UPSC Prelims 2018 Q51: Modern History – Peasant, Tribal & Labour Movements
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Santhal Uprising (1855-56) - Colonial Response
Background: The Santhal Hul (rebellion) of 1855-56, led by Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, was a massive tribal uprising against oppression by zamindars, moneylenders (dikus) and British officials in the Damin-i-Koh region (Rajmahal hills). It was brutally suppressed by 1856.
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santhal Parganas territory was created | TRUE | Post-rebellion, the British created the Santhal Parganas district (November 1855) carved out of Bhagalpur and Birbhum, as a non-regulation district with special administrative rules to insulate Santhals from moneylenders and zamindars. |
| 2 | It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal | TRUE | Under the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act (SPT Act) - initial regulations of 1856, later consolidated in 1949 - Santhals were prohibited from transferring land to non-tribal outsiders. This land-alienation prohibition remains in force. |
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also correct - the land alienation prohibition is a long-standing feature of the Santhal Parganas regime.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also correct - Santhal Parganas district was created in Nov 1855.
- (c) CORRECT. Both the creation of Santhal Parganas and the prohibition on land transfer to non-Santhals were colonial measures after the uprising.
- (d) Incorrect. Both statements are historically accurate.
Key point
Post-Santhal Hul (1855-56): Creation of Santhal Parganas district (Nov 1855) as a non-regulation district. Ban on land transfer from Santhals to non-tribals (SPT Regulations 1856, consolidated in SPT Act 1949). Leaders: Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu.
Remember
After the Santhal uprising of 1855-56 (Hul), the British colonial government created the Santhal Parganas district as a non-regulation district with special administrative safeguards and prohibited the transfer of Santhal land to non-tribal outsiders. These measures aimed to insulate Santhals from moneylenders and zamindars, and the land-alienation restrictions remain in force under the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act, 1949.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Santhal rebellion (1855-56) with the Kol rebellion (1831-32) or Munda rebellion (Ulgulan under Birsa Munda, 1899-1900) - all Jharkhand tribal uprisings.
- Missing that the SPT regime still exists - land transfer restrictions in Santhal Parganas continue today under Jharkhand.
- Overlooking Sidhu-Kanhu as the leaders - they are commemorated as the Santhal freedom fighters.
Exam tip
Tribal uprisings of colonial era: Santhal Hul 1855 (Sidhu-Kanhu), Munda Ulgulan 1899 (Birsa Munda), Kol 1831, Bhil, Rampa 1922-24 (Alluri Sitarama Raju), Warli 1945. Each led to protective legislation post-uprising.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra - India's Struggle for Independence
- NCERT Class 8 - Our Pasts III (Colonialism and Tribal Societies)