Telanga Kharia (09 February 1806 – 23 April 1880)

Early Life

• Born on 9 February 1806 in Sisai Murge village.
• Father: Duiya Kharia – a Pahan (village priest) and Bhandari (treasurer) of the Chotanagpur Maharaja.
• Mother: Peto Kharia.
• Known for being sharp-witted and talkative from childhood.
• Due to his talkative nature, he was nicknamed Tedbalanga, which gradually changed to Telanga.
• Though illiterate, he possessed exceptional leadership qualities.
• Inspired and trained youth in bravery and weapons combat.
• Married Ratni Kharia in 1846.

Community and Organization

• Mobilized the entire Kharia region under the Juri Panchayat.
• Witnessed and was deeply affected by British exploitation and injustice.
• He was aware of the Kol Rebellion (1831–32) and how the British had looted tribal lands.
• Saw legal institutions (Dhana-Kachahari) being misused to seize tribal property and hurt religious sentiments.
• A devout follower of his tribal religion.

Guerrilla Warfare Against British

• Set up a martial training center at Sisai Bazaar Tanda.
• Began a guerrilla warfare campaign against the British.
• His movement gained wide support from not only Kharias, but also Oraons, Mundas, and Sadan communities.
• The East India Company caught wind of his preparations and declared a manhunt, placing a bounty on him.

British Suppression and Family Targeting

• Despite several campaigns, Telanga Kharia evaded capture.
• When unable to arrest him, the British harassed his family.
• His followers were imprisoned to prevent further rebellion.
• 1857 Sepoy Mutiny was ultimately crushed by the British.
• In 1859, the British introduced a new land tax law, which led to mass land auctions.
• Christian missionaries helped converted individuals benefit by protecting their lands.

Martyrdom

• On 23 April 1880, while offering a prayer before conducting training at Sisai Akhara,
  he was shot from behind by Bodhan Singh, who was lying in wait.
• Telanga Kharia was martyred.
• His followers buried him at Soso Neem Toli on the banks of the Koel River.
• This place is now known as “Telanga Topa Tanda” and is a memorial site.