President Murmu pays tribute to Heroes of Santhal rebellion on Hul Diwas, says "their valour, sacrifice and martyrdom will continue to inspire fellow citizens"
New Delhi, June 30
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday paid tribute to the heroes of the Santhal rebellion on the occasion of Hul Diwas, saying their "valour, sacrifice, and martyrdom will forever continue to inspire all fellow citizens of the country".
In a post on X, the President remembered the sacrifice of the leaders of the historic Santhal Hul of 1855, one of India's earliest organised uprisings against British colonial rule.
"On the occasion of 'Hul Divas', I pay my humble respects to the immortal heroic men and women of the Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, Phulo-Jhano, and Santhal rebellions for their sacrifices and martyrdom. They waged a historic struggle against the exploitation of tribal society and to protect their identity. Their valour, sacrifice, and martyrdom will forever continue to inspire all fellow citizens of the country," Murmu said.
Hul Diwas, observed annually on June 30, commemorates the Santhal Hul of 1855, which took place two years before the Revolt of 1957. On June 30, 1855, more than 10,000 Santhal villagers assembled at Bhognadih in present-day Jharkhand and declared independence from British rule, launching an armed rebellion against exploitative landlords, unfair taxation and forced labour.
The movement was led by brothers Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, while Chand and Bhairav played key roles in commanding the rebel forces. Sisters Phulo and Jhani Murmu also emerged as prominent leaders, leading a women's force against the colonial administration.
Although the uprising was brutally suppressed by the British in early 1856, resulting in the deaths of thousands of tribal people, it left a lasting impact on colonial policy. The movement eventually led to the enactment of the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act, 1876, which prohibited the transfer of Adivasi land to non-Adivasis and continues to safeguard tribal land rights.
BJP National President Nitin Nabin also lauded President Droupadi Murmu's journey from a tribal background to the country's highest constitutional office, saying her elevation reflects India's respect for the struggles and dignity of the tribal community.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is a part of history I never learned about until recently. The Santhal Hul (1855) predates the 1857 revolt, yet it gets far less attention. It's good to see India's first tribal President acknowledging these freedom fighters. The Tenancy Act of 1876 is also a vital legacy protecting Adivasi lands even today.
It's touching that our President remembers her roots. The Santhal rebellion was not just against the British but also against the exploitative zamindari system. Women like Phulo and Jhano leading a women's force is something we should celebrate more. Hul Diwas should be a national event, not just a state-level one.
Respect to President Murmu for highlighting these unsung heroes. The British brutally crushed the rebellion but it still forced policy changes, which is remarkable. I just wish the government would do more to address the current issues faced by tribal communities — land rights, education, healthcare. Honouring the past is good, but actions for the present matter too.
Great to see the President acknowledge the Santhal Hul. What a story — 10,000 villagers declaring independence from British rule in 1855! Sidhu and Kanhu were true martyrs. The fact that the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act (1876) still protects Adivasi land is proof that their sacrifice wasn't in vain. 🇮🇳
Hul Diwas is a day of pride for every Indian, especially for those from tribal communities. But I feel a bit sad that our textbooks
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