Context:

President Droupadi Murmu on 30 June 2025, paid tribute to the Santhal community on the occasion of Hul Diwas, honouring the sacrifices of Sidhu, Kanhu, Phulo, Jhano, and thousands of Santhals who rose against British colonial rule in 1855. This annual commemoration highlights one of India’s earliest and most significant tribal uprisings—the Santhal Hul.

Historical Background:

In 1832, the British administration carved out a special territory called Damin-i-Koh or the Santhal Pargana. This area included parts of present-day Sahibganj, Godda, Dumka, Deoghar, Pakur, and Jamtara in Jharkhand. The Santhals were invited to settle and farm this land. Over time, however, they faced severe exploitation through unfair taxes, land grabbing, and oppressive labour systems imposed by landlords and moneylenders.

Two exploitative forms of bonded labour emerged:

• Kamioti: Borrowers worked indefinitely for the lender, often unable to repay loans within their lifetime.
• Harwahi: Borrowers had to plough the lender’s fields and provide personal services whenever demanded.

These systems led to growing poverty and resentment among the Santhal population.

The Uprising:

• On 30 June 1855, the Santhals, led by four Murmu brothers—Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav—and their sisters Phulo and Jhano, launched an organised rebellion against the British and local oppressors collectively called diku.
• Approximately 60,000 Santhals participated. They targeted police stations, government offices, and the estates of zamindars and moneylenders. Using guerrilla warfare tactics, the Santhals initially achieved local victories. However, they were poorly armed compared to the British forces.
• After nearly six months of fierce fighting, the British suppressed the revolt in January 1856. The crackdown was severe: over 15,000 Santhals were killed, and more than 10,000 villages were destroyed.

Impact and Reforms:

Although the rebellion was crushed, it had significant consequences. The uprising forced the British to acknowledge the grievances of tribal communities and prompted new laws to protect their rights.

Key legal reforms included:

• Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act, 1876: Prohibited transfer of Adivasi land to non-Adivasis, safeguarded inheritance within the community, and protected tribal land governance.
• Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908: Extended similar protections to other regions inhabited by tribal populations.

The Santhal Hul also inspired later tribal movements and contributed to the wider anti-colonial struggle.

About Santhal Community:

The Santhals are one of India’s largest tribal groups. They primarily live in Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. They speak Santhali, a language belonging to the Munda branch of the Austroasiatic family. Santhal society maintains strong cultural traditions, community bonds, and close ties to the land.

Conclusion:

The Santhal Hul stands as a powerful symbol of tribal resistance, dignity, and self-determination. President Murmu’s tribute on Hul Diwas is a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Santhals in India’s history. Their courage continues to inspire movements for justice, preservation of tribal rights, and protection of indigenous identities.