Freedom Fighters of Jharkhand | Jharkhand State (JPSC) PSC: Preparation - JPSC (Jharkhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


Jharkhand : General Knowledge Amar Ujala Publications
FREEDOM FIGHTERS OF
JHARKHAND
TILKA MANJHI
Baba Tilka Manjhi (or Jabra Paharia) was the first Adivasi leader who took
up arms against the British in the 1784, around 100 years before Mangal Pandey.
Tilka Manjhi was born in a Santhal family in 1750 His name was based on
the name of his place of birth i.e Tilakpur. He was laborious and perfect archer.
He was assiduous, resolute and ultra nationalist. Tilka Manjhi was perhaps the
first leader who tried to rally the Santhals behind him and organise an upsurge
against the taxation and local administration of the British. He toured the entire
area for resisting the British rule. The British became panicky. They sent Warren
Hastings in 1771 as military governor. Later Cleveland was appointed as the
Superintendent of Rajmahal in 1773. Cleveland followed the policy of ‘Divide and
Rule’ among the tribes. He tried to secure the support of the Paharias who were
not taxed. The Paharias of 40 villages declared their loyalty to the British because
of special favour shown to them. But this policy worked in favour of Tilka Manjhi
who was able to muster the support of non-Paharia tribes.
In this way, Tilka protested and revolted against the partisan and unjust
taxation policy of the British. Cleveland arranged a major military campaign
against him but he could not succeed. Tilka killed Cleveland with arrow an 13th
January 1784. In retaliation, the British government launched an offensive against
him. The counter attack wounded many followers of Tilka but he himself escaped
unhurt and fled towards the hills. He carried on guerilla warfare but he was soon
caught and executed at Bhagalpur by the British in 1785.
Baba Tilka Manjhi attacted Augustus Cleveland. British commissioner, and
Raj mahal with a Gulel who died later The British surrounded the Tilapore forest
from which he operated but he and his men hold them at bay for serveral weeks.
When he was finally caught in 1784, he was tied to the tail of a horse and
dragged all the way to the collector's residence at Bhagalpur, Bihar, India. There,
his lacerated body was hung from a tree.
The efforts of Tilka Manjhi can be described as the first real effort of the
tribes to resist the British rule. Although some tribes took part in the upsurge,
their resistance was of primary nature. But undoubtedly Tilka emerged as the first
capable tribal leader who fought against the British rule.
BUDDHU BHAGAT (RANCHI)
Buddhu Bhagat was born in Silagai village of Chanho block on 17th February
1792. He belonged to the Oraon tribe. He was athletic and dexterous from the
very beginning. He started learning archery from his childhood.
Page 2


Jharkhand : General Knowledge Amar Ujala Publications
FREEDOM FIGHTERS OF
JHARKHAND
TILKA MANJHI
Baba Tilka Manjhi (or Jabra Paharia) was the first Adivasi leader who took
up arms against the British in the 1784, around 100 years before Mangal Pandey.
Tilka Manjhi was born in a Santhal family in 1750 His name was based on
the name of his place of birth i.e Tilakpur. He was laborious and perfect archer.
He was assiduous, resolute and ultra nationalist. Tilka Manjhi was perhaps the
first leader who tried to rally the Santhals behind him and organise an upsurge
against the taxation and local administration of the British. He toured the entire
area for resisting the British rule. The British became panicky. They sent Warren
Hastings in 1771 as military governor. Later Cleveland was appointed as the
Superintendent of Rajmahal in 1773. Cleveland followed the policy of ‘Divide and
Rule’ among the tribes. He tried to secure the support of the Paharias who were
not taxed. The Paharias of 40 villages declared their loyalty to the British because
of special favour shown to them. But this policy worked in favour of Tilka Manjhi
who was able to muster the support of non-Paharia tribes.
In this way, Tilka protested and revolted against the partisan and unjust
taxation policy of the British. Cleveland arranged a major military campaign
against him but he could not succeed. Tilka killed Cleveland with arrow an 13th
January 1784. In retaliation, the British government launched an offensive against
him. The counter attack wounded many followers of Tilka but he himself escaped
unhurt and fled towards the hills. He carried on guerilla warfare but he was soon
caught and executed at Bhagalpur by the British in 1785.
Baba Tilka Manjhi attacted Augustus Cleveland. British commissioner, and
Raj mahal with a Gulel who died later The British surrounded the Tilapore forest
from which he operated but he and his men hold them at bay for serveral weeks.
When he was finally caught in 1784, he was tied to the tail of a horse and
dragged all the way to the collector's residence at Bhagalpur, Bihar, India. There,
his lacerated body was hung from a tree.
