Tribal Revolts of Bihar

The colonial presence in India had affected all walk of life. Their value system had shaken the
Indian society. Their methods of interference & exploitation resulted in several tribal uprisings.
These tribal revolts were mostly localized, sporadic, isolated and unorganized.
• The tribal land or forest was an important factor which sparked off the mainland tribal
rebellions.
• The rich, joint ownership tradition of tribals was disrupted by the land settlements of
the British.
• It also disrupted their social fabric.
• Extension of agriculture in a settled form by the Britishers resulted in the loss of land by
the tribals.
• There was an influx of non-tribals to these areas.
• The practice of the Shifting cultivation was also curbed.
• Setting up reserved forests by the company led to restricted forest rights of tribals.
• The underlying objective of this move was to supply timber for shipping and the
railways.
• The tribals were also exploited by moneylenders (most of them were outsiders), traders
& the police.
• The tribal customs and traditions were also affected by some British policies & laws.
• The arrival of the Christian missionaries in tribal areas & their efforts to affect tribal
customs and traditions was another reason for the tribal resentment.
• Various writers view these tribal uprising differently.
• Bipin Chandra points out that these sudden regional revolts mostly occurred due to local
grievances, while they acquired the large sweep for times, involving armed groups of
just a few hundred to several thousand.
• K Suresh Singh states, "The tribal insurrections were the most militant outbreaks, and
they revolted more often and far more violently than any other community including
peasants in India."
• Sumit Sarkar puts up his perspective through 'Towards a History from below'.

Important Characteristics of the Tribal revolts

• The effort at destroying the tribal traditional socio-economic framework by the
imposition of laws by the ‘foreign power’ was a common cause of the resentment.
• A unique feature of many tribal revolts was that these movements were led by messiah-
like figures who encouraged these people to revolt with a promise to end their suffering
caused by the ‘outsiders’.
• The tribal identity used to lay behind the solidarity of these people.
• These people fought with the outdated arms against the modern weapons and
techniques of the opponents.
• Not all ‘outsiders’ were seen as enemies.
• The traders & moneylenders were seen as extensions of the colonial government.
 Important tribal revolts of Bihar are illustrated below-

Noniya Rebellion (1770-1800)

Region ✓ Hazipur, Tirhut, Saran, Purnia (Saltpetre producing areas in British

India)
Main leaders
Causes of the revolt ✓ Exploitative policy of the company in the purchase of the Saltpetre
from Noniyas
Objectives of the ✓ To oppose the exploitative policy of the company
revolt
Important points ✓ This revolt took place in the Saltpetre producing areas in British India.
✓ Saltpetre was used in the production of Gunpowder.
✓ Noniyas were the people who were mainly engaged in the production
of Saltpetre.
✓ Assamese mediator used to work between the British company &
Noniyas to procure the Saltpetre & supply it to the factories.
✓ Assamese were given one-fourth price in advance by the British
company.
✓ They used to receive Rs. 2 to 4 for each Mann (approx. 40 kg) of the
Saltpetre from the company but gave only 12 to 15 annas for each
Mann to the Noniyas.
✓ On the contrary, the other merchants who were not related to the
company used to buy the Saltpetre for Rs. 3 for each Mann from
Noniyas.
✓ Hence, Noniyas were highly exploited by the company.
✓ So, they started selling the Saltpetre to these merchants secretly.
✓ When the Britishers came to know about these practices, they
brutally assaulted these people.
Outcome of the revolt People and merchants were forced to do business with the Britishers
only, by implementing new laws in this regard.
Dhalbhum Rebellion (1766-1774)

Region ✓ Dhalbhum region (parts of Bankura, Midnapore & Singhbhum

districts)
Main leaders ✓ Jagannath Dhal
Causes of the revolt ✓ The British penetration & interference in the region
Objectives of the ✓ To oppose the British penetration in the region & their revenue
revolt assessment policies
Important points ✓ British penetration in Jungle Mahals and Dhalbhum region started in
1767.
✓ They were mainly interested in the assessment of the revenue of the
region.
✓ However, the British penetration was resisted by tribals.
 ✓ An anti-British strong resistance was launched by the Chief of Ghatsila
(Administrative capital of Dhalbhum Raj)
✓ The Britishers under the leadership of Fergusson arrested the Chief
and installed his nephew Jagannath Dhal on his place.
✓ But, this British move backfired.
✓ The new Chief, Jagannath Dhal, too rose into rebellion with the
support of the indigenous Bhumij community.
✓ Again, Jagannath Dhal was removed & Nimu Dhal (his brother) was
inducted.
✓ The public refused to accept Nimu Dhal as their Chief and refused to
pay the revenue.
✓ Several attacks were organized by Chuars under the leadership of
Jagannath Dhal.
✓ The rally was joined by Bhumijs, who organized several violent
attacks on the Chief of Ghatsila under the leadership of Jagannath
Dhal in 1773 and 1774.
✓ Guerilla warfare was used effectively by Jagannath Dhal.
Outcome of the revolt ✓ The Britishers had to re-install Jagannath Dhal in 1777, as the support
of Bhumijs & neighbouring zamindars was considered important.
Revolt of the Pahariya Sardars (1778)

