Abstract: The Santhals were a peace loving people for whom agriculture was one of the main occupations and of great significance where forest land and the sacred grove were symbolic of their guardian spirit or protector. Due to Colonial rule and the local moneylenders, the Santhals faced undue oppression which finally led to the Santhal Rebellion of 1855. Prior to this, when the Santhals had gathered in their sacred grove, an occurrence transpired which is considered a miracle. The legend narrates the presence of a Thakur or god who guides the Santhals to divest their land of every ‘diku’ or outsider in order to retrieve the ownership of their land. It was their faith in this Protector that gave them the strength to fight against the Colonials and the Zamindars but did it finally free them from the oppression of both? This paper focuses on this legend and its outcome while tracing the Santhal movements and ascertains the outcome with reference to Acts passed media reports and Subaltern writings.
Keywords: Santhals, Santhal Rebellion, Jitu Santhal Movement, Subaltern.
Title: Santhal Rebellion – A Counter Insurgency against ‘Outsiders’ As Ordained By a ‘Thakur’
Author: Saptarshi Sengupta, Dr. Pramila Lochan
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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