Poto Sardar – The Ho Warrior and Leader of Kolhan Rebellion

Early Life and Background

• Poto Sardar grew up in an open, unrestricted environment.
• The Ho tribe never knew restrictions; they lived in harmony with nature and followed its rhythm.
• The British East India Company forcefully enslaved them, stripping them of their freedom and land.
• Alongside losing rights, the Ho people suffered inhuman atrocities under colonial rule.
• As a result, they revolted against the British.

Ho Resistance and British Reaction

• The Ho region of Kolhan witnessed several revolts.
• Eventually, the Company had to change its brutal policies and enter into a compromise, resulting in the Wilkinson Rule.
• The Wilkinson Rule granted constitutional recognition to local self-governance in Kolhan—a rule still in effect today.

Earlier Rebellions and Suppression

• In 1820–21, the British were able to suppress an early Ho uprising.
• During the Kol Rebellion of 1831–32, the Ho community actively participated again.
• The rebellion was again violently suppressed by the British.

British Strategy and Administrative Measures

• On 18 January 1833, the Company held a hill assembly in Saraikela with local leaders.
• Anticipating further unrest, Wilkinson launched police operations between November 1836 and February 1837 to re-establish Company authority across villages.
• To maintain governance, the South-West Frontier Agency was created and Thomas Wilkinson was appointed its agent.

Humiliation and Spark of Rebellion

• The Ho warriors could not tolerate enslavement.
• Their lands were taken, and village chiefs (Mundas and Mankis) were publicly insulted by the Company army.
• The freedom and social system of the Ho society were deeply shattered.
• This led to the eruption of rebellion.

Rise of Poto Sardar

• Poto Sardar, under the symbolic leadership of Raja Basa Pir, declared rebellion along with his warrior comrades.
• Kolhan’s difficult terrain of dense forests and hills made it hard for the British to suppress the movement.
• Poto sent arrows to village leaders, inviting them to join the uprising.
• The rebellion spread across Kolhan, creating terror for the British forces.

British Military Response

• On 12 November 1837, Wilkinson held a meeting with officers in Chaibasa due to the worsening situation.
• On 17 November, Captain Armstrong was dispatched toward Badhpeed to suppress the revolt.
• The British mobilized:
  • 400 armed soldiers
  • 60 cavalrymen
  • Support from Lieutenant Tickell’s troops (attacked Jaipur village)
  • Captain Armstrong and Lieutenant Simpson’s troops (attacked Ruiya village)

Battle and Aftermath

• The rebels were unprepared for the British assault.
• A fierce clash ensued, leaving the battlefield filled with corpses—mostly of Poto’s followers.
• Despite losses, Poto Sardar and key leaders escaped.

Arrest, Trial, and Execution

• On 8 December 1837, Poto and his associate Dibe were arrested.
• A trial was held in Jagannathpur from 18 to 31 December 1837 in the presence of Wilkinson.
• On 31 December, Wilkinson sentenced Poto, Bodo, Pandua, Naro, and Barai to death by hanging.

Public Execution

• On 1 January 1838, in front of a large local crowd at Jagannathpur, the British executed Poto, Naro, and Barai.
• On 2 January 1838, Bodo and Pandua were hanged at Serengsia village.