Tribal Revolts of Bihar - 1 | BPSC Preparation: All subjects - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Tribal Revolts in Bihar During British Rule

Bihar experienced numerous tribal revolts during the era of British rule. These revolts were primarily localized, sporadic, and unorganized. The tribal communities opposed the British annexation of their land, the transfer of their land to outsiders, and the infringement of their forest rights. Some of the significant tribal revolts in Bihar included those by the Ho, Munda, Kol, Bhumij, Santhal, and Tana Bhagat tribes.
The regions affected by these tribal movements are now part of Jharkhand, which became a separate state in 2000. The introduction of colonialism and British values disrupted Indian society, including the lives of tribal people. The British imposed restrictions on tribal access to many forest areas, which were vital for their livelihoods. 
Tribals relied on forests for their sustenance and the collection of forest produce. As a result, tribal communities in various areas revolted against British rule. 
Some of the notable uprisings included:

Nonia Revolt

• The Nonia Revolt took place between 1700 and 1800 in regions of Bihar where saltpetre was produced, including Hajipur, Tirhut, Saran, and Purnea. The Nonia community, responsible for manufacturing saltpetre, faced exploitation by the East India Company. Saltpetre, primarily used in the production of explosives, became a point of contention.
• Due to the Company's exploitation, the Nonia people united and organized themselves into a rebellion group to fight back against the injustices they faced.

Sanyasi Movement

• The Sanyasi Movement began in Bengal and present-day Bangladesh around 1762 and lasted until 1774. It was initiated by Sanyasis, who are Hindu saints, and Muslim Fakirs. These groups united against British rule to establish their own authority.
• One of the significant actions during this movement was the takeover of an English factory in Dhaka, now in Bangladesh. While Bengal and Bangladesh were the primary areas of the revolt, regions like Saran, Purnea, and Tirhut in Bihar also witnessed minor activities related to this uprising.

Tamar Revolt

• The Tamar Revolt occurred between 1789 and 1832, involving tribal groups such as the Oraon, Munda, Ho, and Kol. These tribes united against the flawed alignment system imposed by the British Government.
• The revolt was initiated by the Oraon tribe in 1789, with other tribal groups joining later. The primary cause of the revolt was the ban on the agricultural practices of these tribes, which severely impacted their socio-economic conditions.
• Bhola Nath Sahay led this revolt in the Tamar region. However, the British suppressed the movement in 1832 and subsequently annexed the Tamar region.

Chero Revolt

• The Chero Revolt occurred in 1800 against the East India Company. The Company had installed Churaman as the King of Chero, who imposed heavy taxes on the people. Churaman exploited peasants, tribal communities, and poor villagers, leading to widespread anger and unrest.
• The revolt was spearheaded by Sardar Bhushan Singh in response to this exploitation. However, the British quickly suppressed the uprising.

Ho and Munda Uprising

• The Ho and Munda tribes in Chota Nagpur (now in Jharkhand) resisted British rule in several instances between 1820 and 1837.
• They opposed the British forces, local moneylenders, and zamindars, led by Raja Parhat, fighting against the occupation of Singhbhum by the British.
• The uprisings occurred in 1820-22, and again in 1831, with the region remaining unsettled until 1837.

Wahabi Movement

• The Wahabi Movement was an Islamic revivalist effort aimed at purifying Islam by eliminating un-Islamic practices. Founded by Syed Ahmad of Raebareli in 1829, the movement sought to establish Dar-ul-Islam in India. 
• Syed Ahmad, inspired by Abdul Wahab of Saudi Arabia and Shah Waliullah of Delhi, appointed representatives in Patna to spread the movement.
• Despite being suppressed by the British in 1870, the movement continued sporadically until the 1890s.
• Haji Shariyatullah emerged as the main leader, with Patna serving as the movement's center from 1828 to 1868.
• The movement faced significant setbacks in 1863 when British authorities imprisoned many leaders, cutting off crucial funds.

Kol Uprising

• The Kol Uprising (1831-32) was a revolt led by Budhu Bhagat and aimed at resisting the expansion of British rule and the transfer of tribal lands to outsiders, including Sikh and Muslim farmers.
• The uprising primarily affected regions such as Ranchi, Singhbhum, Hazaribagh, Palamu, and western parts of Manbhum.
• Despite the strong resistance, the revolt was eventually suppressed after extensive military operations.
• Other notable leaders of the uprising included Sindrai and Surga, who continued to fight until 1832 before surrendering.
• In response to the revolt, the British established a new province called the South East Frontier Agency.

Bhumij Revolt

• The Bhumij Revolt (1832-33) was led by Ganga Narayan in response to increasing land revenue demands by the British in Singhbhum and Birbhum.
• The revolt was fueled by the exploitation of tribals by local authorities, including King Veerbhum, Munsifs, Inspectors, and Zamindars.
• It began on April 26, 1832, with the murder of the Diwan of Veerbhum, and Ganga Narayan Singh emerged as a key leader.
• However, he was killed in battle on February 7, 1833, by Thakur Chetan Singh, leading to the decline of the revolt.

Santhal Uprising

• The Santhal Uprising, led by Sidhu and Kanhu in 1855-56, was a response to the abuses perpetrated by zamindars and moneylenders. The Santhals, residing in the Rajmahal hills, revolted against the oppression of revenue officials, police, moneylenders, and landlords.
• In 1854, the Santhals declared the end of British Company rule and asserted their independence. However, by 1856, the situation escalated, requiring extensive military intervention to regain control. Sidhu died in 1855, and Kanhu was arrested in 1866.
• As a result of the uprising, the British established the Santhal Pargana, with Ashley Aiden as its first District Collector.