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 (1820-1837)

Ho and Munda Uprisings

  • 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.
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