After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?
- The territories called ‘Santhal Paraganas’ were created.
- It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
- The Santhal Hool (1855-56) was a rebellion against British colonial rule, sparked by the encroachment of zamindars and moneylenders on Santhal land in the Rajmahal hills. Led by Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, the Santhals declared their intention to reclaim their territory, claiming divine inspiration for their fight.
- The uprising was ruthlessly suppressed by British forces using superior arms. This conflict symbolised the struggle of the Santhals against oppression and exploitation.
- Aftermath of the Revolt: The Santhal rebellion forced the government to change its policy towards them.
- Around 5500 sq. miles of the area was carved out from the Bhagalpur and Birbhum districts, which came to be known as “Santhal Parganas“. The British hoped that by creating a new territory for the Santhals and imposing some special laws within it, the Santhals could be conciliated.
Statement 2 is correct
- The government enacted the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act in 1876 to protect the tribals against exploitation. The Act prohibits the sale of Adivasi land to non-Adivasis in the Santhal Pargana region.
