An in-depth look at the Ho and Munda uprisings of 1820-1837, focusing on tribal resistance against British colonial exploitation, key events, and leaders like Birsa Munda and the Raja of Parahat.

Ho and Munda Uprisings Against British Policies in Singhbhum and Chotanagpur

• The Raja of Parahat led the Ho tribals in a revolt against the British occupation of Singhbhum (now in Jharkhand).
• This initial revolt continued until 1827 when the Ho tribals were forced to submit.
• In 1831, the Ho tribals, joined by the Mundas of Chotanagpur, organized a new rebellion against the farming revenue policy and the entry of Bengalis into their region.
• The revolt was suppressed in 1832, but Ho resistance continued until 1837.
• Later, in 1899-1900, the Mundas, led by Birsa Munda, rose against the British in what became known as the Ulgulan. This rebellion, significant between 1860-1920, began as a religious movement but gained political momentum.
• The Mundas opposed feudal, zamindari tenures, exploitation by money-lenders and forest contractors, and claimed Chhotanagpur as their territory.
• Birsa Munda was eventually captured and imprisoned as British armed forces were deployed to quell the uprising.