Region Rajmahal Hills

Main leaders

Causes of the revolt Revolted against the British encroachment of the region

Objectives of the To oppose the British policy of expansion

revolt
Important points ✓ Pahariyas were a martial tribe.
✓ They revolted against the British expansion on their territory.
✓ Due to impoverishment & lawlessness in the region, Pahariyas were
involved in unlawful activities like theft, dacoity and associated
violence.
✓ During the struggle with Pahariyas, the British realized the limitations
of the use of force and adopted a policy of peace with them.
✓ The Collector of the Rajmahal, Augustus Cleveland (1778) had
peaceful relations with them.
✓ The entire hill region was brought under a uniform administration of
a hill assembly by Cleveland.
✓ Cleveland also formed lands held by Pahariyas into government
estate, to prevent the acquisition of tribal land by moneylenders,
Mahajans & Zamindars.
 ✓ Under this system, land was free of rent & was held directly from the
government.
✓ This special arrangement was known as Damin-i-Koh.
✓ Damin-i-Koh was made a non-regulation area.
Outcome of the revolt The British were forced to usher in peace by declaring their territory as
Damin-i-Koh.
Tamar Revolts (1789-1832)

Region ✓ Chota Nagpur Plateau Region

Main leaders ✓ Bhola Nath Sahay was the main leader of the revolts.
✓ Ganga Narain Singh also supported the revolts.

Causes of the revolt ✓ Kings and landlords began to usurp the land from the people once
they got the protection of the Britishers. They (mainly Oraons)
revolted against the faulty align system of the Britishers.

Objectives of the ✓ To oppose the British Policies to control the tribal land.
revolt
Important points ✓ The tribals of Tamar repeatedly revolted between 1789-1832 against
the Britishers.
✓ In their revolts, they were joined by the tribals of adjoining areas
including Jalda, Silli, Dhadha, Koelpur, Midnapur & Chatshila.
✓ The other tribal groups joining & supporting the revolts included Kols,
Hos, Mundas, etc.
✓ Ganga Narain Singh also supported the revolt.
✓ Outsiders, which were called "dikus" were murdered.
✓ Their houses were burnt and plundered.

Outcome of the revolt ✓ Finally, the movement was suppressed by the government in 1832-
33.
✓ It resulted in the declaration of the region as the government estate.
✓ But the system of administration through the "Ho" tribal head was
maintained.
Chero Revolt (1800-1802)
Region Palamau (Jharkhand)
Main leaders Bhushan Singh
Causes of the revolt Chero tribe (peasants) was against local King Churaman Roy (who was a
British puppet)
Objectives of the To protect the tribal interests & oppose the policies of the local king which
revolt were guided by the British
Important points ✓ People of Chero tribe participated in this revolt
✓ The people revolted against their local king
 ✓ The revolt was led by a Zamindar, Bhushan Singh
✓ Colonel Jones tried to crush the revolt; however, he was not fully
successful
Outcome of the revolt Bhushan Singh was arrested & hanged in 1802
Ho and Munda Uprisings (1820-22, 1831-37, 1899-1900)

Region ✓ Singhbhum, Chotanagpur region

Main leaders Raja Parhat, Birsa Munda
Causes of the revolt ✓ The main causes of the revolts were-
1. The new land revenue policy of the British
2. Against alienation of tribal land
3. The occupation of the Singhbhum region by British
4. Exploitation by moneylenders & contractors

