Hul Diwas 2025: Remembering the Santhal Uprising of 1855

Hul Diwas is observed annually on 30th June. It is the glorious struggle of Santhals against the British oppressive rule as well as local oppressors. Santhal Hul was a tribal warrior uprising that erupted in 1855. It was led by the brave Sidho and Kanho Murmu, and their brothers Chand and Bhairav, and sisters Phulo and Jhano.

It is not only a historical occurrence; it is a fight for rights, equality, and freedom to choose for indigenous Indians.

Why Did the Santhal Hul Begin?

• In 1832, the British designated parts of present-day Jharkhand as Damin-i-Koh (now Santhal Pargana) invited the Santhals to settle and cultivate the land.
  
• Instead of peace, the Santhals faced:
  
  • Exploitation by zamindars and moneylenders (collectively called ‘Dikus’).
    
  • Forced labour systems like Kamioti and Harwahi, where Santhals worked indefinitely to repay debts they could rarely settle.
    
  • Land alienation and cultural suppression.
    

The Uprising: Santhal Hul of 1855

• Date of Revolt: 30th June 1855
  
• Scale: Around 60,000 Santhals took up arms.
  
• Targets: The Santhals fought against the British East India Company, zamindars, darogas, and other oppressors.
  
• Method: Fierce guerrilla warfare across the forests and hills of Jharkhand.
  
• Outcome: Brutally suppressed by the British by January 1856.
  
  • Over 15,000 Santhals killed.
    
  • More than 10,000 villages destroyed.
    
  • Yet, the spirit of resistance remained unbroken.
    

Key Leaders of the Santhal Rebellion

• Sidho Murmu and Kanho Murmu – The main leaders and organizers.
  
• Chand and Bhairav Murmu – Their brothers who also fought bravely.
  
• Phulo and Jhano Murmu – Their sisters who played key roles and became symbols of tribal women’s courage.
  

Legacy and Impact

• The uprising forced the British to recognise the distinct identity and rights of the Santhals.
  
• Led to crucial legislations:
  
  • Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act (1876) – Protected tribal land from being transferred to outsiders.
    
  • Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908) – Strengthened land and cultural rights of tribals in adjacent areas.
    
• Inspired later tribal revolts and formed an early chapter in India’s freedom struggle – two years before the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny.
  

Hul Diwas Celebrations in Jharkhand

• Tributes are paid to Sido-Kanhu and all tribal martyrs.
  
• Cultural programs, folk songs, and commemorative events are held across Jharkhand, especially in Dumka, Sahibganj, and Deoghar.
  
• A reminder of the ongoing struggle for tribal rights, land security, and dignity in modern India.
  

Why Hul Matters Today

• It teaches us the value of grassroots resistance.
  
• Reinforces the importance of community leadership, self-governance, and protecting cultural identity.
  
• Reminds India of its tribal heroes, often forgotten in mainstream history books.

Source:- newsonair.gov.in;  utsav.gov.in ;