The efforts of Tilka Manjhi can be described as the first real effort of the
tribes to resist the British rule. Although some tribes took part in the upsurge,
their resistance was of primary nature. But undoubtedly Tilka emerged as the first
capable tribal leader who fought against the British rule.
BUDDHU BHAGAT (RANCHI)
Buddhu Bhagat was born in Silagai village of Chanho block on 17th February
1792. He belonged to the Oraon tribe. He was athletic and dexterous from the
very beginning. He started learning archery from his childhood.
Buddhu became more spirited and energetic. He had developed leadership
qualities from his youth days. The villagers believed that Buddhu had divine
qualities and he was capable of ousting the British.
Thousands of tribes took part in the revolt against the British under the
leadership of Buddhu Bhagat. Buddhu and his followers tormented the British
continuously for some years. He carried on guerilla warfare against them. The
main weapon of the rebels was bow and arrow. This was very ideal for the jungle
warfare in the areas of Chotanagpur. The British tried their best to apprehend
Buddhu Bhagat but they could not succeed.
The first success against the rebels under Buddhu was achieved in February
1832 when Captain Impey attacked them. The guns and bullets of the British
forces won the battle against the bows and arrows of the rebels. On 10th
February 1832, four thousand rebels surrendered and arrested. But a severe
hailstorm helped the rebels and they escaped from the custody of the British
forces.
On 13th February, the British once again raided the hideout of Buddhu and
his followers. The British forces cordoned him. But he fought valiantly with his
traditional weapon of bow-arrow. The resistance could not last long. Buddhu
Bhagat was killed on 14th February along with hundreds of his followers. The
death of Buddhu Bhagat disorganized the rebels. Many Mankis and Mundas
surrendered before the British authorities.
GANGA NARAIN SINGH
Ganga Narain was the first tribal leader who exploited the anger of the
Bhumji tribes against the British goverment. In 1831, the Bhumij kols of Manbhum
(Burrabhom, Patcoom, etc) and Singhbhum (Dalbhum) declared their open rebellion
under the leadership of Ganga Narain singh, a scion of Burrabhoom Raj family
Ganga Narain Singh belonged to the Zamindar family of Barabhum. He was
cousin of Madhav Singh who was the Zamindar of Barabhum. But his father was
not allowed to be successor of the Zamindar of Barabhum because he was not
the eldest son in the family. The British officials had helped his adversaries in
the succession case. He abhorred both the British and Madhav Singh for
depriving the throne of his father and for detaining him and his uncle in custody.
He realized that the people were groaning under the oppression of Madhav
Singh. He was also aware of the anti-colonial and anti-diku feelings of the
people. He appealed to them for preparation of a struggle against the dikus.
Declaring himself as their protector, he promised to relieve them of the oppression
of Madhav Singh.
Non tribal intruders, police stations and British officers were the main targets
of the attack of the rebels. The most common offence was the plunder of cattle
and property. The rebels under Ganga Narain retaliated fiercely against the
repression of the regular troops of the company. They also indiscriminately
looted property and indulged in unnecessary violence . Thus the freedom
Page 3


Jharkhand : General Knowledge Amar Ujala Publications
FREEDOM FIGHTERS OF
JHARKHAND
TILKA MANJHI
Baba Tilka Manjhi (or Jabra Paharia) was the first Adivasi leader who took
up arms against the British in the 1784, around 100 years before Mangal Pandey.
Tilka Manjhi was born in a Santhal family in 1750 His name was based on
the name of his place of birth i.e Tilakpur. He was laborious and perfect archer.
He was assiduous, resolute and ultra nationalist. Tilka Manjhi was perhaps the
first leader who tried to rally the Santhals behind him and organise an upsurge
against the taxation and local administration of the British. He toured the entire
area for resisting the British rule. The British became panicky. They sent Warren
Hastings in 1771 as military governor. Later Cleveland was appointed as the
Superintendent of Rajmahal in 1773. Cleveland followed the policy of ‘Divide and
Rule’ among the tribes. He tried to secure the support of the Paharias who were
not taxed. The Paharias of 40 villages declared their loyalty to the British because
of special favour shown to them. But this policy worked in favour of Tilka Manjhi
who was able to muster the support of non-Paharia tribes.
In this way, Tilka protested and revolted against the partisan and unjust
taxation policy of the British. Cleveland arranged a major military campaign
against him but he could not succeed. Tilka killed Cleveland with arrow an 13th
January 1784. In retaliation, the British government launched an offensive against
him. The counter attack wounded many followers of Tilka but he himself escaped
unhurt and fled towards the hills. He carried on guerilla warfare but he was soon
caught and executed at Bhagalpur by the British in 1785.
Baba Tilka Manjhi attacted Augustus Cleveland. British commissioner, and
Raj mahal with a Gulel who died later The British surrounded the Tilapore forest
from which he operated but he and his men hold them at bay for serveral weeks.
