"Sounded conch of resistance against British regime": Amit Shah pays homage to tribal heroes of Santhal Revolution on Hul Diwas
New Delhi, June 30
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday paid homage to the tribal heroes of the Santhal Revolution on the occasion of Hul Diwas, observed annually on June 30 to commemorate the 1855 uprising against British colonial rule.
In an X post, Shah hailed the leaders of the rebellion and honoured the legacy of Sido-Kanhu Murmu, Chand-Bhairav, and Phulo-Jhano in the revolution.
"On the occasion of 'Hul Day', I remember and pay homage to all the martyrs who dedicated their everything in the Santhal Revolution for tribal identity and the motherland," Shah said.
"The great heroes of tribal pride and the freedom struggle, Sido-Kanhu Murmu, Chand-Bhairav, and the brave women Phulo-Jhano, sounded the conch of resistance against the British regime in such a way that it awakened the consciousness of resistance against subjugation in every heart," he said in the post.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also extended tributes on the occasion, highlighting that the struggle of the heroic warriors was pivotal to the movement.
"On Hul Day, countless salutations to Sidho-Kanhu and all the heroic warriors of the Santhal Hul. Their valiant struggle for the protection of water, forests, and land, and against injustice, gave a new direction to the freedom movement. Their sacrifice and martyrdom will forever remain a source of inspiration," he said.
Hul Diwas is observed every year on June 30 to mark the Santhal rebellion, often described as one of the earliest organised uprisings against British rule, predating the 1857 revolt. It falls in memory of tribal leaders Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, who led the Santhal Hul, or rebellion in 1855. It was aimed at resisting economic exploitation and land alienation. "Hul" in the Santhali language means rebellion.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartening to see the Home Minister acknowledging the Santhal rebellion. So many tribal uprisings like the Birsa Munda movement and the Rampa rebellion are sadly missing from school textbooks. We need to teach our children these stories of bravery and sacrifice. The conch of resistance indeed echoed across the country! 🇮🇳
Good that the government is honouring these heroes, but actions speak louder than words. Many tribal communities still struggle for land rights and basic amenities. The Santhal Hul was about water, forest, and land protection - issues that remain unresolved today. Let's hope the tributes translate into real policy changes.
As an outsider, I find it fascinating how India's history is so layered. The Santhal rebellion in 1855, led by Sidho and Kanhu, was earlier than the 1857 revolt but rarely gets international attention. This uprising against colonial exploitation of resources resonates with many indigenous movements worldwide. Glad to see it being commemorated. 👍
Hul Diwas is a reminder that our freedom struggle was not just about the elite but also about the ordinary tribal people who sacrificed everything. Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, and Phulo-Jhano are names every Indian should know. The way they "sounded the conch of resistance" is a powerful metaphor for unity against oppression. 🇮🇳
I appreciate the tribute, but I wish we remembered these heroes throughout the year, not just on designated days. The Santhal Hul was a massive uprising with thousands participating, yet it's barely taught in schools. Kudos to CM Himanta Bis
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