The land of Jharkhand has always been enriched with immortal tales of bravery and sacrifice. Numerous warriors from this region played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle by rising against British rule. Let us learn about those great sons of the soil who dedicated their lives to the nation without fearing death:
Prominent Freedom Fighters and Their Contributions
- Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu
- Birthplace: Bhognadih (Barhait), Sahibganj
- Contribution: Led the Santhal Rebellion in 1855 against the British and landlords
- Sacrifice: Sidhu was captured through deceit and Kanhu was caught during the struggle; both were hanged at Barharwa
- Konta Munda
- Rebellion: Key leader of the Tamar Rebellion (1789 till end of the 18th century)
- Opposition: Fought against the atrocities of local landlords
- Ganga Narayan Singh
- Background: From the zamindar family of Barabhum
- Movement: Led the Bhumij Rebellion in 1833–34 in the Manbhum region
- Famous As: “Ganga Narayan’s Uprising”
- Tilka Manjhi
- Born: 1750, Tilakpur village
- Revolt: Initiated a rebellion near Bhagalpur at Bansharijor
- Achievement: Wounded British Collector Cleveland with an arrow (13 January 1784)
- Sacrifice: Arrested and hanged by the British
- Budhu Bhagat
- Born: 17 February 1792, Silagai village (Chanho block, Ranchi)
- Role: Organized resistance against British rule
- Sacrifice: Martyred in battle on 14 February 1832
- Jaymangal Pandey
- Origin: Khirgaon (Champa Pargana, Bhagalpur)
- Contribution: Led the Sepoy Mutiny in Doranda
- Sacrifice: Captured and hanged
- Nadir Ali Khan
- Background: Originally from Gaya; served as Subedar in Doranda Battalion
- Activity: Was en route to meet Kunwar Singh in Chatra
- Sacrifice: Captured in Chatra and hanged
- Vishwanath Shahdeo
- Born: Sataranji village, Hatia (Ranchi)
- Revolt: Participated in the 1857 uprising with Kunwar Singh
- Sacrifice: Hanged on 30 March in Ranchi District School premises
- Gaya Munda
- Role: Commander under Birsa Munda; active in the Sardari movement
- Sacrifice: Arrested from Atkedih on 6 January 1900 and hanged
- Arjun Singh
- Title: King of Porahat
- Contribution: Provided shelter to rebel soldiers in 1857
- Struggle: Fought till 1859; later surrendered to the British
- Ganpat Rai
- Born: 17 January 1809, Bhauro village (Lohardaga)
- Ally: Participated with Vishwanath Shahdeo in the 1857 revolt
- Sacrifice: Captured by betrayal and hanged in Ranchi
- Sheikh Bhikhari
- Born: Khudia village, Ormanjhi (now under Rukka Dam)
- Background: Son of a zamindar of 12 villages
- Role: With Tikait Umrao Singh, blocked British troops at Chutupalu Valley
- Nilamber and Pitamber
- Origin: Chemu Saniya village, Garhwa
- Movement: Organized Bhogta Kherwar group in Palamu
- Sacrifice: Captured and executed by Colonel Dalton
- Jatra Bhagat
- Born: Chingari village, Gumla
- Movement: Led the Tana Bhagat (anti-tax) movement
- Punishment: Imprisoned for 1.5 years in 1916; died at age 28
- Birsa Munda
- Born: 15 November 1875, Ulihatu village (Khunti)
- Movement: Led the “Ulgulan” tribal revolt in Bundu and Tamar
- Sacrifice: Arrested on 3 February 1900; died mysteriously in Ranchi Jail (June 1900)
- Tikait Umrao Singh
- Born: Khatanga village, Ormanjhi (Ranchi)
- Role: Collaborated with Sheikh Bhikhari and Tikait Ghasi Singh
- Sacrifice: Arrested on 6 January 1858
- J. Bartholomaen
- Contribution: Co-founded Dhaka Student Union in 1910 with missionaries
- Purpose: Promote religious and cultural awareness; organized plays, seminars for students
