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On 30th June, the Prime Minister paid tribute on Hul Diwas, marking the beginning of the Santhal Uprising (1855). The day honors the memory of tribal martyrs like Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, Phulo-Jhano, and others who led a united revolt against British colonial exploitation and land alienation.

Key Terms Explained

Term	Explanation
Hul Diwas	Observed on 30th June to commemorate the Santhal Uprising of 1855. ‘Hul’ means rebellion in Santhali.
Damin-i-Koh	A forested area in Rajmahal Hills, Jharkhand, reserved for Santhal settlement in 1832 by the British.
Kamioti/Harwahi	Forms of bonded labor forced upon Santhals by moneylenders and landlords.
Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act (SPT), 1876	Prevents Adivasi land transfer to non-Adivasis in Santhal Parganas.
Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act (CNT), 1908	Restricts sale/transfer of Adivasi and Dalit land to maintain ownership within the community.

Santhal Uprising (1855)

Feature	Description
Nature	A tribal revolt against British-backed zamindars and exploitative economic systems.
Timeline	Began on 30th June 1855, predating the Revolt of 1857.
Leaders	Sido and Kanhu Murmu, with support from Chand, Bhairav, Phulo, and Jhano.
Unity	Over 32 castes/tribes united, showing rare tribal solidarity.
Triggers	Land alienation, bonded labor, moneylender exploitation under Permanent Settlement.
Impact	Led to legislative protection of tribal land via SPT Act (1876) and CNT Act (1908).

Santhal Tribe

Aspect	Details
Origin	Migrated from Birbhum and Manbhum (Bengal) post-1770 famine. Settled in Damin-i-Koh under British policy.
Demographics	3rd largest Scheduled Tribe in India (after Gonds and Bhils); mainly in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal.
Language & Script	Speak Santhali, recognized in the 8th Schedule, written in Ol Chiki script.
Culture	Celebrate agriculture-linked festivals like Sohrai, Baha, and Karam. Follow animistic and nature-centric religious practices.

In a Nutshell

Use the mnemonic “S.H.I.E.L.D” to remember the essence of the Santhal Uprising:

S – Santhal solidarity against colonialism
H – Hul Diwas commemorates tribal resistance
I – Inequity due to bonded labor and land loss
E – Exodus from Bengal due to famine and displacement
L – Legislative reforms like SPT and CNT Acts
D – Damin-i-Koh – the ground zero of the rebellion

Prelims Practice Questions

1. With reference to the Santhal Uprising of 1855, consider the following statements:
   1. It took place after the Revolt of 1857.
   2. The uprising was led by Sido and Kanhu Murmu.
   3. It led to the enactment of the Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act, 1908.
      Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
      a) 1 and 2 only
      b) 2 and 3 only
      c) 2 only
      d) 1, 2 and 3
2. Which of the following are features of the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act, 1876?
   1. It prohibits transfer of Adivasi land to non-Adivasis.
   2. It applies across all of India.
      Select the correct answer using the codes below:
      a) 1 only
      b) 2 only
      c) Both 1 and 2
      d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. Which language is spoken by the Santhal tribe and included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution?
   a) Mundari
   b) Ho
   c) Kurukh
   d) Santhali

Prelims Answers and Explanations

Q. No	Correct Answer	Explanation
1	b) 2 and 3 only	The uprising preceded the 1857 revolt; Sido and Kanhu were its leaders. It led to tribal land laws like CNT.
2	a) 1 only	The SPT Act is applicable only in Santhal Parganas, not all of India.
3	d) Santhali	Santhali is in the 8th Schedule and is written in Ol Chiki script.