Santhal Revolt (1855-56): Causes and Results

Causes of the Revolt

1. Economic Exploitation:
   • The Santhal community faced heavy taxation and exploitation by the British and zamindars (landlords). They were forced to pay high rents and taxes, leading to severe economic distress.
2. Exploitation by Moneylenders:
   • The Santhals were often in debt to moneylenders who charged exorbitant interest rates, which they could never repay, trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
3. Land Alienation:
   • British policies led to the alienation of tribal lands. The Santhals were deprived of their ancestral lands due to the encroachment of non-tribal settlers, exacerbating their grievances.
4. Social Injustice:
   • The Santhals were subjected to humiliation and harsh treatment by British officers and landlords, fueling anger among the tribe.
5. Religious and Cultural Factors:
   • The Santhals, under the leadership of leaders like Sidhu and Kanhu, sought to preserve their cultural identity against the British and their imposition of new social structures.

The Revolt

• Leadership:
  • The revolt was led by Sidhu and Kanhu, two Santhal leaders, who gathered thousands of Santhals to resist the British rule and local zamindars.
• Spread of the Revolt:
  • The rebellion began in the Rajmahal Hills (modern-day Jharkhand) and spread to the districts of Bhagalpur, Monghyr, and Santhal Parganas in Bihar.
• Armed Resistance:
  • The Santhals fought with weapons like bows and arrows against the well-armed British soldiers. They succeeded in taking control of several British posts for a brief period.

Results of the Revolt

1. Immediate Suppression:
   • The British eventually suppressed the revolt by deploying military forces. The leaders Sidhu and Kanhu were captured and executed, and many rebels were killed.
2. Impact on British Policies:
   • The revolt highlighted the need for better governance in tribal areas. The British government passed the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act (1859), which granted the Santhals certain land rights and aimed to reduce exploitation by zamindars.
3. Social and Cultural Impact:
   • Despite its failure, the revolt inspired future tribal movements and contributed to the wider struggle for independence, showcasing the tribal communities’ resistance to colonial exploitation.
4. Economic Consequences:
   • Though the revolt was crushed, it led to some changes in the economic policies, particularly in the tribal regions, where land rights were protected to a certain extent after the revolt.

Conclusion

The Santhal Revolt of 1855-56 was a significant expression of tribal resistance against British colonial exploitation. While it was eventually suppressed, its impact on the socio-political landscape of Bihar and neighboring regions was profound, influencing future uprisings and contributing to the broader Indian independence movement.