Fetal Singh Kharwar – Tribal Rights Activist and Freedom Fighter

Early Life and Background

• Born on 7 May 1885 in Bahahara village, Garhwa district, Jharkhand.
• Belonged to the Kharwar tribal community, which is predominant in Palamu and surrounding regions.
• His father, Lagan Singh, was the Panchayat Chief (Mukhiya) of the Chhatta area.
• Due to lack of schools in the village, Fetal Singh could not receive a formal education.
• Gained practical knowledge of forest, land, and water resources due to his upbringing in a forested region.
• From childhood, he was skilled in using traditional weapons like Dhel Bans (a type of sling) and Jhatha (a short stick).

Personal Life

• As per tradition, he was married at a young age to Phoolwasi, daughter of Ganga Singh from Tewar village.

Political Awakening and Influence

• Deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s movement.
• Mobilized people across Garhwa to Sarguja on the issue of tribal forest land rights.
• During the time of independence, felt betrayed due to the manner in which land settlement for tenants (raiyats) was conducted.

Socio-Economic Issues in the Region

• Two systems of land revenue emerged:
  1. Zamindari system
  2. Raiyatwari system
• In tribal-dominated areas, “Dedhi-Badi” (exorbitant interest) led to the rise of bonded labor (bandhua majdoori).

Post-Independence Land Rights Struggles

• Zamindari Abolition Bill was introduced in 1949, and Land Reform Act came into effect in 1950.
• At the time of zamindari abolition, landlords transferred tribal lands (belonging to Kharwar, Bhokta, Pahariya, Bhuiya, Korwa etc.) to the Forest Department under the category of Bakast Gairmazrua land.
• Fetal Singh continued to fight for land rights and against these injustices.

The 1958 Uprising

• In 1958, the land rights movement turned violent.
• At that time, around 76% of the region from Palamu to Sarguja was covered by forests.
• On 12 January 1958, a clash occurred with a police party.
• People had gathered with weapons; the confrontation led to firing.
• One person named Kumbhakaran (Fetal Singh’s nephew) was killed in the firing.

Arrest and Imprisonment

• After intense resistance, Fetal Singh and some of his supporters were arrested.
• His health deteriorated in prison.
• Leaders from Garhwa and Palamu visited and petitioned the President and Governor for his release.
• Due to his status as a freedom fighter and good conduct in jail, he was granted amnesty and released.
• Spent about one year in jail.

Later Life and Death

• After release, he changed significantly, became aged and physically weak.
• However, remained committed to land rights activism until his last days.
• Passed away on 31 December 1975.
• His funeral pyre was arranged next to his nephew Kumbhakaran on the banks of the Kanhar River.
• Later, his ashes were buried in front of his house in Bahahara village.
• His samadhi (memorial) still exists and reminds people of his struggles and legacy.