Daily Current Affairs : 3-July-2023

Hul Diwas, celebrated on June 30 in the state of Jharkhand, marks the beginning of the Santal rebellion, also known as the Hul revolution. This organized war against British colonial authorities was led by the Santal people, who fought against various forms of oppression. This essay explores the significance of the Hul revolution and provides insights into the Santal community.

The Hul Revolution:
  1. Background and Timing:
    • The Santal rebellion, also called Hul, started in 1855, preceding the larger uprising of 1857.
    • It was a response to the injustices faced by the Santals under British colonial rule.
    • The rebellion was a determined effort to fight against the British and their oppressive policies.
  2. Leadership and Location:
    • The Hul revolution was led by two brothers named Sidhu and Kanhu.
    • The rebellion took place in the Damin-i-Koh region, which translates to the “skirts of the hills.”
    • This region is located in present-day Jharkhand, specifically around the Rajmahal Hills in Sahibganj district.
  3. Significance and Legacy:
    • The Hul revolution served as a powerful symbol of resistance against colonialism in India.
    • It inspired future movements and uprisings against British rule.
    • The rebellion played a crucial role in raising awareness about the injustices faced by indigenous communities under colonialism.
The Santal People:
  1. Migration and Origins:
    • The Santal people originally migrated from the Birbhum and Manbhum regions (present-day Bengal) in the late 18th century.
    • This migration was primarily a consequence of the devastating 1770 famine in Bengal.
  2. Settlement in Damin-i-Koh:
    • The East India Company, under the Permanent Settlement Act of 1790, aimed to bring more areas under settled agriculture for increased revenue.
    • To achieve this, the Santals were settled in the forested Damin-i-Koh region, displacing the indigenous Pahariya community.
    • The British sought to exploit the forest resources and collect revenue from the Santals.
  3. Spread and Population:
    • Today, the Santal community is the third largest tribal community in India.
    • They are spread across Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal.
    • The Santals have preserved their unique culture, language, and traditions despite historical challenges.

Important Points:

  • The Hul revolution, also known as the Santal rebellion, was an organized war against British colonial authorities.
  • It started in 1855, preceding the larger uprising of 1857.
  • The rebellion was led by two brothers named Sidhu and Kanhu.
  • It took place in the Damin-i-Koh region, around the Rajmahal Hills in Sahibganj district, present-day Jharkhand.
  • The rebellion served as a symbol of resistance against colonialism in India and inspired future movements.
  • The Santal people migrated from Bengal in the late 18th century due to the 1770 famine.
  • They were settled in the forested Damin-i-Koh region by the East India Company under the Permanent Settlement Act of 1790.
  • The Santals are the third largest tribal community in India, spread across Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal.
  • Hul Diwas is celebrated on June 30 in Jharkhand to commemorate the beginning of the rebellion.
  • The Santal rebellion highlighted the injustices faced by indigenous communities under colonial rule.
Why In News

The Prime Minister of India took to Twitter to commemorate Hul Diwas, a day dedicated to honoring the valiant Adivasis who bravely resisted the oppressive rule of the British colonial authorities, emphasizing the significance of their sacrifices in shaping India’s struggle for independence. As he tweeted, he expressed gratitude for the indomitable spirit of the Adivasi community and their unwavering determination in the face of adversity, inspiring the nation with their heroic contributions to the freedom movement.

MCQs about Hul Diwas

  1. What was the Hul revolution?
    A. A rebellion against British colonial authorities
    B. A movement for social reforms
    C. A religious festival
    D. A political uprising
    Correct Answer: A. A rebellion against British colonial authorities
    Explanation: The Hul revolution was an organized war led by the Santal people against the British and their oppressive policies.
  2. Where did the Santal rebellion take place?
    A. Rajmahal Hills, present-day Jharkhand
    B. Manbhum region, present-day Bengal
    C. Birbhum district, present-day Odisha
    D. Sahibganj district, present-day Bihar
    Correct Answer: A. Rajmahal Hills, present-day Jharkhand
    Explanation: The essay states that the rebellion occurred in the Damin-i-Koh region, which is situated around the Rajmahal Hills in Sahibganj district.
  3. Who were the leaders of the Hul revolution?
    A. Sidhu and Kanhu
    B. Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru
    C. Rani Lakshmibai and Tantia Tope
    D. Subhash Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh
    Correct Answer: A. Sidhu and Kanhu
    Explanation: The rebellion was led by two brothers named Sidhu and Kanhu.
  4. What is the significance of Hul Diwas?
    A. To celebrate the Santal community’s migration
    B. To commemorate the British colonial authorities
    C. To honor the sacrifices made during the Hul revolution
    D. To promote awareness about forest conservation
    Correct Answer: C. To honor the sacrifices made during the Hul revolution
    Explanation: The essay mentions that Hul Diwas is celebrated on June 30 in Jharkhand as a way to remember and pay tribute to the beginning of the rebellion and the Santal people’s struggle against British colonialism.

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