TRIBAL REVOLTS

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The Tribal communities living in large part of India participated in numerous revolts against the
British occupation from time to time. They vented their ire against intrusion of imperialist forces
and the expansion of the British dominion in India. The most important factor was their
opposition to the entry of money lenders, revenue collecting farmers and businessmen in their
simple life. Their imperialistic economic policies and suppression had been responsible for
bringing the Tribal communities under the British rule.

The Tribal revolts, their irrepressible courage and extreme dedication and the state machinery's
brutal maneuvers to suppress them, was a remarkable development in India's struggle against
foreign rule. On one hand disciplined British India troops equipped with modern day weapons,
on the other hand Tribal soldiers equipped with Bows & Arrows, axes and other ancient
weaponries. They were angry, disorganized and fought a unequal battle as a result of which they
were killed in lakhs. Among there various revolts the most important were the revolt by Koala
tribesmen from 1820 to 1837, Santhal revolt from 1855-56, Rampas in 1879 and the Mundas
from 1895-1901.

Birsa Munda was the leader of the revolt of the Munda Tribesman from 1895-1901.
Through the 19th and 20th centuries ,tribal groups in different parts of the country rebelled against the
changes in laws ,the restrictions on their practices, and the exploitation by traders, moneylenders and the
Britishers. Some of the popular revolts are as follows:

• THE KOLS 1831-32

• THE SANTHALS 1855
• THE BASTAR REBELLION 1910
• THE WARLI REVOLT 1940
• THE MUNDAS 1890’S
What were the Major Factors Responsible for Tribal Revolts in India?
There were multiple reasons behind the revolt of Tribals in India against the British.
Tribals were primarily dependent on agriculture, hunting and forest produce as their source of livelihood.
The British enforced the Forest Act of 1865 and 1878 and established monopoly over the forested land.
The tribals lost their agricultural land and were turned into landless and bonded laborers.
Restrictions were imposed on the use of forest produce which led to complete loss of livelihood of tribals.
The introduction of money lenders, businessmen in the simple life of tribals.

Which were some of the Most Famous Tribal Revolts?

Some of the most famous tribal revolts are given below.
Koala Tribe Revolt – 1820 to 1837
Santhal Tribe Revolt – 1855-56
Rampas Tribe Revolt – 1879
Munda Tribal Revolt – 1895 to 1901. This revolt was led by Birsa Munda.

Who led the First Tribal Revolt in India against the British?
The first Tribal revolt in India was led by Baba Tilka Majhi in 1784.  It was the result of a great famine in 1770 and the court of directors
orders. As a consequence of his armed rebellion he was hung by the British. After India gained independence a statue was erected at the
same spot where he was hung. To commemorate his contributions Bhagalpur university was renamed as Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University
in Jharkhand.

What were the Causes behind Failure of Tribal Rebellion?

The causes behind failure of tribal rebellion are given below.
Revolt was localised
Lack of unity
British had the upper hand because of their modern day weapons whereas Tibals had to fight with bow and arrows.