When he was finally caught in 1784, he was tied to the tail of a horse and
dragged all the way to the collector's residence at Bhagalpur, Bihar, India. There,
his lacerated body was hung from a tree.
The efforts of Tilka Manjhi can be described as the first real effort of the
tribes to resist the British rule. Although some tribes took part in the upsurge,
their resistance was of primary nature. But undoubtedly Tilka emerged as the first
capable tribal leader who fought against the British rule.
BUDDHU BHAGAT (RANCHI)
Buddhu Bhagat was born in Silagai village of Chanho block on 17th February
1792. He belonged to the Oraon tribe. He was athletic and dexterous from the
very beginning. He started learning archery from his childhood.
Buddhu became more spirited and energetic. He had developed leadership
qualities from his youth days. The villagers believed that Buddhu had divine
qualities and he was capable of ousting the British.
Thousands of tribes took part in the revolt against the British under the
leadership of Buddhu Bhagat. Buddhu and his followers tormented the British
continuously for some years. He carried on guerilla warfare against them. The
main weapon of the rebels was bow and arrow. This was very ideal for the jungle
warfare in the areas of Chotanagpur. The British tried their best to apprehend
Buddhu Bhagat but they could not succeed.
The first success against the rebels under Buddhu was achieved in February
1832 when Captain Impey attacked them. The guns and bullets of the British
forces won the battle against the bows and arrows of the rebels. On 10th
February 1832, four thousand rebels surrendered and arrested. But a severe
hailstorm helped the rebels and they escaped from the custody of the British
forces.
On 13th February, the British once again raided the hideout of Buddhu and
his followers. The British forces cordoned him. But he fought valiantly with his
traditional weapon of bow-arrow. The resistance could not last long. Buddhu
Bhagat was killed on 14th February along with hundreds of his followers. The
death of Buddhu Bhagat disorganized the rebels. Many Mankis and Mundas
surrendered before the British authorities.
GANGA NARAIN SINGH
Ganga Narain was the first tribal leader who exploited the anger of the
Bhumji tribes against the British goverment. In 1831, the Bhumij kols of Manbhum
(Burrabhom, Patcoom, etc) and Singhbhum (Dalbhum) declared their open rebellion
under the leadership of Ganga Narain singh, a scion of Burrabhoom Raj family
Ganga Narain Singh belonged to the Zamindar family of Barabhum. He was
cousin of Madhav Singh who was the Zamindar of Barabhum. But his father was
not allowed to be successor of the Zamindar of Barabhum because he was not
the eldest son in the family. The British officials had helped his adversaries in
the succession case. He abhorred both the British and Madhav Singh for
depriving the throne of his father and for detaining him and his uncle in custody.
He realized that the people were groaning under the oppression of Madhav
Singh. He was also aware of the anti-colonial and anti-diku feelings of the
people. He appealed to them for preparation of a struggle against the dikus.
Declaring himself as their protector, he promised to relieve them of the oppression
of Madhav Singh.
Non tribal intruders, police stations and British officers were the main targets
of the attack of the rebels. The most common offence was the plunder of cattle
and property. The rebels under Ganga Narain retaliated fiercely against the
repression of the regular troops of the company. They also indiscriminately
looted property and indulged in unnecessary violence . Thus the freedom
movement of 1831-33 though wide-spread and fierce was suppressed at a great
cost. The rebellion movement was a protest against, the growing inequalities
resulting form the replacement of their indigenous system of from administration
by the rapidly growing authority of the British company. They also indiscriminately
looted property and indulged in unnecessary violence.
In this way Ganga Narain and his followers gave a strong resistance to the
British rule in Midnapore and adjoining areas. At last the forces of Thakur
Chetan Singh of Kharsawan killed him on 7th February 1833. Wilkinson heaved
a sigh of relief on his death.
In the opinion of J. C. Jha, the revolt was an example of a millenarian or
populist movement, which was aimed at creating an ideal world in which there
was no exploitation or oppression. It was a cry for vengeance on rich and
oppressors.
SIDDHU AND KANHU (SANTHAL PARGANA)
Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu were the leaders of the Santhal rebellion
(1855-1856), the native rebellion in present day Jharkhand in eastern India against
both the British Colonial authority and the corrupt upper caste zamindari system
Siddhu and Kanhu were great warriors of Santhal Pargana. They carried
forward the tribal struggle against the British. It is said that they were four
brothers- Siddhu, Kanhu, Chand and Bhairon. The name of their father was
Chunni Manjhi who resided in Bhagnadih. Siddhu was probably born in 1815 and
Kanhu in 1820, Chand’s birth is dated 1825 and Bhairon’s in 1835. Siddhu’s
height was six feet and was well built. He had great organizing and leadership
qualities.
