Rudan and Konta Munda – Early Resistance in Tamad Region (1817–1821)

Background: British Expansion and Exploitation

• By the year 1800, the East India Company had tightened its control over Indian kings and princely states.
• In Chotanagpur, the Company was constantly changing tactics to increase revenue collection.
• The year 1817 was a turning point when the Company stripped local rulers of feudal power.
• These exploitative moves led to the seeds of rebellion in Chotanagpur, especially in the form of the Tamad uprising.

Early Leaders and Rising Discontent (1819)

• The Tamad rebellion gained momentum by 1819, with prominent leaders such as:
  • Daulat Rai Munda (Itki)
  • Shankar Manki (Kasu Janga)
  • Rudan Munda and Shivnath Munda (Sindri)
  • Chandan Singh and Ghusa Sardar (Baghi)
  • Bhadra Munda and Tepa Manki (Badh Baniya)
• On 21 August 1819, the rebels attacked Purana Nagar, killing some and injuring 20 people; property and cattle were looted.
• A second attack took place on 24 August.
• On 31 August, rebels attacked Pituchara.
• Rebels also intended to attack Tamad Khas and Nawadih.

Royal Appeal and Escalation

• Govind Shahi, the Raja of Tamad, sought help from East India Company officer Rafsedge.
• The hilly and difficult terrain of Tamad favored the rebels.
• The uprising is detailed by historian Dr. V. Veerottam in Jharkhand Itihas evam Sanskriti.

Spread and British Response

• By September 1819, the rebellion became severe, fueled by:
  • Moneylending oppression
  • Company’s exploitative revenue system
• On 20 November 1819, Rafsedge sent 40 armed sepoys led by Jemadar Sheikh Inayatullah Khan to Tamad.
• By December 1819, the revolt had spread to a wider region; Magistrate A.J. Colvin was already stationed in the area.
• The Company launched a severe crackdown.

Arrests and Continued Resistance

• From January to March 1820, several rebel leaders were arrested, but Rudan Munda and Konta Munda escaped.
• A reward was announced for Rudan Munda’s capture.
• With the help of Kunwar Vikram of Saraikela, Rudan Munda was arrested in July 1820.
• Rudan died in captivity.

Rebellion Reignites (1821)

• Despite efforts, Tamad did not remain calm for long.
• In 1821, a second phase of rebellion broke out.
• District officer of Ramgarh, N. Smith, reported that Konta Munda had mobilized warriors from Singhbhum.
• Though Konta Munda failed to attack Tamad, he continued to be a major threat to Raja Govind Shahi.
• Govind Shahi announced a reward of ₹200 for Konta’s capture.
• He also sent a letter to the Raja of Dhalbhum and wrote to the District Magistrate of Midnapore.

Trial and Death of Konta Munda

• Konta Munda was put on trial in Midnapore.
• He died in prison, which marked the end of the Tamad rebellion.