Objectives of the I. By Ho tribals led by Raja Parahat (1827; Chotanagpur & Singhbhum): to
revolt oppose the occupation of Singhbhum by British.
II. By the Mundas & Ho tribals and (1831): to oppose the newly
introduced farming revenue policy.
III. By the Mundas led by Birsa Munda (1899-1900; south of
Ranchi): against “dikus” & their exploitative measures, to oppose the
alienation of tribal land
IV. The Ulgulan uprising (1860-1920): to oppose exploitation by
moneylenders and forest contractors.
Important points ✓ Ho tribals were organized by the Raja of Parahat to protest against
the occupation of Singhbhum.
✓ Finally, they were forced to surrender in 1827.
✓ But, the Ho protest was again fuelled in 1831, to oppose the entry of
Bengalis into their region & to protest against the newly introduced
revenue policy.
✓ This time the rally was also joined by the Mundas of Chotanagpur.
✓ Ho tribals protested till 1837.
✓ A powerful protest of Mundas emerged in 1899-1900 under the
leadership of Birsa Munda in the region south of Ranchi.
✓ It is considered as one the most organized tribal movement of Bihar.
✓ The Forest Regulation Act, 1865 empowered the British Government
to declare any land covered with trees as Government Forest. The
regulation made no provision regarding the rights of tribal users.
✓ Later the Indian Forest Act, 1878 imposed several restrictions upon
tribal rights over the land and forest-produce in the protected and
reserve forests.
✓ The Act radically changed the nature of the traditional common
property of the tribal communities and made it state property.
 ✓ The introduction of the private ownership of land & breaking the
traditional arrangement of the Munda tribe was the main reason for
the revolt.
✓ Birsa organized the Munda tribe & led the movement to get rid of
“Dikus” (outsiders).
✓ As he organized a force of fight against the oppressive landlords,
Christian missionaries and British officials, he was imprisoned.
✓ He was released only after 2 years.
✓ The Munda Movement under him was religious movement or
rebellion (Ulgulan) with an agrarian and political content.
✓ The movement was aimed at establishing Munda rule in the land by
killing Thikadars, Jagirdars, Rajas, and others.
✓ Birsa gathered a large force of Mundas that was suppressed heavily
by British forces.
✓ He was captured and jailed in 1900, where he passed away.
✓ In the 20th century, the Mundas again revolted against the Queen of
Gangpur who was exploiting the people under the patronage of the
British.
✓ Under the leadership of Nirmala Munda, they fought the British in
1939, which too was suppressed heavily, that led to the killing of
Mundas at 'Ameko Simako' near Raiboga.
✓ Another powerful tribal revolt in the series was the Ulgulan uprising
(1860-1920), to oppose exploitation by moneylenders and forest
contractors.
✓ Though the movement began as a religious movement later, it
gathered a political force to fight against their exploitation.
Outcome of the revolt ✓ The revolt by the Ho tribe continued till 1827 when the Ho tribals
were forced to submit.
✓ Birsa Minda died on 9th June 1900 in prison in Ranchi.
✓ The “Khut Khuti arrangement” was legally recognized after amending
the Peasant Act can be seen as an important outcome of the Munda
revolt.

Kol Mutiny (1831)

Region ✓ Manbhum, Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Singhbhum & Palamau
Main leaders ✓ Buddho Bhagat
Causes of the revolt ✓ The main cause of the revolt was the penetration & expansion of the
British rule on the Kol lands.
Objectives of the ✓ The movement was aimed at opposing the British policy of expansion
revolt in the Kol region & transfer of land rights to outsiders
Important points ✓ The movement was led by Kol tribe under the leadership of Buddho
Bhagat.
✓ It was also supported by other neighbouring tribes.
 ✓ The seed of the movement was sown in the year 1831 when the
large-scale transfers of land from Kol headmen to outsiders including
Muslim, Sikh & Hindu farmers & other moneylenders.
✓ Their exploitative & oppressive measures along with the British
judicial and revenue policies badly affected economic, social &
political aspects of the Kols.
✓ The revolt started in 1831 & about a thousand outsiders were killed
by the rebellions.
Outcome of the revolt ✓ The revolt was suppressed only after the large-scale military
operations.
✓ New region-specific law in the name of “Regulation-XIII” was made
that divided the Ramgarh district for better administration.
✓ Districts like Jungle Mahal and Tributary Mahal were carved out.
✓ Captain Wilkinson (earlier sent to suppress the revolt) was made the
first governor of the newly formed administrative area.
✓ This rebellion laid the foundations for the administrative system
reforms in the area.
Bhumij Revolt (1832-33)

Region ✓ Birbhum & Singhbhum

Main leaders ✓ Ganga Narayan Singh
Causes of the revolt ✓ The land revenue policy of Britishers
Objectives of the ✓ To oppose the land revenue policy of Britishers
revolt
Important points ✓ Madhav Singh (brother of G.N. Singh) as the Diwan heavily exploited
the public. When opposed by Ganga Narayan, he took protection of
Britishers.
✓ Hence, G.N. Singh also took the support of exploited landlords and
tribals (mainly Ho and Kols).
✓ Thakur of Kharsawan fought from the British side and killed
Ganganarayan Singh. He gifted G.N. Singh’s head to Wilkinson.
✓ It is also known as “Ganga Narayan's hangama or turmoil”.
✓ He formed “Sardar Guerrilla Vahini” to fight against the Britishers.

