Discover a detailed timeline of tribal movements in India from the Pahariyas’ Rebellion (1778) to the Jharkhand Uprising (1920 onwards). Learn about key uprisings, regional impacts, leaders, and the causes behind these significant events against colonial and local oppressions.
Tribal Movements in India
The Tribal Movements in India (18th–20th century) were significant uprisings against British colonial expansion, exploitative zamindari systems, and interference in tribal customs. These revolts highlight the resistance, resilience, and socio-political assertion of tribal communities. This chronological overview is crucial for understanding the roots of tribal discontent and forms an important part of modern Indian history and UPSC preparation.
Tribal Movements in India: A Chronological and Thematic Overview
Early Tribal Uprisings (18th Century)
(i) Pahariyas’ Rebellion (1778) – Raj Mahal Hills; against British expansion in tribal lands.
(ii) Chuar Uprisings (1776) – Jungle Mahal; protest against heavy revenue demands and economic distress.
Major Tribal Movements of the 19th Century
(i) Bhil Revolts (1817–19, 1913) – Western Ghats; demand for Bhil Raj and protest against British control.
(ii) Ho and Munda Uprisings (1820–1837) – Singhbhum & Chottanagpur; resistance against British occupation and revenue policies.
(iii) Kol Uprisings (1831) – Chottanagpur; led by Buddho Bhagat, against land transfers and British expansion.
(iv) Kondh Uprisings (1837–56, 1914) – Hilly regions; protests against interference in customs and taxation.
(v) Santhal Rebellion (1855–56) – Bihar; led by Sido and Kanhu, directed against zamindars and moneylenders.
(vi) Naikada Movement (1860s) – Madhya Pradesh & Gujarat; struggle against the British and upper-caste Hindus.
(vii) Bhuyan and Juang Rebellions (1867–68, 1891–93) – Kheonjhar; against British meddling in succession matters.
(ix) Koya Revolts (1879–80, 1886) – Eastern Godavari; against oppressive officials and new regulations.
20th Century Tribal Resistance Movements
(i) Khonda Dora Campaign (1900) – Dabur region; led by Korra Mallaya against colonial rule.
(ii) Bastar Revolt (1910) – Jagdalpur; against forest restrictions and new feudal levies.
(iii) Tana Bhagat Movements (1914–1915) – Chottanagpur; opposed outsiders’ interference in tribal life.
(iv) Rampa Revolts (1916, 1922–24) – Rampa region; led by Alluri Sitarama Raju, symbolizing armed tribal resistance against the British.
(v) Jharkhand Uprising (1920 onwards) – Spread across Bihar, Orissa, and West Bengal; early demand for a separate tribal state.
(vi) Forest Satyagrahas (1920s–30s) – Guntur & Palamau; protests against British control over forests.
(vii) Gond Uprising (1940s) – Revolt in defence of Gond-dharma and cultural identity.
In summary, the Tribal Movements in India were rooted in the defence of land, culture, and autonomy. From early revolts like the Pahariya and Chuar uprisings to later struggles like the Rampa Revolt and Jharkhand movement, these rebellions challenged British exploitation and laid the foundation for tribal assertion in modern India. Though many were suppressed, their symbolic and political significance continues to inspire India’s discourse on indigenous rights and self-determination.
