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Difficulty: MediumRevolt of 1857, Peasant Struggles, and Tribal Uprisings

With reference to the Santhal Rebellion (1855–1856) in colonial India, consider the following statements:
1. The rebellion was led by the brothers Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu against the oppression of 'dikus' (outsiders), moneylenders, and British revenue officials.
2. The rebellion culminated in the enactment of the Bengal Tenancy Act of 1885, which created the non-regulation district of Santhal Parganas.
3. The insurrection was largely concentrated in the Rajmahal Hills region of present-day Jharkhand.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 3 onlyAnswer
  2. B
    1 and 2 only
  3. C
    2 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 and 3 only
The statement specifying 1 and 3 only is correct. The Santhal Rebellion of 1855–1856 was a major tribal uprising led by brothers Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu in the Damin-i-Koh region of the Rajmahal Hills. Statement 2 is false because the colonial authorities passed Act XXXVII of 1855 to create the separate non-regulation district of Santhal Parganas, whereas the Bengal Tenancy Act of 1885 was enacted as a response to the Pabna peasant struggle.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding leadership and causes of the Santhal Rebellion.
Statement 1 is correct. Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, along with Chand and Bhairav, led the revolt against exploitation by non-tribal zamindars, moneylenders (dikus), and British officials.
Verify key historical leadership and social triggers of the 1855–56 uprising.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding the legislative outcome of the rebellion.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Following the suppression of the revolt, the British government passed Act XXXVII of 1855, forming the non-regulation district of Santhal Parganas. The Bengal Tenancy Act of 1885 was passed much later in response to the Pabna peasant agitations.
Distinguish between administrative legislation enacted for Santhal Parganas and subsequent agrarian reform laws in Bengal.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding the geographical epicenter of the revolt.
Statement 3 is correct. The uprising was centered in the Damin-i-Koh area within the Rajmahal Hills.
Confirm geographic location of the Santhal insurrection.

Key Concept

Santhal Rebellion (1855-1856) leadership, geography, and administrative consequences
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Topics

Revolt of 1857, Peasant Struggles, and Tribal Uprisings

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