Category: Jharkhand Revolts

Early Life

• Born on 9 February 1806 in Sisai Murge village.
• Father: Duiya Kharia – a Pahan (village priest) and Bhandari (treasurer) of the Chotanagpur Maharaja.
• Mother: Peto Kharia.
• Known for being sharp-witted and talkative from childhood.
• Due to his talkative nature, he was nicknamed Tedbalanga, which gradually changed to Telanga.
• Though illiterate, he possessed exceptional leadership qualities.
• Inspired and trained youth in bravery and weapons combat.
• Married Ratni Kharia in 1846.

Community and Organization

• Mobilized the entire Kharia region under the Juri Panchayat.
• Witnessed and was deeply affected by British exploitation and injustice.
• He was aware of the Kol Rebellion (1831–32) and how the British had looted tribal lands.
• Saw legal institutions (Dhana-Kachahari) being misused to seize tribal property and hurt religious sentiments.
• A devout follower of his tribal religion.

Guerrilla Warfare Against British

• Set up a martial training center at Sisai Bazaar Tanda.
• Began a guerrilla warfare campaign against the British.
• His movement gained wide support from not only Kharias, but also Oraons, Mundas, and Sadan communities.
• The East India Company caught wind of his preparations and declared a manhunt, placing a bounty on him.

British Suppression and Family Targeting

• Despite several campaigns, Telanga Kharia evaded capture.
• When unable to arrest him, the British harassed his family.
• His followers were imprisoned to prevent further rebellion.
• 1857 Sepoy Mutiny was ultimately crushed by the British.
• In 1859, the British introduced a new land tax law, which led to mass land auctions.
• Christian missionaries helped converted individuals benefit by protecting their lands.

Martyrdom

• On 23 April 1880, while offering a prayer before conducting training at Sisai Akhara,
  he was shot from behind by Bodhan Singh, who was lying in wait.
• Telanga Kharia was martyred.
• His followers buried him at Soso Neem Toli on the banks of the Koel River.
• This place is now known as “Telanga Topa Tanda” and is a memorial site.

Background

• Nilambar and Pitambar were two great freedom fighters from Palamu district.
• They were real (biological) brothers.
• Detailed information about their childhood is not available.
• Belonged to the Kharwar community.
• They formed a powerful organization by uniting members of the Kharwar tribe.

Community and Alliances

• Chero and Kharwar were the dominant tribes in Palamu.
• Bhokta Kharwar was a sub-caste of the Kharwar tribe.
• During the 1857 Revolt, both brothers actively participated in the freedom struggle.
• To strengthen their position, they allied with the Chero Jagirdar, promising to help him regain his rights in return for support.

Attack on British-Aligned Regions

• On 21 October 1857, under their leadership, they attacked:
  • Chainpur
  • Sahpur
  • Lesliganj
• They were largely successful in these operations.
• At that time, Raghubar Dayal Singh, the Jagirdar of Chainpur, was a supporter of the British.
• They attacked Chainpur, but Raghubar successfully defended his territory.

British Military Response

• The British became aware of Nilambar and Pitambar’s leadership and growing threat.
• A British force under Major Cotter was sent to suppress them.
• Lieutenant Graham also reached Sahpur to assist the British forces.
• This combined British force proved too strong, and the brothers could not withstand the assault.

Retreat and Regrouping

• Nilambar and Pitambar escaped to the forests of Manika.
• While in the forest, they regrouped and strengthened their organization.
• Soon after, they sparked new uprisings against the British in Manika and nearby areas.

Final Suppression

• In retaliation, on 16 January 1858, Colonel Dalton led a British force to drive the rebels out of the Manika forests.
• After this, Dalton moved on to Lesliganj.
• Despite repeated British efforts, the brothers managed to evade capture multiple times.

Capture and Execution

• Ultimately, Colonel Dalton arrested Nilambar and Pitambar during a feast (referred to as a bojh).
• A brief trial was conducted, and both were sentenced to death by hanging.
• After their execution, all their property was confiscated by the British.

Aftermath and Policy Change

• Following these events, the British decided to implement a new regulation system aimed at protecting tribal interests.
• After the introduction of this regulatory system, no further tribal uprisings occurred for a long time.

Birth and Early Life

• Born on 15 November 1875 in Ulihatu village, under Khunti subdivision, Arki block.
• Some scholars dispute Ulihatu as his actual birthplace.
• Father: Sugna Munda, Grandfather: Lakhari Munda.
• Born into a very poor family.

Childhood and Education

• Due to poverty, his parents sent him first to Ayubhatu (mother’s village) and later to Khutanga.
• On 7 May 1886, Birsa converted to Christianity at the Lutheran Mission in Chaibasa.
• Received his primary education in a nearby village school near Ulihatu.
• Later, admitted to Gurju Mission School.