Key Leaders and Organizations
- Joel Lakra
- Led the Chotanagpur Unnati Samaj with Anand Masi Toppo and Bandi Oraon
- Worked on social reforms and revived tribal pride
- Contributed significantly to the Jharkhand movement
- Theble Oraon
- Collaborated with Paul Dayal in Chotanagpur Unnati Samaj
- Founded Kisan Sabha in 1931 after parting ways
- More radical; organized farmers and promoted active resistance
- Differed ideologically—preferred agitation over petitions
- Boniface Lakra
- Co-founded Chotanagpur Catholic Sabha with Ignace Beck
- Supported by the Archbishop of Chotanagpur
- Purpose: Promote social, religious, and political awareness
From Sports to Politics – Jaipal Singh
- Born: 3 January 1903, Munda community
- Achievements:
- Captain of Indian hockey team, 1928 Amsterdam Olympics
- Played for Oxford University’s hockey team
- Joined Adivasi Mahasabha in 1939, became president
- Post-independence, renamed it as Jharkhand Party
- Fought for separate Jharkhand state
- Title: Marang Gomke (Great Leader)
- Died: 20 March 1970, Delhi
Political Alliance and Division
- Binod Nandan Jha
- Chief Minister of Bihar (1963)
- Facilitated merger of Jharkhand Party with Congress
- Significantly impacted the political trajectory of Jharkhand
- N.E. Horo
- Associate of Jaipal Singh
- Opposed the merger of Jharkhand Party with Congress
- Faced strong resistance from Christian community
Military Glory
- Albert Ekka
- Lance Naik in Indian Army
- Displayed extraordinary bravery in 1971 India-Pakistan war
- Posthumously awarded Param Vir Chakra
- Symbol of courage for Jharkhand’s brave soldiers
Educational and Cultural Advancement
- Father Hoffmann
- German Christian missionary
- Authored Encyclopaedia Mundarica and Mundari Grammar
- Founded cooperative credit societies to free tribals from moneylenders
Political Organization and Demand for Separate State
- Lalit Kujur
- Founded Birsa Seva Dal in 1967
- Objective: Demand for separate Chotanagpur state
- Secretary: Moses Gudia
- Organization had strong Christian influence
Advocates of Education and Language
- Ram Dayal Munda
- Scholar, politician, linguist
- Founded Department of Tribal and Regional Languages, Ranchi University
- Re-established Jharkhand Party in 1991
- Awarded Padma Shri in 2010
- Author of Aadi Dharma
- Served as Vice Chancellor of Ranchi University
Messengers of Education and Language
Ram Dayal Munda
- Educator, Politician, Linguist
- Established the Department of Tribal and Regional Languages at Ranchi University
- Re-established the Jharkhand Party in 1991
- Awarded the Padma Shri in 2010
- Author of the book ‘Adi Dharma’
- Served as Vice-Chancellor of Ranchi University
Economic Development and Land Rights
Vinod Bihari Mahto
- Kurmi leader from Dhanbad-Hazaribagh region
- Founded the Shivaji Society
- Opposed industrialization and land acquisition
- Highlighted regional backwardness
- A university in Dhanbad has been established in his name
Political Struggle and Journey to Chief Ministership
Shibu Soren
- Born: January 11, 1944, Nemra village, Ramgarh
- Founded Sonat Santhal Society in 1969 for social reform
- Co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha with Vinod Bihari Mahto
- Served as Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times (2005, 2008, 2009)
- Cabinet Minister in UPA government in 2006, later resigned
Babulal Marandi
- Born: January 11, 1958, Giridih district
- Lost Lok Sabha elections in 1991 and 1996
- Defeated Shibu Soren in 1998 to become MP from Dumka
