History and Revolutions

Jharkhand, carved out of southern Bihar in 2000, has a long and complex history that blends ancient civilizations, tribal culture, colonial resistance, and socio-political movements. The region’s past is shaped by its indigenous tribal communities, rich natural resources, and a legacy of resistance against exploitation.

Ancient and Medieval History

The history of Jharkhand dates back to ancient times when it was part of the Magadha Empire and later the Maurya and Gupta Empires. The region, then referred to as “Kukura, Karush”, or “Atavika Rajyas” (forest states), was inhabited mainly by tribal groups such as the Mundas, Santhals, Oraons, and Ho.

In medieval times, the region saw influence from Nagvanshi, Chero, and Ramgarh Raj dynasties, who ruled over different parts of Jharkhand. These local dynasties had their own administrative systems and often fought back against external invasions. Temples, fort ruins, and other archaeological remains from this period can still be found in districts like Ranchi, Hazaribagh, and Palamu.

Colonial Era and Tribal Uprisings

During British rule, Jharkhand became a significant area due to its mineral wealth and dense forests. However, British policies of land acquisition, forest laws, and heavy taxation disrupted traditional tribal life. This exploitation led to several revolts and uprisings, many of which predated the national freedom movement.

Key Revolutions and Movements:

  1. Santhal Rebellion (Hul Movement) (1855–56):
    • Led by four brothers Sidho Murmu, Kanho Murmu, Chand Murmu and Bhairav Murmu along with their two sisters Phulo Murmu and Jhano Murmu jumped into the battle fray.
    • The Santhals revolted against British oppression, moneylenders, and landlords in the Rajmahal Hills.
    • It was one of the earliest organized revolts against colonial rule and is considered a significant tribal uprising in Indian history.
    • Bhognadih village, the birthplace of the rebellions, is now a memorial site.
  2. Munda Rebellion (Ulgulan) (1899–1900):
    • The Munda Rebellion, also known as “Ulgulan” (which means “Great Tumult” or “Revolution” in the Munda language), was a major tribal uprising led by Birsa Munda against British colonial rule, exploitative landlords (zamindars), and moneylenders in the Chotanagpur region (present-day Jharkhand).
    • This rebellion was unique because it was not just a political or economic movement but also a religious and socio-cultural awakening among the Munda tribal community.
    • Birsa Munda declared himself as the “Dharti Aaba” (Father of the Earth) and called for the establishment of Abua Raj (tribal self-rule).
    • The Ulgulan began in late 1899, when Birsa and his followers launched a guerrilla-style uprising.
    • Born on 15 November 1875 in Ulihatu (in present-day Jharkhand), Birsa Munda became a charismatic leader, social reformer, and spiritual guide.
  3. Kol Rebellion (1831–32):
    • Initiated by the the Oraons, Mundas, Hos, and Kols tribes in Ranchi and Singhbhum areas, this revolt was against land alienation and exploitation by outsiders.
    • Budhu Bhagat born around 1792, in Silagai village near Ranchi, Jharkhand was a tribal freedom fighter and leader from the Oraon tribe in the early 19th century. He is remembered for his resistance against British colonial rule and the oppressive zamindari system.
    • Budhu Bhagat led the Kol Rebellion in 1831–1832 against British colonial forces and landlords (zamindars), who were exploiting tribal communities.
    • It highlighted early resistance against the disruption of tribal land systems by British policies.
    • Budhu Bhagat was martyred during this rebellion, becoming a symbol of tribal resistance.
  4. Tamar Revolt (1789–1832):
    • Led by Bhola Nath Sahay, tribal communities from Tamar revolted from 1789 to 1832 against the British oppression.
    • The region of Tamar was traditionally governed by Manki-Munda systems, which were indigenous self-governance structures among the Mundas, a prominent tribal group.
    • The main cause of the revolt was the illegal withdrawal of land rights from the tribal communities.
  1. Tana Bhagat Movement (1914–1920s):
    • The Tana Bhagat Movement was a unique tribal and socio-religious movement among the Oraon tribe of Chotanagpur (present-day Jharkhand), which emerged in 1914.
    • The movement was started by Jatra Oraon, a spiritual leader from the Gumla
    • It combined elements of tribal reform, non-violent resistance, and tribals in Jharkhand believe that Mahatma Gandhi gets inspired by the ideology of Tana Bhagats and started non-co-operation movement, making it a significant but often overlooked part of India’s freedom struggle.
    • The Tana Bhagats still exist as a distinct community within the Oraon tribe.
    • They wear white clothing, avoid meat and alcohol, and lead a peaceful lifestyle.
    • The government of Jharkhand and India recognize them as freedom fighters, and some of their descendants receive pensions.
  1. Tribal Non-Cooperation Movement (1914–1920s):
    • Telenga Kharia born in 1806, Murgu (Gumla, Jharkhand) is closely associated with the Tribal Non-Cooperation Movement in the mid-19th century in the Chotanagpur region (present-day Jharkhand).
    • Boycott of British institutions – like courts, taxes, police, and landlords.
    • Formation of Adivasi self-rule systems with “Akhra courts” to settle disputes.
    • Promotion of tribal unity and self-defense training who sought to awaken tribal consciousness.
    • Opposition to land alienation and cultural domination by British and moneylenders.
  1. Pahariya Rebellion:
    • The Pahariya Rebellion was one of the early tribal uprisings in India against British colonial rule, taking place in the late 18th century, primarily in the Rajmahal Hills region (now in Jharkhand).
    • It involved the Pahariya tribes, particularly the Mal Paharias, who resisted British intrusion into their territory and way of life.
    • The Pahariyas were independent hill tribes living in the dense forests of the Rajmahal Hills.
    • They had a subsistence economy based on hunting, gathering, and shifting cultivation.
    • They maintained autonomy under the Mughal Empire, but when the British East India Company began asserting control in Bengal and Bihar after 1765, they pushed into tribal regions.
    • Colonial Encroachment: British expansion disrupted the traditional autonomy of the Pahariyas.
    • Revenue Demands: The introduction of a new revenue system affected the land use and economy of the tribes.

These revolts reflected a strong tradition of tribal self-rule and opposition to external domination. The tribal people of Jharkhand were among the first in India to resist British colonialism through mass uprisings.