Why in the News?

The Santhal Revolt of 1855 was a revolt against imperialism led by four brothers, Sidho, Kanho, Chand, and Bhairav Murmu, along with sisters Phulo and Jhano.
- June 30 marks the 169th anniversary of the beginning of the revolt.

About Santhal Hul

The Santhal people revolted against the British East India Company and the Zamindari system, also known as the Santhal Rebellion or Santhal Hul.
The rebellion began on June 30, 1855.
Martial Law was imposed on November 10, 1855, by the East India Company, lasting until January 3, 1856, when the rebellion was suppressed.

Santhals were agricultural people living in the Rajmahal Hills of Bihar.
Ol Chiki (Ol Chemet) is the writing script of Santhals.
The British asked them to clear forests for agriculture to increase revenue.
Damin-i-Koh (1832) was created as a designated area for Santhals, now known as Santhal Pargana.
Over time, the British began exploiting the Santhals, leading to the Santhal Rebellion.

Marginalized Indigenous Community: Led by the Santhal tribe, a marginalized indigenous community in mid-19th century India.
Agrarian Uprising: Primarily a fight against exploitative land laws, high taxes, and forced labor rather than political or religious issues.
Tribal Unity and Guerrilla Tactics: Characterized by a strong sense of tribal unity and guerrilla warfare tactics, making it unique and significant.

Permanent Settlement System (1793): Introduced by the British East India Company, giving Zamindars long-lasting property rights.
Oppression by Zamindars: Zamindars misused their power to oppress and enslave peasants, leading to resentment.
Exploitation and Debt: Santhals faced exploitation through high-interest loans and lost their land and freedom.
Violent Suppressions: British police supported Zamindars and moneylenders in evicting Santhals violently.
Disruption of Traditional Structures: Traditional social and political structures of the Santhals were disrupted, pushing them into debt and poverty.
Economic Hardship: Led to the Santhals revolting against the British and Zamindars to escape their predicament.

Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (1876): Enacted by the British as a result of the Hul.
- Land Inheritance: Prohibits the transfer of Adivasi lands to non-Adivasis and allows land to be inherited only as per the Act.
- Self-Governance: Retains the rights of Santhals to self-govern their land.
Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908): Result of the Birsa Movement.
- Land Transfer Restrictions: Allows land transfers within the same caste and geographical areas with District Collector’s approval.
- Protection of Adivasi and Dalit Land: Restricts the sale of Adivasi and Dalit land but allows transfers within the same community.

[2018] After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2