- Became the first Chief Minister of Jharkhand in November 2000
- Left BJP in 2006 and founded Jharkhand Vikas Morcha
- Declared Dumka as sub-capital
Arjun Munda
- Born: May 3, 1968, Kharangajhar, Jamshedpur
- Education: Ranchi University and IGNOU
- Joined JMM in the 1980s, became MLA in 1995
- Elected MLA from BJP in 2000; CM in 2003, 2010, and 2011
- Lost election in 2014 for the first time; currently Union Minister
Pride of the Santali Language
Pandit Raghunath Murmu
- Scholar of Santali language
- Created the Ol Chiki script in 1941
- Authored several books
- Conferred the title of ‘Pandit’
From Independent Candidate to Chief Minister
Madhu Koda
- Born: Village Gua, West Singhbhum
- Started politics with AJSU
- Became MLA in 2000
- Won as an independent in 2005; CM from 2006 to 2008
- Resigned on August 23, 2008
Youth Leadership
Hemant Soren
- Born: August 10, 1975, Nemra (Ramgarh)
- Rajya Sabha member (2009–2010)
- Deputy CM in Arjun Munda’s government
- Became CM on July 15, 2013, with support from Congress and RJD
- Youngest Chief Minister of Jharkhand
- Became CM again in 2019
Suraj Mandal
- Vice President of Jharkhand Area Autonomous Council in 1995
- Prominent leader of JMM
- Expelled from the party on December 6, 1999
- Key figure in political and social movements
Freedom Fighters and Social Reformers
- Motilal Kejriwal – Freedom fighter from Dumka who organized the movement in Santhal Pargana; arrested in 1942.
- Ramjeevan Himmatsingka – Associate of Kejriwal, strengthened the freedom movement.
- Ram Narayan Singh – Freedom fighter from Chatra, participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Political Figures and Pioneers of the Jharkhand Movement
- Jaipal Singh “Marang Gomke” – Founder of Adivasi Mahasabha (1939) and Jharkhand Party; captain of the Indian hockey team (1928).
- Shibu Soren – Founder of JMM; three-time Chief Minister.
- Hemant Soren – Present CM (2013, 2019); son of Shibu Soren.
- Babulal Marandi – First CM of Jharkhand (2000), later founded JVM.
- Arjun Munda – Three-time CM; currently Union Minister.
- Madhu Koda – Became CM as an independent legislator (2006-08).
- Suraj Mandal – General Secretary of JMM; later founded Jharkhand Vikas Dal.
- Ram Dayal Munda – Scholar, JMM leader, Padma Shri awardee.
- N. E. Horo – Opposed merger of Jharkhand Party into Congress.
- Lalit Kujur – Founder of Birsa Seva Dal (1967).
- Vinod Bihari Mahto – Kurmi leader; founded ‘Shivaji Society’.
Other Notable Contributors
- Father Hoffmann – Author of ‘Encyclopaedia Mundarica’ and ‘Mundari Grammar’.
- Pandit Raghunath Murmu – Creator of ‘Ol Chiki’ script (1941), formalized Santali language.
- A. K. Roy – Marxist leader, MP, MLA, later joined JMM.
- Suraj Singh Besra – Founder of All Jharkhand Students Union (1986).
- Joel Lakra, Anand Masi Toppo, Bandi Oraon – Leaders of Chotanagpur Unnati Samaj.
- Thebal Oraon – Founded ‘Kisan Sabha’ in 1931.
- Boniface Lakra – Co-founder of Chotanagpur Catholic Sabha.
Bravery and Service
- Albert Ekka – Param Vir Chakra recipient in 1971 war.
- Raja Neelmani Singh – King of Porahat, participated in 1857 revolt.
- Rani Sarveshwari – Led rebellion against British in Damin-i-Koh (1781–82).
Art, Painting, and Sculpture
Painting
- Haren Thakur – Educated at Shantiniketan Kala Bhavan, painted on human-nature harmony.
- Shivlal Mahato – Painter from Jamshedpur, participated in many exhibitions.
- Vinod Ranjan – Resident of Ranchi, trained at Shantiniketan, displayed work at national exhibitions.
