The Santhal Revolt (1855-56)

Background:
Santhals of Jharkhand resisting British rule.
1855-56: Massive revolt against British oppression.
Actions and Objectives:
Santhals engaged in looting and killing zamindars and moneylenders.
Declaration of the end of British rule and the desire for a free Santhal state.
Challenges:
Santhals armed with bows and arrows, faced the well-equipped British army.
Fierce battle leading to the suppression of the revolt.
Birsa Munda and the Munda Rebellion (1874-1901)
Leadership of Birsa Munda:
Munda adivasis in Chhotanagpur Plateau united under Birsa's leadership.
Aimed at removing the British government supporting zamindars, moneylenders, and biased courts.
Birsa's Influence:
Birsa regarded as a god (bhagwaan) by his followers.
Rebellion aimed at reclaiming Munda lands and forest rights.
Suppression and Consequences:
Rebellion suppressed through arrests of leaders.
Birsa Munda died in prison in 1900.
Government compelled to enact laws protecting Adivasis' rights in Chhotanagpur.
Forest Revolt in Kumaon (1921-22)
Causes:
Peasants in Kumaon protested against the government's infringement on their forest rights.
Refusal to cooperate with the Forest Department and defiance of its rules.
Actions:
Open rebellion against the Forest Department.
Attempted burning of jungles used by contractors.
Refusal to participate in forced labor for the Forest Department.
Impact:
British government compelled to revise policies.
Rules became less strict in many places.
New laws prevented outsiders from purchasing Adivasis' land in some areas.
Alluri Seetha Rama Raju
Early Life:
Born on July 4, 1897, in Pandrangi village, Visakhapatnam district.
Mother from Visakhapatnam, father native to Mogallu near Bhimavaram.
Father, an official photographer in Rajahmundry central jail, died during Raju's school years.
Raised by his uncle, Rama Chandra Raju.
Protest Against Madras Forest Act (1882):
Madras Forest Act passed in 1882 restricted tribal movement and traditional 'podu' agricultural system.
Raju led a protest movement in the border area of East Godavari and Visakhapatnam districts.
Inspiration and Revolutionary Actions:
Inspired by revolutionary zeal in Bengal.
Raids on police stations in Chintapalle, Rampachodavaram, Dammanapalli, Krishnadevipeta, Rajavommangi,
Addateegala, Narsipatnam, and Annavaram.
Stole guns and ammunition, killed British army officers, including Scott Coward near Dammanapalli.
Conflict with Assam Rifles (1922):
British deployed Assam Rifles in December 1922 under Saunders.
Raju went underground, resurfaced after four months.
Tribal volunteers joined using bows and arrows under Mallu Dora and Gantam Dora's leadership.
British Campaign and Tragic End:
British campaign lasted nearly a year from December 1922.
Trapped by the British in the forests of Chintapalli.
Shot dead with a rifle at Koyyur Village near Mampa Village on May 7, 1924.
Alluri Seetha Rama Raju's legacy lives on as a symbol of resistance against British oppression and his commitment to
the cause of tribal rights.