Religious Discontent and Social Awakening

• During his schooling, German Lutheran and Roman Catholic missionaries were actively involved in land movements.
• Birsa paid close attention to the missionary activities and their effects on tribal life.
• Due to some differences, he was expelled from school, and he lived in Chaibasa from 1886 to 1890.

Turning Point and Return to Roots

• In 1890, after returning to his native village, he underwent a major transformation.
• Developed interest in stories of Ram-Lakshman (Ramayana) and Krishna-Arjuna (Mahabharata).
• Came under the influence of a Hindu Brahmin named Anand Pandey.
• Began actively serving local villagers.
• Became disillusioned with missionary work and started reviving traditional tribal life.

Beginning of the Movement

• The main goal of the Birsa Movement was to restore pure tribal culture.
• Used religion as a tool for political resistance.
• Declared a rebellion against Christian missionaries, accusing them of dividing Munda society.

Growth into a Mass Movement

• The movement gradually grew into a mass rebellion.
• Tribal sardars (leaders) also joined in.
• With the inclusion of sardars, the original peaceful nature of the movement changed.
• Without Birsa’s consent, sardars started preparing for an armed struggle.
• Christian missionaries incited the British government against Birsa.

British Action and Arrest

• On 22 August 1895, a warrant for Birsa’s arrest was issued.
• He was arrested and tried under Section 505 of the Indian Penal Code.
• Sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment.
• This suppression frightened the Munda community.

Release and Renewed Rebellion

• Released from jail on 30 November 1897.
• Spent the next two years organizing his followers.
• In 1899, led rebellions against Christians and the British in Chakradharpur, Khunti, Karra, Torpa, Tamar, and Basia regions.
• His actions angered the British government, which announced a reward of ₹500 for his capture.
• Birsa evaded arrest for some time.

Final Arrest and Death

• On 9 June 1900, Birsa Munda was finally arrested by British authorities.
• Died in Ranchi jail (exact date not mentioned in the provided text).

Legacy

• Birsa Munda remains a symbol of tribal resistance against British colonialism and missionary influence.
• Revered as a hero and spiritual leader among Adivasis in Jharkhand and across India.

Birth and Family Background

• Born in 1819 in Khudia village, under Ormanjhi police station, Ranchi.
• Father: Sheikh Pahalwan, a landlord of 12 villages.
• Great-grandfather: Sheikh Bundlu.

Early Life and Skills

• Learned horse riding and martial arts from an early age.
• Gained experience in zamindari administration.

Role in Administration

• Later appointed as Diwan (minister) of Khutanga’s King Tikait Umrao Singh.
• Tikait Umrao Singh was a true patriot who actively participated in the freedom struggle, with Sheikh Bhikhari playing a significant role alongside him.

Start of the 1857 Rebellion

• On 31 July 1857, the freedom struggle began from Chutupalu Valley, which was under Tikait Umrao Singh’s zamindari.
• The rebellion was initially led by Madhav Singh and Nadir Ali Khan.
• Tikait Umrao Singh and Sheikh Bhikhari extended full support to them.

Liberation of Doranda Cantonment

• With their help, the rebels marched toward Ranchi and declared Doranda cantonment free from British control.
• This caused British officers like Commissioner Dalton, Deputy Commissioner Davis, and Judge Ox to flee from Ranchi to Hazaribagh via Kanke-Pithoria route.

Rebel Alliances

• Other major rebel leaders in Ranchi joined the movement, including:
  • Thakur Vishwanath Shahdeo
  • Pandey Ganpat Rai
  • Jaymangal Pandey

Expansion of the Movement

• Sheikh Bhikhari established contact with Santhal rebels in the Hazaribagh region.
• Motivated them to rise against British rule.

Hazaribagh Revolt

• On 30 July 1857, the Hazaribagh jail was broken open, and prisoners were freed.
• The revolt created panic, leading the Deputy Commissioner of Hazaribagh to flee to Barhi.

British Suppression

• Governor of Bengal, Edward Adley, ordered a crackdown to suppress the Hazaribagh rebellion.
• The movement was brutally crushed, and around 200 rebels were hanged.

Final Resistance and Arrest

• Tikait Umrao Singh and Sheikh Bhikhari tried to resist, but due to lack of ammunition, they were forced to surrender.
• They were arrested on 6 January 1858.

Execution

• On 7 January 1858, both were sentenced to death.
• On 8 January 1858, Sheikh Bhikhari and Tikait Umrao Singh were hanged.

Legacy

• Sheikh Bhikhari is remembered as a brave freedom fighter who played a key role in Jharkhand’s 1857 revolt, and sacrificed his life in the struggle for India’s independence.