Flute Playing
- Chetan Joshi – Born in Jharia, trained under many gurus, honored with state cultural award.
Sculpture and Mask Making
- Sushant Kumar Mahapatra – Specialist in Chhau dance masks.
Dance Art – Especially Chhau Dance
Leading Chhau Artists
- Guru Kedar Nath Sahu – Chhau artist of Seraikela style, Padma Shri (2005).
- Sharabhar Acharya – Seraikela gharana Chhau dancer, Padma Shri (2020).
- Mangala Prasad Mohanty – Renowned Chhau artist, Padma Shri (2008).
- Makardhwaj Daroga – Chhau dancer, Padma Shri (2011), passed away in 2014.
- Gopal Prasad Dubey – Founder of Trinetra Institute, Padma Shri (2012); plays: “Antagon” (1984), “Shakuntalam” (1987).
- Guru Ban Bihari Pattnaik – Director of Seraikela Government Chhau Dance Center.
- Shyama Charan Pati – Expert in Chhau, Kathak, and Bharatanatyam; Padma Shri (2006).
Other Major Dance Artists
- Mukund Nayak – Nagpuri folk dancer, Padma Shri (2016).
- Savita Mishra – Odissi dancer, awarded ‘Nritya Bhushan’.
- Manju Malkani – Kathak dancer, associated with Banaras and Lucknow gharanas; head of Dhariji Kala Kendra.
Music
- Neha Pandey – Visually impaired singer, performed well at Indian Oil, student from Jamshedpur.
Political and Freedom Movement Icons
- A.K. Roy – Marxist co-operative committee founder; merged with JMM; served as MP and MLA.
- Suraj Singh Besra – Founder of AJSU; member of JMM’s central committee.
- Motilal Kejriwal – Freedom fighter, led movements in Santhal Pargana, arrested in 1942.
- Ramjeevan Himmatsingka – Associate of Kejriwal, active in freedom movement.
- Ram Narayan Singh – From Chatra; participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement; among first Congress members with Sukhlal Singh.
- Dr. Kamil Bulke – Hindi scholar; Ph.D. on “Ramkatha – Origin and Development”; recipient of Radhakrishna Award.
- Rani Sarveshwari – Queen of Sultanabad (Maheshpur); rebelled against British Damin-i-Koh policy.
- Menka Sardar – BJP MLA, awarded ‘Outstanding MLA’ in 2018.
- Raja Neelmani Singh – King of Porahat, took part in 1857 revolt; imprisoned in Alipur Jail.
Arts: Painting, Sculpture, and Dance
- Chetan Joshi – Renowned flute player; State Cultural Award and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award winner.
- Haren Thakur – Trained at Shantiniketan Kala Bhavan; contributed to sculpture.
- Shivlal Mahato – Painter and teacher; participated in several exhibitions.
- Vinod Ranjan – Learned painting at Shantiniketan; participated in national exhibitions.
- Sushant Kumar Mahapatra – Chhau dance mask expert; honored.
- Guru Ban Bihari Pattnaik – Former director of Seraikela’s Chhau Dance Center.
- Guru Kedar Nath Sahu – Seraikela style Chhau artist, Padma Shri (2005).
- Shyama Charan Pati – Skilled in folk dance, Kathak, Bharatanatyam; Padma Shri (2006).
- Sharabhar Acharya – Chhau dancer, Padma Shri (2020).
- Gopal Prasad Dubey – Chhau dance instructor; founder of Trinetra Institute; Padma Shri (2012).
- Mangala Prasad Mohanty – Padma Shri for Chhau contribution in 2008.
- Makardhwaj Daroga – Padma Shri in 2011; passed away in 2014.
- Mukund Nayak – Nagpuri dance artist; Padma Shri in 2016.
- Savita Mishra – Odissi dancer; recipient of ‘Nritya Bhushan’.
- Manju Malkani – Kathak dancer; head of Dhariji Kala Kendra.
- Varsha Akhauri – Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer; resident of Bokaro.
