New Delhi : President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday paid tribute to the heroes of the Santhal rebellion on the occasion of Hul Diwas, saying their "valour, sacrifice, and martyrdom will forever continue to inspire all fellow citizens of the country".
In a post on X, the President remembered the sacrifice of the leaders of the historic Santhal Hul of 1855, one of India's earliest organised uprisings against British colonial rule.
"On the occasion of 'Hul Divas', I pay my humble respects to the immortal heroic men and women of the Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, Phulo-Jhano, and Santhal rebellions for their sacrifices and martyrdom. They waged a historic struggle against the exploitation of tribal society and to protect their identity. Their valour, sacrifice, and martyrdom will forever continue to inspire all fellow citizens of the country," Murmu said.
Hul Diwas, observed annually on June 30, commemorates the Santhal Hul of 1855, which took place two years before the Revolt of 1957. On June 30, 1855, more than 10,000 Santhal villagers assembled at Bhognadih in present-day Jharkhand and declared independence from British rule, launching an armed rebellion against exploitative landlords, unfair taxation and forced labour.
The movement was led by brothers Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, while Chand and Bhairav played key roles in commanding the rebel forces. Sisters Phulo and Jhani Murmu also emerged as prominent leaders, leading a women's force against the colonial administration.
Although the uprising was brutally suppressed by the British in early 1856, resulting in the deaths of thousands of tribal people, it left a lasting impact on colonial policy. The movement eventually led to the enactment of the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act, 1876, which prohibited the transfer of Adivasi land to non-Adivasis and continues to safeguard tribal land rights.
BJP National President Nitin Nabin also lauded President Droupadi Murmu's journey from a tribal background to the country's highest constitutional office, saying her elevation reflects India's respect for the struggles and dignity of the tribal community.