The four brother waged struggle against the British oppression, exploitation,
corruption and ignorance. The Santhals were deeply attached to the land and
they intensely suffered from the introduction of permanent settlement in their
areas. According to E.G. Man, the rapacious spirit of the moneylenders was one
of the main causes of unrest among the Santhals in 1856. The impossibility of
getting redressal from the British courts also added to their woes. A large number
of Santhals, who were dispossessed from land, became tenants of outsiders or
labourers. The Dikus discontented them with their exploitation. All these factors
provided an ideal background for the revolt of Siddhu and Kanhu.
Both the brothers adopted peaceful and constitutional means before
commencing the revolt. They made an attempt to warn the Government Zamindar
and outsiders of the severe consequences of continuing economic exploitation.
They dispatched letters for ending economic exploitation to the commissioner,
the collector, and the Magistrate of Bhagalpur, officials of Birbhum several
Zamindars and darogas of the Thana of Dighee and Tiku. Later they also gave
several petitions to the government at various levels. They exhorted the Santhals
Page 4


Jharkhand : General Knowledge Amar Ujala Publications
FREEDOM FIGHTERS OF
JHARKHAND
TILKA MANJHI
Baba Tilka Manjhi (or Jabra Paharia) was the first Adivasi leader who took
up arms against the British in the 1784, around 100 years before Mangal Pandey.
Tilka Manjhi was born in a Santhal family in 1750 His name was based on
the name of his place of birth i.e Tilakpur. He was laborious and perfect archer.
He was assiduous, resolute and ultra nationalist. Tilka Manjhi was perhaps the
first leader who tried to rally the Santhals behind him and organise an upsurge
against the taxation and local administration of the British. He toured the entire
area for resisting the British rule. The British became panicky. They sent Warren
Hastings in 1771 as military governor. Later Cleveland was appointed as the
Superintendent of Rajmahal in 1773. Cleveland followed the policy of ‘Divide and
Rule’ among the tribes. He tried to secure the support of the Paharias who were
not taxed. The Paharias of 40 villages declared their loyalty to the British because
of special favour shown to them. But this policy worked in favour of Tilka Manjhi
who was able to muster the support of non-Paharia tribes.
In this way, Tilka protested and revolted against the partisan and unjust
taxation policy of the British. Cleveland arranged a major military campaign
against him but he could not succeed. Tilka killed Cleveland with arrow an 13th
January 1784. In retaliation, the British government launched an offensive against
him. The counter attack wounded many followers of Tilka but he himself escaped
unhurt and fled towards the hills. He carried on guerilla warfare but he was soon
caught and executed at Bhagalpur by the British in 1785.
Baba Tilka Manjhi attacted Augustus Cleveland. British commissioner, and
Raj mahal with a Gulel who died later The British surrounded the Tilapore forest
from which he operated but he and his men hold them at bay for serveral weeks.
When he was finally caught in 1784, he was tied to the tail of a horse and
dragged all the way to the collector's residence at Bhagalpur, Bihar, India. There,
his lacerated body was hung from a tree.
The efforts of Tilka Manjhi can be described as the first real effort of the
tribes to resist the British rule. Although some tribes took part in the upsurge,
their resistance was of primary nature. But undoubtedly Tilka emerged as the first
capable tribal leader who fought against the British rule.
BUDDHU BHAGAT (RANCHI)
Buddhu Bhagat was born in Silagai village of Chanho block on 17th February
1792. He belonged to the Oraon tribe. He was athletic and dexterous from the
very beginning. He started learning archery from his childhood.
Buddhu became more spirited and energetic. He had developed leadership
qualities from his youth days. The villagers believed that Buddhu had divine
qualities and he was capable of ousting the British.
Thousands of tribes took part in the revolt against the British under the
leadership of Buddhu Bhagat. Buddhu and his followers tormented the British
continuously for some years. He carried on guerilla warfare against them. The
main weapon of the rebels was bow and arrow. This was very ideal for the jungle
warfare in the areas of Chotanagpur. The British tried their best to apprehend
Buddhu Bhagat but they could not succeed.
The first success against the rebels under Buddhu was achieved in February
1832 when Captain Impey attacked them. The guns and bullets of the British
forces won the battle against the bows and arrows of the rebels. On 10th
February 1832, four thousand rebels surrendered and arrested. But a severe
hailstorm helped the rebels and they escaped from the custody of the British
forces.
On 13th February, the British once again raided the hideout of Buddhu and
his followers. The British forces cordoned him. But he fought valiantly with his
traditional weapon of bow-arrow. The resistance could not last long. Buddhu
Bhagat was killed on 14th February along with hundreds of his followers. The
death of Buddhu Bhagat disorganized the rebels. Many Mankis and Mundas
surrendered before the British authorities.
