Why this matters now
The Santhal Hul is among the most-tested pre-1857 revolts — the role of the four Murmu brothers, the outcome (creation of Santhal Pargana District by Act XXXVII of 1855), Hool Divas (30 June) and the Hul’s links to the larger 1857 uprising.
Background: Permanent Settlement + diku exploitation
After the Permanent Settlement of 1793, zamindars and the British classification of Damin-i-Koh as “jungle” pushed Santhals into bonded labour under mahajans (moneylenders). High rents, debt bondage (kamiauti), and forced begar drove the Santhals to armed resistance.
The Hul begins (30 June 1855)
On 30 June 1855, the four Murmu brothers — Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand and Bhairav — and their sisters Phoolo and Jhano led 10,000+ Santhals from Bhognadih village (Sahebganj, Jharkhand) and declared the area an independent state, free from Company rule. They marched towards Calcutta. The slogan was “Karo ya Maro” (Do or Die).
Crushed by British force; Santhal Pargana created
The Company suppressed the revolt with sepoy regiments by February 1856. Sidhu was killed in action; Kanhu was captured and hanged in February 1856. Chand and Bhairav died in combat. As a direct result, the British created the Santhal Pargana District (Act XXXVII of 1855), recognising Santhal customary laws and restricting non-tribal entry — a precursor to the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act of 1908. 30 June is observed as Hool Divas.
UPSC angle
Know the Santhal Hul (1855-56) — four Murmu brothers (Sidhu/Kanhu/Chand/Bhairav) + sisters Phoolo and Jhano, started at Bhognadih (Sahebganj) on 30 June 1855, slogan “Karo ya Maro”, suppressed by Feb 1856, led to Santhal Pargana District by Act XXXVII of 1855; precursor to Chotanagpur Tenancy Act 1908. Hool Divas observed 30 June.
Frequently asked questions
What was the Santhal Hul?
The 1855-56 Santhal revolt led by Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand and Bhairav Murmu against zamindars, moneylenders and the East India Company.
When and where did the Hul begin?
On 30 June 1855 at Bhognadih village (Sahebganj district, present-day Jharkhand).
What was the outcome of the Hul?
Suppressed by Feb 1856; led to the creation of Santhal Pargana District by Act XXXVII of 1855 and restrictions on non-tribal entry into Santhal lands.
What is Hool Divas?
30 June — observed annually to commemorate the start of the Santhal Hul.