A one-day seminar, titled ‘Santhal Hul: Memory of Tribal Resistance and Heritage,’ was organized in Ranchi to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the historical Santhal Hul (1855–56). The event was a collaborative effort by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts Regional Centre Ranchi and the Department of Tribal and Regional Languages, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi. Academics, researchers, and students actively participated, reawakening the memory of tribal resistance.
Dr. Kumar Sanjay Jha, Regional Director, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Ranchi, highlighted the rich yet often-overlooked history of the Santhal Hul. He emphasized that the Hul was not merely a revolt but a symbol of tribal identity, self-respect, and cultural struggle. He also noted the seminar’s potential benefits for students and researchers, allowing them to bring to light the stories of unsung heroes who have remained obscure in history.
Dr. Binod Kumar discussed the diverse interpretations of the word ‘Hul’, asserting that the true spark of independence ignited with the Santhal Hul movement in 1855, preceding the 1857 revolt. He paid tribute to the bravery of Sidho-Kanho, Chand-Bhairav, and Phulo-Jhano from the village of Bhognadih, emphasizing the need to give these lesser-known heroes their rightful place in history.
Dr. RK Nirad pointed out that while technological advancements have made accessing historical sources easier, factual accuracy and authenticity remain a concern. Addressing budding researchers, he underscored that history is not just a recounting of the past but a responsibility, requiring in-depth study, dedication, and a critical perspective. He suggested creating a standard dictionary of names, places, and events related to the Santhal Hul and other tribal movements of Jharkhand.
Dr. Dinesh Narayan Verma called the Santhal Hul a turning point in Indian history, awakening a consciousness of freedom at national and international levels. Criticizing colonial historical writings, he said that portraying tribals with terms like ‘barbarians’ and ‘savages’ was inaccurate. He described the Santhal Hul as a spontaneous people’s revolution that arose to protect tribal identity and rights. He mentioned the cultural rituals of the Santhal society before the revolt, like distributing sindoor-tel and invoking Bonga deities, which fostered unity and the strength to fight. He emphasized the need to liberate Indian history from a colonial perspective and present tribal struggles authentically.
Prof. Piyush Kamal Sinha presented a balanced view of the Santhal Hul. He said that although the movement was not directly linked to the Indian freedom struggle, it was the first organized public resistance against colonial exploitation, which shaped tribal consciousness and resistance. Criticizing colonial historical writing, he said that history is often viewed from a specific ideology or perspective, which obscures the diversity, identity, and reality of the tribal society. He mentioned folk tales where Sidho and Kanho received divine inspiration and led the Hul movement. This helps in understanding historical events and the spiritual and cultural beliefs of tribal society.
Sanjay Krishnan highlighted that although the Santhal Hul revolt emerged in its violent form in 1855, its background and activities began from 1853. He confirmed this fact through reports, documents, magazines, and newspapers written by British officers of that period. He brought to light the unsung heroes who contributed to this revolt, whose contributions have not been adequately recognized in history. Many unknown freedom fighters came forward to give direction to this historical people’s movement like Chhotray Manjhi, Urzu Manjhi, Sona Marandi, and Salomi Besra, female freedom fighters.
Prof. SN Munda said that the Santhal Hul revolt was not just an armed struggle but an inspiring example of preserving the cultural and economic identity of tribal communities. He said that there is a need to internalize the consciousness associated with the Hul revolt today. In the same way that tribal society organized to fight to protect its traditional life, culture, and resources, today, we must also be vigilant and active in protecting our cultural heritage, knowledge traditions, and local resources. The Hul revolt inspires us to connect with our roots and preserve them.
Dr. Kamal Bose, a retired professor from the Hindi Department of St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi, poetically expressed the bravery and spirit of the Santhal Hul, which deeply moved the audience. At the end of the program, Dr. Jai Kishore Mangal, Assistant Professor, Ho Department, Tribal and Regional Language Department, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi, delivered the vote of thanks. This seminar highlighted the historical, cultural, and socio-political heritage of the Santhal Hul and inspired a new perspective and serious discourse on the neglected tribal resistance movements in mainstream historical writing.