GANGA NARAIN SINGH
Ganga Narain was the first tribal leader who exploited the anger of the
Bhumji tribes against the British goverment. In 1831, the Bhumij kols of Manbhum
(Burrabhom, Patcoom, etc) and Singhbhum (Dalbhum) declared their open rebellion
under the leadership of Ganga Narain singh, a scion of Burrabhoom Raj family
Ganga Narain Singh belonged to the Zamindar family of Barabhum. He was
cousin of Madhav Singh who was the Zamindar of Barabhum. But his father was
not allowed to be successor of the Zamindar of Barabhum because he was not
the eldest son in the family. The British officials had helped his adversaries in
the succession case. He abhorred both the British and Madhav Singh for
depriving the throne of his father and for detaining him and his uncle in custody.
He realized that the people were groaning under the oppression of Madhav
Singh. He was also aware of the anti-colonial and anti-diku feelings of the
people. He appealed to them for preparation of a struggle against the dikus.
Declaring himself as their protector, he promised to relieve them of the oppression
of Madhav Singh.
Non tribal intruders, police stations and British officers were the main targets
of the attack of the rebels. The most common offence was the plunder of cattle
and property. The rebels under Ganga Narain retaliated fiercely against the
repression of the regular troops of the company. They also indiscriminately
looted property and indulged in unnecessary violence . Thus the freedom
movement of 1831-33 though wide-spread and fierce was suppressed at a great
cost. The rebellion movement was a protest against, the growing inequalities
resulting form the replacement of their indigenous system of from administration
by the rapidly growing authority of the British company. They also indiscriminately
looted property and indulged in unnecessary violence.
In this way Ganga Narain and his followers gave a strong resistance to the
British rule in Midnapore and adjoining areas. At last the forces of Thakur
Chetan Singh of Kharsawan killed him on 7th February 1833. Wilkinson heaved
a sigh of relief on his death.
In the opinion of J. C. Jha, the revolt was an example of a millenarian or
populist movement, which was aimed at creating an ideal world in which there
was no exploitation or oppression. It was a cry for vengeance on rich and
oppressors.
SIDDHU AND KANHU (SANTHAL PARGANA)
Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu were the leaders of the Santhal rebellion
(1855-1856), the native rebellion in present day Jharkhand in eastern India against
both the British Colonial authority and the corrupt upper caste zamindari system
Siddhu and Kanhu were great warriors of Santhal Pargana. They carried
forward the tribal struggle against the British. It is said that they were four
brothers- Siddhu, Kanhu, Chand and Bhairon. The name of their father was
Chunni Manjhi who resided in Bhagnadih. Siddhu was probably born in 1815 and
Kanhu in 1820, Chand’s birth is dated 1825 and Bhairon’s in 1835. Siddhu’s
height was six feet and was well built. He had great organizing and leadership
qualities.
The four brother waged struggle against the British oppression, exploitation,
corruption and ignorance. The Santhals were deeply attached to the land and
they intensely suffered from the introduction of permanent settlement in their
areas. According to E.G. Man, the rapacious spirit of the moneylenders was one
of the main causes of unrest among the Santhals in 1856. The impossibility of
getting redressal from the British courts also added to their woes. A large number
of Santhals, who were dispossessed from land, became tenants of outsiders or
labourers. The Dikus discontented them with their exploitation. All these factors
provided an ideal background for the revolt of Siddhu and Kanhu.
Both the brothers adopted peaceful and constitutional means before
commencing the revolt. They made an attempt to warn the Government Zamindar
and outsiders of the severe consequences of continuing economic exploitation.
They dispatched letters for ending economic exploitation to the commissioner,
the collector, and the Magistrate of Bhagalpur, officials of Birbhum several
Zamindars and darogas of the Thana of Dighee and Tiku. Later they also gave
several petitions to the government at various levels. They exhorted the Santhals
to pay revenue at the rate of two annas on every buffalo plough and half an anna
on each cow plough per annum.
Siddhu and Kanhu adopted traditional and customary methods to win the
support of the Santhal tribes. They also declared that the Thakur called upon
the dikus and the British to leave their land. The divine element proved very
appealing to their followers and they rallied behind him.
Both the brothers urged the people to send one man from each family to join
the rebel forces being organized by them. They began to appoint their closes
friends as darogas and naibs. Some of the disgruntled Zamindars also joined
them. Like Ganga Narain they declared that they would turn the British bullets
into water.
A big meeting was organized at Bhagnadih on 30th June 1855. Siddhu and
Kanhu gave the slogan of ‘Do or Die’ to their followers. Siddhu was elected the
King, Kanhu a minister, Chand an administrator and Bhairon a commander in the
meeting. The revolt started on the 7th July 1855 and it spread from Bhagnadih
to Pyalpur, Maheshpur, Madhupur and Khudipur.