Birth and Family Background

• Born on 12 August 1817 in Satrangi, the capital of Barkagarh estate.
• Father: Thakur Raghunath Shahdeo.
• Mother: Baneshwari Kunwar.
• His father was the jagirdar (landlord) of 57 villages granted by the Maharaja of Chotanagpur.
• His birthplace is now part of the HEC campus in Ranchi.

Education and Early Life

• Received high-quality education and training in administration and warfare.
• Showed keen interest in governance from a young age.
• After his father’s death in 1840, he took charge of the jagirdari.
• His first administrative decision was to shift the capital from Satrangi to Hatia.

Discontent with British Rule

• Realized that real power lay with the British, and native rulers had no actual authority.
• Decided to resist British dominance and waited for the right moment.

Rebellion Against the British

• In 1855, declared independence and initiated an open revolt against British rule.
• British officer Colonel Dalton was ordered to attack him.
• A fierce battle ensued, and Thakur Vishwanath Shahdeo defeated the British.

Role in the 1857 Revolt

• The 1857 uprising spread in Jharkhand and became more intense.
• Received support from:
  • Jagirdar Madhosingh
  • Raja Tikait Singh
  • Sheikh Bhikhari
• Rebel soldiers of the British army in Ramgarh also supported him.
• These rebels returned to Ranchi with British artillery and weapons.

Alliance and Leadership

• Partnered with Pandey Ganpat Rai, former Diwan of the Chotanagpur Maharaja, to lead the rebellion.
• Ganpat Rai was made commander-in-chief of the rebels.
• However, the Maharaja of Chotanagpur sided with the British against the rebellion.

Plan to Meet Kunwar Singh

• Shahdeo and Ganpat Rai planned to join forces with Babu Kunwar Singh.
• They moved via Kudu, Chandwa, Balumath, and Chatra to reach him.
• However, the British attacked them en route.
• Thakur Vishwanath Shahdeo escaped, returned, and began preparing for another battle.

Betrayal and Arrest

• The British applied their “Divide and Rule” policy in the Chotanagpur region.
• They won over some of Shahdeo’s own supporters.
• On 30 March 1858, due to betrayal by his own associates, he was captured.
• A man named Vishwanath Dubey provided information leading to his arrest.

Charges and Execution

• Accused of:
  • Helping rebel soldiers in Ramgarh.
  • Blocking the Ghato route.
  • Inciting sepoys.
  • Illegal extortion from traders.
• A brief trial was conducted, and he was sentenced to death for treason.
• Hanged near the main gate of Zilla School, Ranchi, from a Kadam tree.

Property Confiscation

• His estate of 97 villages was seized by the British.
• Jagannath Temple property was also confiscated but later returned to the priest.
• In 1872, a case was filed in Calcutta High Court to reclaim property, but it was dismissed.

Legacy

• Thakur Vishwanath Shahdeo is remembered as a valiant and patriotic leader of the 1857 First War of Independence in Jharkhand.
• His sacrifice, strategic planning, and alliance-building played a crucial role in inspiring tribal and non-tribal unity against British rule.

Birth and Early Life

• Born on 17 January 1809 in Bhawro village, located in the Lohardaga district.
• His birthplace now falls under the Bhandra block of Jharkhand.
• He spent his childhood with his uncle Sadashiv Rai, who was the Diwan (Prime Minister) of the Maharaja of Chotanagpur and lived in Palakot.

Education and Personal Life

• Received a high standard of education under the guidance of his uncle.
• Gained knowledge of Arabic and Persian languages.
• First marriage took place at the young age of 15, but the couple had no children.
• In 1837, at the age of 28, he remarried in Palamu.
• From his second marriage, he had two sons and three daughters.

Rise to Power

• After the death of his uncle Sadashiv Rai, Pandey Ganpat Rai became the Diwan of the Maharaja of Chotanagpur.
• Through his efficiency and skill, he gained significant trust and influence with the ruler of Chotanagpur.

Beginning of the Revolt

• The 59th Maharaja of Chotanagpur, Jagannath Shahdeo, faced a succession dispute.
• The British Privy Council ruled against the Nagvanshi king.
• Subsequently, Adam Hume was appointed as Administrator of Chotanagpur by the British.
• This injustice ignited feelings of rebellion in Pandey Ganpat Rai.

Role in the 1857 Revolt

• In August 1857, a British army unit stationed at Doranda Cantonment revolted.
• Pandey Ganpat Rai and Thakur Vishwanath Shahdeo emerged as leaders of this rebellion.
• The rebels proclaimed Vishwanath Shahdeo as king and Ganpat Rai as commander-in-chief.

Attack on British Establishments

• The rebel forces:
  • Caused heavy damage to the British in Ranchi.
  • Burned the courthouse.
  • Looted the treasury.
  • Attacked British residences.
  • Broke open Ranchi jail and freed 300 prisoners.