Outcome of the revolt ✓ The movement could not sustain due to untimely death of Ganga
Narayan Singh.
✓ Although won by British, this whole event persuaded Wilkinson to
suspend the Jungle Mahal and shut down its Diwani Adalat.
✓ Places like Shergarh, Vishnupur & Sonpahari were merged with
Vardhamaan and remaining areas were merged to make a new
district Maanbhum.
Lota Rebellion (1856)
Region ✓ Muzaffarpur
Main leaders
Causes of the revolt ✓ The immediate cause of the revolt was the replacement of the Brass
water container (lota) with the clay water container in the
Muzaffarpur jail.

Objectives of the ✓ To oppose the discriminatory policies of the Britishers.

revolt
Important points ✓ This rebellion took place in the Muzaffarpur jail.
✓ The prisoners were given Brass water container (‘Lota’).
✓ But the company suddenly replaced the Brass water container with
the clay water container.
✓ Hence, prisoners started the revolt in opposition to the move.

Outcome of the revolt ✓ The company restarted the practice of giving the Brass water
container to prisoners due to the fear of spreading the revolt outside
the jail.
The Santhal Rebellion (1855-56)
Region ✓ Area from Bhagalpur of eastern Bihar to Rajmahal (Santhal Pargana or
‘Daman-e-koh’)
Main leaders ✓ Sidhu and Kanhu, Chand & Bhairav
Causes of the revolt ✓ Initially, the revolt started against the practices of Zamindars and
moneylenders.
✓ The Santhals of Rajmahal hill had resented against the oppression by
revenue officials, police, moneylenders, landlords etc.

Objectives of the ✓ To oppose the oppressive policies of moneylenders, contractors etc.

revolt ✓ To oppose the exploitative practices of zamindars and moneylenders.
✓ To oppose the Britishers & their policies.
Important points ✓ Santhals were the agriculturalist who settled in the plains of the
Rajmahal hills (Bihar).
✓ Zamindars & moneylenders often exploited these people.
✓ They also had the support of the police.
✓ Hence, the revolt started by these people against the oppressive
practices of zamindars & moneylenders.
✓ Later the rebellion turned into an anti-British movement.
✓ The Santhals proclaimed an end to Company rule under the
leadership of two brothers, Sidhu and Kanhu.
✓ They declared the area between Bhagalpur and Rajmahal as
autonomous.
✓ They asserted themselves independent in 1854.
Outcome of the revolt ✓ Finally, the extensive military operation in 1856 brought the situation
under control.
✓ Sidhu passed away in 1855, while Kanhu was arrested in 1866.
✓ To pacify the movement, Santhal Pargana was created by the British.
 ✓ ‘Santhal Tenancy act’ was enacted.
✓ ‘Manjhi’ a social system of Santhal was revived.

Kharwar Rebellion by the Kharwars (1870s; Bihar)

Region Santhal Pargana

Main leaders Bhagirath Manjhi
Causes of the revolt Deterioration of traditional custom & values
Objectives of the ✓ To re-establish the traditional values & tribal customs
revolt ✓ To oppose the land revenue settlement
Important points ✓ Kharwars is a sub-tribe of Santhals.
✓ They wanted to establish the original tribal values.
✓ The movement later became a campaign against the land revenue
settlement just before its suppression.
Outcome of the revolt It was not a very well-organized movement; thus, it lost the path in a few
years.
Tana Bhagat Movement (1914)
Region ✓ Chotanagpur (now in Jharkhand).
Main leaders ✓ Jatra Bhagat, Balram Bhagat
Causes of the revolt ✓ Against interference of outsiders
Objectives of the ✓ To oppose the landlord and contractors (outsiders).
revolt ✓ It was also a social reform movement
✓ To uplift the social status of Oraon tribe (began as Sanskritisation
movement)
Important points ✓ The movement was started by Oraon tribe in 1914.
✓ The movement was led by Balram Bhagat & Jatra Bhagat, who
preached that God’s benevolent delegate would arrive to free the
tribals.
✓ The Tana Bhagat Movement is essentially religious in nature.
✓ Avoiding meat-eating, consuming liquor & adopting vegetarian food
were advocated under the movement.
✓ Jatra Bhagat was the main leader of this movement.
✓ The Bhagat Movement is characterized by large-scale incorporation
of Hindu practices into its ideology.
✓ However, the tribal leaders of the movement were basically fighting
the outside exploiters like the landlords and contractors.
✓ Followers of the movement also participated in the Non-cooperation
movement.
Outcome of the revolt ✓ It helped in awakening social consciousness among the Oraon tribe.