People from all over the country took an active part in the freedom struggle. Many laid down their lives fighting the British and their exploitative rule. While some freedom fighters gained prominence, there were perhaps hundreds and thousands of unknown faces and individuals who also worked with equal vigor and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of India.
The tribals from all over the country stood with their brothers and sisters in fighting British rule. Many Adivasi men from the Jharkhand region lead, coordinated, and planned movements against the British. While the British were armed with the latest weapons of warfare, the tribals fought with their bows and arrows, along with their understanding of the jungle terrain. Some of the Jharkhandi freedom fighters have been mentioned as follows-
TILKA MANJHI
Born in 1750, he is credited to be the first person under whose leadership the tribals rallied in a revolt against the British. The immediate reason for the uprising was the unjust taxation policy of the British over the tribals. The British sent Warren Hastings to combat Tilka Manjhi. Manjhi was successful on many accounts in carrying out an offensive against the British using his guerilla warfare.
He attacked and escaped the British many times but was finally caught and executed in Bhagalpur in 1785. He emerged as the first capable tribal leader who could fight the British.
SIDDHU AND KANHU
Siddhu and Kanhu were also from the Santhal tribe of Jharkhand. They were strong-built men with great warrior skills as well as the ability to lead and organize the masses. The Santhals revolted against the British due to the exploitative attitude of their rule. The zamindars, British courts, officers, and sepoys wanted to exploit the tribals in the form of taxes and by other means. The brothers tried to resolve the issue peacefully and legally by letters to the courts, officers, and administration. But they didn’t pay heed to the tribals. Ultimately, they were left with no option but to take up arms against the British and their allies. Siddhu and Kanhu lead a massive revolt against the British. The violence and plunder resulted in many casualties on both sides.
Sidhu and Kanhu were arrested by the British as the brothers were betrayed by some supporters. Siddhu and Kanhu laid down their lives on 26th July 1856.
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