During the course of the struggle, both the British and the Santhals indulged
in violence and plunder. The British forces killed Santhals in large numbers, burnt
villages and destroyed their provisions. The latter also killed a large number of
the British sepoys, traders and landlords.
On 10th July 1855, Siddhu and Kanhu defeated a British contingent of
forces, which was sent to crush their revolt. They captured the palace of Amber
Pargana (located at Pakur) and started proceeding towards Murshidabad. The
British retaliatory action killed many Santhals who were defeated. Both the
brothers however, managed to escape.
Later Chand and Bhairon died fighting with the British. Siddhu and Kanhu
were arrested due to treachery of their supporters. On 26th July 1856, the British
Government executed them.
THAKUR VISHWANATH SAHDEO
Thakur Vishwanath Sahdeo was born on 12
th
 August 1817 at Satranji which
was the capital of Barkhagarh.
His father was Raghunath Sahdeo and mother was Vaneshwari Kunwar.
Raghunath was the jagirdar of 97 villages granted by the Maharaja of
Chotanagpur. Satranji has disappeared now because its area was acquired and
HEC has emerged on the scene.
In 1840, his father died and Vishwanath took over the Jagirdari. He took keen
interest in the administration. Strategic reasons forced him to shift his capital
from Satranji to Hatia. But very soon he realized that he could not govern his
own people because the real power rested in the hands of the British. It was at
this time that strong feelings developed in his mind against the alien rule. He
decided to fight for the freedom of the country but he waited for an opportunity
Page 5


Jharkhand : General Knowledge Amar Ujala Publications
FREEDOM FIGHTERS OF
JHARKHAND
TILKA MANJHI
Baba Tilka Manjhi (or Jabra Paharia) was the first Adivasi leader who took
up arms against the British in the 1784, around 100 years before Mangal Pandey.
Tilka Manjhi was born in a Santhal family in 1750 His name was based on
the name of his place of birth i.e Tilakpur. He was laborious and perfect archer.
He was assiduous, resolute and ultra nationalist. Tilka Manjhi was perhaps the
first leader who tried to rally the Santhals behind him and organise an upsurge
against the taxation and local administration of the British. He toured the entire
area for resisting the British rule. The British became panicky. They sent Warren
Hastings in 1771 as military governor. Later Cleveland was appointed as the
Superintendent of Rajmahal in 1773. Cleveland followed the policy of ‘Divide and
Rule’ among the tribes. He tried to secure the support of the Paharias who were
not taxed. The Paharias of 40 villages declared their loyalty to the British because
of special favour shown to them. But this policy worked in favour of Tilka Manjhi
who was able to muster the support of non-Paharia tribes.
In this way, Tilka protested and revolted against the partisan and unjust
taxation policy of the British. Cleveland arranged a major military campaign
against him but he could not succeed. Tilka killed Cleveland with arrow an 13th
January 1784. In retaliation, the British government launched an offensive against
him. The counter attack wounded many followers of Tilka but he himself escaped
unhurt and fled towards the hills. He carried on guerilla warfare but he was soon
caught and executed at Bhagalpur by the British in 1785.
Baba Tilka Manjhi attacted Augustus Cleveland. British commissioner, and
Raj mahal with a Gulel who died later The British surrounded the Tilapore forest
from which he operated but he and his men hold them at bay for serveral weeks.
When he was finally caught in 1784, he was tied to the tail of a horse and
dragged all the way to the collector's residence at Bhagalpur, Bihar, India. There,
his lacerated body was hung from a tree.
The efforts of Tilka Manjhi can be described as the first real effort of the
tribes to resist the British rule. Although some tribes took part in the upsurge,
their resistance was of primary nature. But undoubtedly Tilka emerged as the first
capable tribal leader who fought against the British rule.
BUDDHU BHAGAT (RANCHI)
Buddhu Bhagat was born in Silagai village of Chanho block on 17th February
1792. He belonged to the Oraon tribe. He was athletic and dexterous from the
very beginning. He started learning archery from his childhood.
Buddhu became more spirited and energetic. He had developed leadership
qualities from his youth days. The villagers believed that Buddhu had divine
qualities and he was capable of ousting the British.
Thousands of tribes took part in the revolt against the British under the
leadership of Buddhu Bhagat. Buddhu and his followers tormented the British
continuously for some years. He carried on guerilla warfare against them. The
main weapon of the rebels was bow and arrow. This was very ideal for the jungle
warfare in the areas of Chotanagpur. The British tried their best to apprehend
Buddhu Bhagat but they could not succeed.
The first success against the rebels under Buddhu was achieved in February
1832 when Captain Impey attacked them. The guns and bullets of the British
forces won the battle against the bows and arrows of the rebels. On 10th
February 1832, four thousand rebels surrendered and arrested. But a severe
hailstorm helped the rebels and they escaped from the custody of the British
forces.
