When we talk about India’s freedom movement, we often remember events like the Dandi March, the Quit India Movement, or the revolt of 1857. But even before all these, a powerful movement had already started deep in the forests of Eastern India. This was the Hul Revolution, which began on 30th June 1855 in Bhognadih village, located in today’s Sahibganj district of Jharkhand.
This uprising was led by brave tribal leaders Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, along with Chand-Bhairav and Phulo-Jhano. More than 50,000 Santhal tribal people joined them to fight against the British government and the cruel landlord system. Their slogan was "Do or Die, British leave our soil". This slogan encapsulated their fight against the British colonial rule and the exploitative zamindari system.
The word “Hul” in the Santhali language means “revolution”. This revolution was not just about money or taxes. It was about protecting tribal identity, forests, lands, and their way of life. At that time, the British and landlords were taking away the land of tribal people and destroying their culture and traditions. This forced the Santhals to come together and fight.
In response, the British used extreme violence. Thousands of tribal people were killed, villages were burned, and leaders were executed. More than 20,000 Santhals lost their lives. On 26th July 1855, Sidhu and Kanhu were captured and hanged, but their courage and sacrifice still inspire us today.
Forgotten by History, Remembered by the Nation. For many years, the Hul Revolution was not given importance in history books. But things started to change in 2021, when India celebrated 75 years of independence under the program called Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji took a big step to honor tribal heroes. He announced that 15th November, the birthday of Birsa Munda, would be celebrated as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ across the country.
PM Modi rightly said that India’s freedom was not won by a few famous people only, but by many unknown heroes, especially from tribal communities, who fought bravely to protect their land and freedom.
Now, more efforts are being made to tell the stories of tribal fighters from Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and the Northeast. These heroes are now being recognized as important parts of our freedom movement.
A Revolution for Identity and Equality.
The Hul Revolution was not just a fight against the British. It was also a movement for justice, equal rights, and self-respect. Both men and women fought side by side. Phulo and Jhano, two brave women, fought with bows and arrows to protect their people. Today, they are seen as strong symbols of tribal women empowerment.
Hul Diwas: Honoring the True Heroes As India moves ahead in the journey of Amrit Kaal, the 25 years leading up to 100 years of independence, it is important to remember and respect movements like the Hul Revolution.
Every year, 30th June is celebrated as Hul Diwas to honor the brave tribal martyrs. It reminds us that the first fight for freedom was not just in big cities like Delhi or Kolkata, but also in small tribal villages like Bhognadih.
Their blood gave life to freedom.Their spirit still lives in the forests and hills. Their story, once forgotten, is now being told proudly.
Jai Hul! Jai Johar!
Ashok Baraik is State media Co-Incharge BJP Jharkhand