Plan to Connect with Kunwar Singh

• Pandey Ganpat Rai and Thakur Vishwanath Shahdeo planned to meet Kunwar Singh via Walumaha and Chatra.
• Unfortunately, on 2 October 1857, they were surrounded by British forces and forced to flee.

Betrayal and Arrest

• In an attempt to revive the movement, Pandey Ganpat Rai went to Lohardaga to seek support.
• He was betrayed by a local zamindar, Mahesh Sahi, who:
  • Locked him in a room, and
  • Informed the British authorities.
• Subsequently, Captain Nation arrested Pandey Ganpat Rai.

Trial and Execution

• He was brought to Ranchi for trial.
• On 16 April 1858, he was sentenced to death.
• On 21 April 1858, Pandey Ganpat Rai was hanged from the same Kadamb tree at Ranchi District School gate where Thakur Vishwanath Shahdeo had been executed.

Legacy

• Pandey Ganpat Rai is remembered as a valiant commander and one of the most significant tribal freedom fighters from Jharkhand during the First War of Independence (1857).
• His leadership, vision, and martyrdom continue to inspire generations.

Birth and Background

• Born on 17 February 1792 in Silagai village, located in Chanho block of Ranchi district, on the banks of the Koel River.
• Belonged to the Uraon tribal community.

Early Life and Abilities

• Had a passion for archery from childhood.
• Villagers believed that Budhu Bhagat possessed divine powers.
• Recognized as a people’s leader against British rule.
• Excelled not only in archery but was also skilled in sword fighting.

Leadership and Rebellion

• Led a movement against the British regime and their local supporters, the zamindars (landlords).
• This rebellion became known as the ‘Kol Rebellion’.
• Under his leadership, rebels would hide in forests and rain arrows on British soldiers.

Conflict and Martyrdom

• In 1832, Budhu Bhagat’s forces suffered heavy losses due to the British use of guns and explosives.
• Fierce battles took place between the British and rebels at Pithoria, Bundu, and Tamar.
• Despite their efforts, the British were initially unsuccessful in capturing Budhu Bhagat.

Final Battle and Death

• On 13 February 1832, a British military contingent led by Captain Impey was dispatched toward Silagai, where Budhu Bhagat and his companions were hiding.
• Against British gunpowder and firearms, Bhagat’s archery tactics failed.
• On 14 February 1832, Budhu Bhagat was martyred in battle.

Aftermath and Legacy

• It is believed that the severed heads of Budhu Bhagat, his younger brother, and nephews were sent to the British camp in Pithoria to spread fear among the local population.
• Budhu Bhagat is remembered as a pioneer of the tribal freedom struggle.
• Even British officials admitted that Budhu Bhagat’s movement aimed to overthrow British rule and establish self-governance.

Full Name: Tilka Manjhi (also known as Jabra Pahariya)
Birth: 11 February 1750, Tilakpur Village, Sultanganj Police Station, Bhagalpur District
Caste: Santal (Santhal) tribe
Father’s Name: Sundara Murmu

Personality and Skills

• An expert in archery and hunting wild animals
• Visionary, sociable, hardworking, and patriotic
• A skilled warrior who made his mark through courage and leadership
• One of the first rebels against British exploitation

Struggle Against the British

• Tilka Manjhi awakened the Santals:
  • About the exploitative policies of the British
  • Warned them of the “divide and rule” policy
  • During Mughal rule, Santals had freedom, which was taken away by the British

Reasons for Rebellion

• Raised his voice against British tax policy — no tax was levied from the hill tribes, but it was collected from others
• Due to this discriminatory policy, all classes united under the leadership of Tilka Manjhi

Initial Struggle

• In 1771, Warren Hastings was appointed Military Governor of Bengal
• In 1773, Augustus Cleveland was made the superintendent of Rajmahal region
• By 1779, Cleveland had won the support of 47 Pahariya chiefs for the British
• Yet, public discontent kept growing, and Tilka Manjhi led the rebellion

Beginning of the Santhal Rebellion

• In 1781, the Santhal rebellion began under the leadership of Tilka Manjhi
• The movement was initiated from a place called Vancharijor near Bhagalpur
• Adopted guerrilla warfare tactics, causing great trouble for the British

Major Incident

• On 13 January 1784, Tilka Manjhi killed Augustus Cleveland by shooting him with an arrow
• This event became a symbol of tribal resistance

Arrest and Sacrifice

• The British launched a major offensive, but Tilka Manjhi kept fighting while hiding in the hills
• Eventually, Sardar Jaurah betrayed and captured him
• Tilka Manjhi was brutally executed by hanging
• He is considered the first martyr of the tribal freedom struggle