- Veena Pani Mahto – Music artist; sings Jhumar songs.
- Madhusudan Ganguly – Multilingual singer; TV and radio artist.
- Jayashree Indivar – Specialist in Sohrai painting; president of “Stambh” institution.
- Praveen Karmakar – Jhumar painting expert; international award winner.
- Sabir Hussain – Created artwork on ‘Brahmastra’; honored by the army.
- Pt. Mor Mukut Kedia – Sitarist; Doordarshan artist.
- Pt. Manoj Kedia – Sarod player; ‘A’ grade artist of A.I.R.
- Sabita Rai – Classical singer; recipient of several appreciation certificates.
- Surjeet Chatterjee – Tabla player; holds several musical degrees.
- Nand Lal Nayak – Folk musician; performed internationally.
- Gargi Malkani – Kathak and Odissi dancer; performed in Sri Lanka and Kuwait.
- Shiv Shankar Mahli – Dancer of Paika and Chhau; contributed to ‘Maluti Tableau’.
- Sandeep Das – Tabla player; Grammy Award winner in 2017.
- Anand Mohan Pathak – Ghazal and classical singer; artist with Ranchi Doordarshan.
- Payal Dev – Bollywood singer and composer; sang ‘Baarishon’ with Udit Narayan.
- Miyang Chiang – Singer in the movie ‘Sultan’.
Social Workers
- Simon Oraon – Known as “Water Man”; Padma Shri in 2016 for water conservation and tree plantation.
- Ashok Bhagat – Director of ‘Vikas Bharti’; Padma Shri (2015).
- Balbir Dutt – Senior journalist; editor of ‘Ranchi Express’; authored several books; Padma Shri (2016).
Sports Personalities
- Michael Kindo – Hockey player; member of 1972 Olympics and 1975 World Cup-winning team; recipient of Arjuna Award.
- Mahendra Singh Dhoni – Former captain of India’s cricket team in all formats; led India to win 2007 T20, 2011 World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy; Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2007), Padma Shri (2009), twice ICC Player of the Year.
Sports
- Premlata Agarwal – Woman mountaineer from Jharkhand; climbed seven summits; climbed Everest in 2011; Padma Shri (2013).
- Deepika Kumari – Prominent archer from Jharkhand; won medal in 2010 Commonwealth Games; Padma Shri (2016); trained at Tata Archery Academy.
- Silvanus Dungdung – Hockey player; received “Dhyanchand Award” in 2016; awarded ₹5 lakh and citation.
- Sachindra Kumar Rana – New badminton coach of Jharkhand; selected by Gopichand; plans to train under Jharkhand Badminton banner.
- Nikki Pradhan – Hockey player from Jharkhand; represented India in 2016 Rio Olympics; won bronze in 2022 Commonwealth Games.
- Sumrai Tete – Member of India’s 2002 Commonwealth Games gold-winning women’s hockey team.
- Kanti Wa – Hockey player from Simdega; also part of 2002 Commonwealth gold-winning team.
- Masira Surin – Represented India in 2002 Commonwealth Games; married Ignace Tirkey.
- Asunta Lakra – Captain of Indian women’s hockey team; sister of Virendra Lakra; both father and brother were hockey players.
- Mukesh Kanchan – Differently-abled cricketer from Jharkhand; member of Indian Divyang XI team.
- Pushpa Pradhan – Women’s hockey player from Khunti; won gold in 2004 Women’s Asia Cup.
- Varun Aaron – Cricketer from Jharkhand; represented India in ODIs in 2011 and ICC Championship in 2013.
- Aruna Mishra – Renowned woman boxer from Jharkhand; won gold in 2003 Asian Championship.
- Kishan – Young wicketkeeper-batsman from Jharkhand; debuted in Test against England in 2021; captained India in 2016 U-19 World Cup; scored double century against Bangladesh in December 2022.
Other Fields
- Shivshankar Besra – ISRO scientist from Bokaro; significant contribution to Chandrayaan mission.