On 13th February, the British once again raided the hideout of Buddhu and
his followers. The British forces cordoned him. But he fought valiantly with his
traditional weapon of bow-arrow. The resistance could not last long. Buddhu
Bhagat was killed on 14th February along with hundreds of his followers. The
death of Buddhu Bhagat disorganized the rebels. Many Mankis and Mundas
surrendered before the British authorities.
GANGA NARAIN SINGH
Ganga Narain was the first tribal leader who exploited the anger of the
Bhumji tribes against the British goverment. In 1831, the Bhumij kols of Manbhum
(Burrabhom, Patcoom, etc) and Singhbhum (Dalbhum) declared their open rebellion
under the leadership of Ganga Narain singh, a scion of Burrabhoom Raj family
Ganga Narain Singh belonged to the Zamindar family of Barabhum. He was
cousin of Madhav Singh who was the Zamindar of Barabhum. But his father was
not allowed to be successor of the Zamindar of Barabhum because he was not
the eldest son in the family. The British officials had helped his adversaries in
the succession case. He abhorred both the British and Madhav Singh for
depriving the throne of his father and for detaining him and his uncle in custody.
He realized that the people were groaning under the oppression of Madhav
Singh. He was also aware of the anti-colonial and anti-diku feelings of the
people. He appealed to them for preparation of a struggle against the dikus.
Declaring himself as their protector, he promised to relieve them of the oppression
of Madhav Singh.
Non tribal intruders, police stations and British officers were the main targets
of the attack of the rebels. The most common offence was the plunder of cattle
and property. The rebels under Ganga Narain retaliated fiercely against the
repression of the regular troops of the company. They also indiscriminately
looted property and indulged in unnecessary violence . Thus the freedom
movement of 1831-33 though wide-spread and fierce was suppressed at a great
cost. The rebellion movement was a protest against, the growing inequalities
resulting form the replacement of their indigenous system of from administration
by the rapidly growing authority of the British company. They also indiscriminately
looted property and indulged in unnecessary violence.
In this way Ganga Narain and his followers gave a strong resistance to the
British rule in Midnapore and adjoining areas. At last the forces of Thakur
Chetan Singh of Kharsawan killed him on 7th February 1833. Wilkinson heaved
a sigh of relief on his death.
In the opinion of J. C. Jha, the revolt was an example of a millenarian or
populist movement, which was aimed at creating an ideal world in which there
was no exploitation or oppression. It was a cry for vengeance on rich and
oppressors.
SIDDHU AND KANHU (SANTHAL PARGANA)
Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu were the leaders of the Santhal rebellion
(1855-1856), the native rebellion in present day Jharkhand in eastern India against
both the British Colonial authority and the corrupt upper caste zamindari system
Siddhu and Kanhu were great warriors of Santhal Pargana. They carried
forward the tribal struggle against the British. It is said that they were four
brothers- Siddhu, Kanhu, Chand and Bhairon. The name of their father was
Chunni Manjhi who resided in Bhagnadih. Siddhu was probably born in 1815 and
Kanhu in 1820, Chand’s birth is dated 1825 and Bhairon’s in 1835. Siddhu’s
height was six feet and was well built. He had great organizing and leadership
qualities.
The four brother waged struggle against the British oppression, exploitation,
corruption and ignorance. The Santhals were deeply attached to the land and
they intensely suffered from the introduction of permanent settlement in their
areas. According to E.G. Man, the rapacious spirit of the moneylenders was one
of the main causes of unrest among the Santhals in 1856. The impossibility of
getting redressal from the British courts also added to their woes. A large number
of Santhals, who were dispossessed from land, became tenants of outsiders or
labourers. The Dikus discontented them with their exploitation. All these factors
provided an ideal background for the revolt of Siddhu and Kanhu.
Both the brothers adopted peaceful and constitutional means before
commencing the revolt. They made an attempt to warn the Government Zamindar
and outsiders of the severe consequences of continuing economic exploitation.
They dispatched letters for ending economic exploitation to the commissioner,
the collector, and the Magistrate of Bhagalpur, officials of Birbhum several
Zamindars and darogas of the Thana of Dighee and Tiku. Later they also gave
several petitions to the government at various levels. They exhorted the Santhals
to pay revenue at the rate of two annas on every buffalo plough and half an anna
on each cow plough per annum.
Siddhu and Kanhu adopted traditional and customary methods to win the
support of the Santhal tribes. They also declared that the Thakur called upon
the dikus and the British to leave their land. The divine element proved very
appealing to their followers and they rallied behind him.
Both the brothers urged the people to send one man from each family to join
the rebel forces being organized by them. They began to appoint their closes
friends as darogas and naibs. Some of the disgruntled Zamindars also joined
them. Like Ganga Narain they declared that they would turn the British bullets
into water.
