Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
The Santhal Rebellion aimed to overthrow British rule and end the exploitation by zamindars and moneylenders.
Who led the Santhal Rebellion?
It was led by Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu, along with their siblings Chand, Bhairav, Phulo, and Jhano.
In which state did the Santhal Rebellion take place?
The rebellion occurred in present-day Jharkhand, then part of the Bengal Presidency.
What was the date of the Santhal Rebellion?
It began on June 30, 1855, and lasted until early 1856.
Why is the Santhal Rebellion important for UPSC?
It is a key tribal uprising highlighting early resistance against British colonial rule, relevant for history and GS papers.
Santhal Rebellion (1855-56): Causes, Leaders, and Impact on Indian History
Santhal Rebellion or Santhal Hul was a tribal uprising in the Rajmahal Hills region during the mid-19th century. Learn about history, events, leaders, and the impact of the Santhal Rebellion here.
Deeksha Dixit23 Jun, 2025
Share
Santhal Rebellion (1855–56) was one of the earliest tribal uprisings against British rule and oppressive landlords in India. It took place in Rajmahal Hills, located in the present-day Jharkhand, then part of the Bengal Presidency. In this revolt, thousands of Santhal Adivasis took up arms to fight injustice, exploitation, and harsh colonial laws. Read for more information on the Santhal Rebellion!
What Was Santhal Rebellion?
The Santhal Rebellion, also known as the Santhal Hul, was a significant tribal uprising that took place in 1855–1856 in British India. It was led by the Santhal community under four brave brothers, Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav, against the British colonial authorities and their local allies, such as landlords and moneylenders (zamindars and mahajans).
Though the rebellion was brutally crushed, it left a lasting mark on Indian history. It forced the British to rethink their policies towards tribal regions and led to legal reforms. Today, the Santhal Rebellion is remembered as one of the earliest organized resistance movements against British rule in India.
Background of Santhal Rebellion
The Santhal rebellion erupted in the Rajmahal Hills, particularly in the region called Damin-i-Koh. The Santhals had settled there under a British scheme introduced in 1832. The plan aimed to clear forests and bring new land under cultivation. The Santhals worked hard to turn the area into fertile land.
However, their peaceful life was disturbed when zamindars (landlords), moneylenders (mahajans), and British officials started exploiting the tribal people. They imposed heavy taxes, forced them into debt, and punished them harshly for defaults. Slowly, anger built up, leading to one of the fiercest revolts in tribal history.
Who Were the Santhals?
The Santhals are one of India’s largest tribal communities. They mainly live in Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, and West Bengal. Santhals follow their own traditions, culture, and language, Santali. They are nature lovers and worship natural elements like hills, forests, and rivers. They lived in close-knit communities and followed tribal governance.
Before British rule, they lived freely in forests and cultivated land without interference. But under colonial rule, their autonomy was crushed. The Santhals were pushed into slavery, debt, and oppression, which eventually led to the rebellion.
Causes of the Santhal Rebellion
Several factors caused the Santhal Rebellion:
Land Alienation: The British allowed outsiders like zamindars and mahajans to grab Santhal lands, and they lost ownership rights.
Exploitation by Moneylenders: Mahajans lent money at high interest, due to which many Santhals became bonded labourers with unpaid debt.
Harsh British Revenue Policies: British imposed land taxes that the Santhals could not afford.
Police and Judicial Oppression: The police and courts sided with the landlords and punished Santhals unfairly.
Cultural Threat: Santhal traditions, festivals, and governance were ignored, and their lifestyle was under attack under modern policies.
Loss of Forest Rights: They were denied access to forests, which were essential for their survival.
These conditions created frustration and triggered a strong call for rebellion.
Key Leaders of the Santhal Revolt
The Santhal Rebellion was led by a core group of four Santhal siblings:
Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu
Hailing from Bhognadih village, Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu were the main leaders of the Santhal Rebellion. They united thousands of Santhals, organized large-scale gatherings, and boldly declared independence from British rule. They also set up an alternative system of governance, assigning roles, distributing titles, and issuing directives to coordinate the rebellion.
Chand Murmu and Bhairav Murmu
As younger brothers of Sidhu and Kanhu, Chand and Bhairav played essential roles in the movement. They were instrumental in mobilizing tribal warriors, planning strategic attacks, and leading combat efforts during the uprising, showing exceptional courage and organizational skill.
Phulo Murmu and Jhano Murmu
The sisters of the Murmu brothers, Phulo and Jhano, are honored for their fearless involvement in the rebellion. They reportedly infiltrated enemy camps and fought alongside their brothers on the battlefield. Their martyrdom became a symbol of Santhal resistance and women’s role in the struggle for justice.
Major Events in Santhal Rebellion
The rebellion started in June 1855 when Sidhu and Kanhu called for a mass uprising at Bhognadih village. They declared freedom from British rule and started attacking symbols of oppression. Here are the key events of the Santhal Hul:
Event
Date
Highlights
Revolt Declared
June 30, 1855
10,000+ Santhals, led by Murmu siblings, declared revolt at Bhognadih against the British & zamindars.
Guerrilla Warfare
Mid-1855
Santhals used guerrilla tactics and seized areas between Bhagalpur & Rajmahal, attacking colonial targets.
Panchkatiya Clash
July 7, 1855
Santhals killed 8 police, including the chief, during an arrest attempt. Conflict escalated.
Rebellion Spreads
Late 1855
Attacks on exploiters, communication lines disrupted; local support from villagers.
British Crackdown
Nov 10, 1855 – Jan 3, 1856
Martial law was imposed, and ~15,000 Santhals were killed, and villages were destroyed.
Aftermath
1856 onward
Rebellion crushed with leaders dead or captured; Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act passed in 1876.
Though the rebellion failed militarily, it left a strong message against colonial injustice.
Consequences of the Santhal Revolt
The Santhal Rebellion led to serious consequences both locally and nationally:
Heavy Casualties: Around 15,000 Santhals were killed, and more than 10,000 villages were destroyed during the suppression.
Administrative Changes: The British realised the need for better tribal administration.
Creation of Santhal Parganas: In 1855, the British carved out Santhal Pargana by the Sonthal Parganas Act (Act 37 of 1855) from parts of Bhagalpur and Birbhum to improve tribal governance.
Legal Reforms: The Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act of 1876 was introduced to protect tribal lands from outsiders.
Social Impact: The rebellion exposed the oppressive nature of the zamindari system
Impact of Santhal Rebellion on Indian History
The Santhal Rebellion had a lasting impact on Indian history and tribal rights:
Inspired Other Tribal Movements: The rebellion encouraged other tribal groups to stand up for their rights in different parts of India.
Marked the Beginning of Tribal Resistance: It was one of the earliest organised tribal revolts before the 1857 Revolt.
Exposed Colonial Exploitation: It highlighted the cruelty of the colonial system and its failure to protect indigenous communities.
Strengthened Nationalist Movements: Leaders of future freedom movements studied tribal uprisings like this to mobilise rural masses.
In essence, the Santhal Rebellion was more than just a tribal revolt. It was a fight for justice, identity, and dignity. Though the rebellion did not succeed, it awakened India to the power of unity and the need for freedom.
Want to understand more such historic events deeply? Enrol in UPSC courses by Physics Wallah and begin your preparation today!
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
