Sidhu-Kanhu: Heroes of the Santhal Rebellion (1855–56)

Identity and Family

• Sidhu-Kanhu were among the greatest tribal warriors from the Santhal Pargana region who led a massive uprising against British rule.
• They were four brothers: Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav.
• Their father’s name was Chunni Manjhi.
• The family belonged to Bhognadih village, located in the Barhait block (now in Jharkhand).

Birth and Physical Traits

• Sidhu was born around 1815.
• Kanhu was five years younger than Sidhu.
• Chand was born in 1825, and Bhairav in 1835.
• Sidhu was known to be 6 feet tall, physically strong, and had great leadership and organizational abilities from a young age.

Pre-Revolt Situation

• In May–June 1854, Santhal farmers in Damin-i-Koh attacked moneylenders’ houses, but there was no looting.
• Leaders like Veer Singh Manjhi (from Borio) and Doman Manjhi (from Hatbanda) played early roles.
• These activities created fear among the exploiters (dikus).

Causes of the Uprising

• Santhals faced:
  • British oppression and exploitation.
  • Corruption and disrespect from colonial officials.
  • Dishonest trade practices by outside traders.
  • Unfair tax collection (malguzari) and property auctions.
• The culmination of these issues led to the Santhal Rebellion or “Hul”.
• The aim of the movement was self-rule (Swaraj).

Mobilization for Rebellion

• In 1855, Sidhu and Kanhu assumed leadership of the Santhal movement.
• They used traditional methods of communication, claiming:
  • They had divine blessings to expel the British.
  • They encouraged people to listen to the message from the sal tree, symbolizing unity.
• Sal tree twigs were sent village to village as calls for revolution.

Formation of Parallel Government

• On 30 June 1855, a grand assembly of Majhis was held in Bhognadih.
• Key decisions and titles:
  • Sidhu was declared king (raja).
  • Kanhu as minister.
  • Chand as administrator.
  • Bhairav as commander.
• Slogan: “Do or die” and “Angrez, hamari maati chhodo!” (British, leave our land!)
• They declared “Avua Raj” (Our Own Rule).

Major Events of the Rebellion

• 7 July 1855: Followers of Sidhu-Kanhu killed Daroga Mahesh Lal Dutt in Digghi.
• 8 July 1855: They entered Pakur, causing the local king to flee.
• Rebels attacked from Pakur to Maheshpur and then towards Rajmahal, causing major disturbances and looting.
• On 10 July 1855, under Major F.W. Darph, British forces were sent but defeated by Santhals under Sidhu’s leadership.
• Rebels targeted British allies, including zamindars and collaborating sardars.

Further Expansion and Defeat

• Rebels captured Rajmahal in the Ambar (Pakur) Pargana and began marching towards Murshidabad district.
• British counterattacks eventually led to the defeat of the Santhal warriors.
• Hundreds of Santhals were killed in retaliation.

Martial Law and Suppression

• On 10 November 1855, Martial Law was declared.
• It remained in effect till 2 January 1856.
• British imposed martial law in Bhagalpur and announced bounties for the capture of the rebel leaders.

Capture and Martyrdom

• In February 1856:
  • Kanhu was captured in Uparbanda (north of Jamtara).
  • Sidhu was captured in Barhait.
• On 26 July 1856, both were hanged — Kanhu in Bhognadih and Sidhu in Barhait.
• Chand and Bhairav were martyred in the Battle of Barhait.

Legacy

• Sidhu and Kanhu remain iconic figures in India’s tribal freedom struggle.
• Their movement was one of the largest tribal uprisings against the British Empire in the 19th century.
• They symbolize the spirit of resistance, unity, and Swaraj for tribal communities and the broader freedom movement.