A big meeting was organized at Bhagnadih on 30th June 1855. Siddhu and
Kanhu gave the slogan of ‘Do or Die’ to their followers. Siddhu was elected the
King, Kanhu a minister, Chand an administrator and Bhairon a commander in the
meeting. The revolt started on the 7th July 1855 and it spread from Bhagnadih
to Pyalpur, Maheshpur, Madhupur and Khudipur.
During the course of the struggle, both the British and the Santhals indulged
in violence and plunder. The British forces killed Santhals in large numbers, burnt
villages and destroyed their provisions. The latter also killed a large number of
the British sepoys, traders and landlords.
On 10th July 1855, Siddhu and Kanhu defeated a British contingent of
forces, which was sent to crush their revolt. They captured the palace of Amber
Pargana (located at Pakur) and started proceeding towards Murshidabad. The
British retaliatory action killed many Santhals who were defeated. Both the
brothers however, managed to escape.
Later Chand and Bhairon died fighting with the British. Siddhu and Kanhu
were arrested due to treachery of their supporters. On 26th July 1856, the British
Government executed them.
THAKUR VISHWANATH SAHDEO
Thakur Vishwanath Sahdeo was born on 12
th
 August 1817 at Satranji which
was the capital of Barkhagarh.
His father was Raghunath Sahdeo and mother was Vaneshwari Kunwar.
Raghunath was the jagirdar of 97 villages granted by the Maharaja of
Chotanagpur. Satranji has disappeared now because its area was acquired and
HEC has emerged on the scene.
In 1840, his father died and Vishwanath took over the Jagirdari. He took keen
interest in the administration. Strategic reasons forced him to shift his capital
from Satranji to Hatia. But very soon he realized that he could not govern his
own people because the real power rested in the hands of the British. It was at
this time that strong feelings developed in his mind against the alien rule. He
decided to fight for the freedom of the country but he waited for an opportunity
to join the anti-British movement. In 1855, he revolted against the British rule and
declared himself independent. The Doranda contingent of forces of the Ramgarh
battalion was asked to take retaliatory action against Thakur Vishwanath Sahdeo
but the latter defeated the British forces.
The freedom movement of 1857 became very aggressive in Chotanagpur.
The rebellious forces of Jamindar Madho Singh, Raja Tikait Singh and Sheikh
Bhikhari supported him. They had captured some canons and other weapons of
the British, which were brought to Ranchi. Soon Doranda army camp was also
engulfed by rebellion and it virtually decimated its existence.
Meanwhile Vishwanath Sahdeo allied with Ganpat Rai who was the former
Diwan of Chotanagpur, both of them took the reins of freedom movement in their
hands. Interestingly the Nagbanshi ruler of Chotanagpur opposed the movement
and sided with the British government. Ganpat Rai and Vishwanath Sahdeo
planned to strengthen the native forces by making alliance with Bir Kuer Singh
of Bihar. They proceeded to meet him via Kuru. Chandwa, Balumath and Chatra,
but the British government got clues on their movement and intercepted them
on the way. Thakur Vishwanath Sahdeo managed to escape. He started fresh
preparations for attacking the British.
At last the British Government applied the policy of ‘Divide and Rule’ and
succeeded in winning over many supporters of Vishwanath Sahdeo. He was
caught on 30th March 1858 due to some of his treacherous friends. He was
accused with treason. A summary trial was conducted and was sentenced to
death. He was hanged to death on the gate of Zila School, Ranchi. All the 97
villages of Vishwanath Shahdeo were taken over. His palaces of Satranji and
Hatia were completely destroyed. The famous temple of Jagannathpur was also
seized but later released to its priest.
PANDEY GANPAT RAI
Pandey Ganpat Rai was born in village Bhauron of Lohardaga district on
17th January 1809. He spent his childhood with his uncle Sadashiva Rai who was
the Diwan of the Nagbanshi ruler of Chotanagpur. His father’s name was Ram
Kishun Rai. His uncle provided him with good education. He became well versed
in Arabic, Persian and other languages.
Ganpat Rai succeeded his uncle Sadashiva Rai after his death to the post
of Diwan of Chotnagpur Raj. His artion and. performance impressed the Nagbanshi
ruler of Chotanagpur.  Pandey Ganpat Rai joined the freedom struggle because
the British government started shifting the native rulers And an aggressive
attitude of the British sowed seeds of disconted in the mind of Ganpat Rai and
he decided to join other rebels.
In August 1857, he led the mutiny of soldiers in Doranda (Ranchi) army
camp. He openly participated with Thakur Vishwanath Sahdeo. The rebellious
forces damaged the government property and looted the treasury. They burnt the