Jhano, and thousands of unnamed Santhal warriors reflect the extraordinary courage of India’s tribal communities. Their heroic struggle against injustice marks the Santhal Hul as one of the earliest and most significant chapters of India’s long journey toward independence.
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