Nilambar–Pitambar: Heroes of the 1857 Rebellion in Palamu

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.