Entry of the British in Jharkhand

The early 18th century in present-day Jharkhand was marked by rebellion, regional warfare, and the collapse of central Mughal authority. As chaos spread, local rulers jostled for power—setting the stage for British conquest. Below is a detailed account of the key developments from Singhbhum to Ramgarh.

Refuge of Rebels: Singhbhum, Tamar, Patkum, and Barabhum

• With the arrival of the British in eastern India, regions like East Singhbhum, Chotanagpur proper, Tamar, Patkum, and Barabhum became hideouts for rebels and dissidents.
• The Kol warriors of Kolhan frequently attacked Chotanagpur proper, including:
  • Gangpur
  • Bonai
  • Keonjhar
  • Bamanghati
• Porahat’s king, exhausted by repeated raids, sought British protection—a pivotal moment that hinted at future colonial alliances.

Fragmented Rule in the Hazaribagh Region

• The Hazaribagh region in medieval times was split into small principalities like:
  • Ramgarh
  • Kunda
  • Kendi
  • Chhai
  • Kharkadiha
• Dalel Singh ruled Ramgarh (1677–1724) during and after Aurangzeb’s reign.

Dalel Singh’s Military Campaigns

• In 1718, Dalel Singh defeated and killed Magar Khan, ruler of Chhai.
• He seized Chhai’s capital Bigha, Jagodih pargana, and eight taluqs.
• From 1717 to 1724, Chhai remained under Dalel Singh’s control.
• In 1719, he assisted the Nagvanshi king in capturing Tori pargana from Chero king Ranjit Singh of Palamu.
• However, Magar Khan’s son Ranmast Khan later defeated Dalel Singh and reclaimed lost lands.
• Dalel Singh died in 1724; his son Vishnu Singh succeeded him.

Vishnu Singh’s Conspiracies and Defiance

• Vishnu Singh retook Chhai deceitfully.
• In response, Mahipat Khan sought assistance from:
  • Shatrudhan Singh (King of Itkhori)
  • Sundar Singh (King of Tekari)
• With their help, Vishnu Singh was captured, but he bribed Tekari’s king with ₹10,000 and was released.
• Tekari ruler then seized Bigha fort and 8 taluqs from Mahipat Khan, holding them for 5 years.
• Vishnu Singh grew arrogant, refused to pay tribute, and defied the Nawab of Bengal.

Bengal’s Reaction: Hidayat Ali Khan’s Campaign (1740)

• Alivardi Khan, Nawab of Bengal, sent Hidayat Ali Khan to subdue Vishnu Singh.
• Vishnu Singh was defeated, and:
  • Paid ₹80,000 (part in cash, part in land)
  • Annual tribute of Ramgarh fixed at ₹12,000

The Struggle for Chhai: Return of Mahipat Khan’s Line (Till 1747)

• After Mahipat Khan’s death, his successor Lal Khan allied with:
  • Ratan Singh (zamindar of Rampur in Chhai)
  • Kamgar Khan (zamindar of Narhat-Samaya)
• Kamgar Khan attacked Ramgarh and defeated Vishnu Singh.
• Lal Khan and Ratan Singh regained their territories.
• Kamgar Khan destroyed Ramgarh in another assault.

Peace Treaty and Division of Territories

• A compromise was established:
  • Rampur and Jagodih were restored to rightful rulers.
  • Kamgar Khan kept territories north of the Barakar River.
  • Vishnu Singh retained southern territories.

Final Uprising and British Response (1763)

• Vishnu Singh continued conspiring against Bengal.
• In 1763, Nawab Mir Qasim sent Markat Khan and others to suppress him.
• Vishnu Singh was defeated; all local kings/zamindars were restored to power.
• Northern Chhai (north of Barakar) was kept by the Nawab.

Mukund Singh’s Opportunism and Defeat (1763–1766)

• After Vishnu Singh’s death, Mukund Singh, his elder brother, became ruler of Ramgarh.
• He forcibly captured Bigha and Itkhori forts, and acquired artillery.
• In 1766, Waris Khan led a force against Mukund Singh, who was defeated.
• Mukund Singh:
  • Paid ₹27,000 (3 years’ overdue tribute)
  • In exchange for control of Chhai

Final Settlement and Administrative Division

• The arrangement didn’t last long.
• A year later, Mukund Singh reunified Chhai with Ramgarh.
• Chhai pargana was then divided into five parts:
  • Rampur
  • Jagodih
  • Parwariya
  • Itkhori
  • Piti

A Prelude to Colonial Conquest (1707–1765)

• This era witnessed local princely rivalries, betrayals, and fragmented power.
• Mughal decline led to rise of regional warlords.
• Bengal’s Nawabs and Marathas attempted to stabilize the region.
• British expansion slowly gained favor from some rulers, while others resisted.
• The regions of Singhbhum, Chotanagpur, Palamu, and Ramgarh became ripe for British colonization.
• This was the end of a feudal era—and the beginning of colonial dominance.

Key Takeaways for Exams (JPSC / JSSC)

• Dalel Singh and Vishnu Singh were major players in early Ramgarh politics.
• Chhai pargana was repeatedly contested and fragmented into smaller estates.
• Tribute disputes with Bengal Nawabs were key triggers for military intervention.
• Nawab Mir Qasim and Alivardi Khan played pivotal roles in asserting control.
• British entry into the region was partly welcomed by kings tired of local anarchy.
• Ramgarh and Singhbhum’s instability was a gateway for British consolidation.