Tribal Movements | Enlite Cafe

Tribal Uprising	Features
Chuar Uprising (1776)	Organised by aboriginal tribesmen of Midnapore, against land revenue demands and economic distress.
Pahariyas’ Rebellion(1778)	It was headed by Raja Jagganath who led Pahariyas of Raj Mahal Hills against British expansion on their land.
Paika Rebellion (1817)	Paika Rebellion of 1817 is an armed revolt against the British by the Paikas of Khurda in Odisha. The rebellion took form and shape under the leadership of Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhara.
Ahom’s Revolt(1828-33)	In Assam against non-fulfilment of Britishers’ promise to leave their region after the Burmese war.Khasis’ Revolt
Khasis’ Revolt(1830s)	Led by Tirath Singh in the hills of Jaintia and Garo against the occupation of their region.
Cutch Rebellion(1816-1832)	Anti-British sentiments prevailed in the Cutch and Kathiawad areas. The struggle between the Cutch ruler, Rao Bharmal and the pro-Jhareja chiefs was at the root of the trouble.
Bhil Uprising (1818-1831 and 1913)	In the Western Ghats against the Company’s rule formed Bhil Raj. Reorganised again in 1913 under Govind Guru to fight for Bhil Raj.
Ho and Munda Uprisings (1820–37 )	By Ho tribals led by Raja Parahat in Singhbhum and Chotanagpur region against new farming revenue policy. This later became the Munda rebellion.
Ramosi Uprising(1822-29)	By the Ramosi tribals of western ghats, under Chittur Singh against Britisher’s occupation of the region.
Koli Uprising (1829)	The tribals of Gujarat and Maharashtra revolted against the Company’s control in 1829, 1839, and again in 1844-48.
Kol Rebellion (1832)	Tribals of Chottanagpur under Buddho Bagat revolted against Britishers and money lenders.
Khond Rebellion(1837-56)	Tribals of hills from Tamil Nadu to Bengal led by Chakra Bisoi revolted against interference in tribal customs and the imposition of new taxes.
Santhal Rebellion(1855-56)	Tribals of Bihar led by Sido and Kanhu against moneylenders and zamindars.
Naikada Movement(1868)	Tribals of Madhya Pradesh and Gujrat against British and caste Hindus to establish Dharma Raj.
Kharwar Rebellion(1870s)	Tribals of Bihar led by Bhagrit Majhi against revenue settlement activities.
Bhuyan and Juang Rebellions(1867)	Tribes of Keonjhar, Orissa revolted twice in 1867 and 1891.
Munda Rebellion(1899-1900)	Tribals of the Chotanagpur area revolted under Birsa Munda against the ‘Dikus’.The revolt is called Ulgugan.
Koya Uprising(1879-80)	Tribals of the eastern Godavari region led by Tomma Sora and Raja Annantyar revolted against the police and moneylenders.
Bastar Revolt(1910)	By tribals of Jagdalpur against new feudal and forest levies.
Kukis’ Revolt (1917- 19)	In Manipur, against British policies of recruiting labour during World War.
Tana Bhagat Movement(1914-1919)	Tribals of Chottanagpur, led by Jatra Bhagat, and Balram Bhagat revolted against the interference of outsiders.
Chenchus Uprising(1921-22)	Tribals of Nallamalla Hills led by K. Hanumanthu revolted against the British forest laws. Parallel to Non Cooperation Movement.
Rampa Rebellion(1922-24)	Led by Alluri Sitaraman Raju of Koyas, Andhra Pradesh against British interference and Madras Forest Act. Parallel to Non Cooperation Movement.

Nature of Tribal Movements

Localized: Centered around specific tribes or regions, with limited scope.
Cultural and Religious Roots: Sought to restore traditional practices and resist external influences.
Resistance to Exploitation: Focused on issues like land alienation, forced labor, and heavy taxation.
Militant Approach: Often involved armed confrontations with authorities.

Significance of Tribal Movements

Challenge to Colonial Rule: Questioned British exploitation and governance.
Preservation of Tribal Identity: Defended cultural, social, and economic traditions.
Administrative Reforms: Triggered changes like creating special tribal regions (e.g., Santhal Parganas).
Inspiration for Future Struggles: Influenced post-independence tribal rights movements.
Legislative Reforms: Many movements led to reforms in land laws, such as the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, of 1908.

Reasons for Failure

Fragmentation: Lack of unity among tribes and no connection to broader nationalist movements.
Resource Limitations: Inadequate weapons, finances, and organization.
British Repression: Superior military power crushed uprisings brutally.
Isolation: Geographical and social isolation hindered wider support.
Internal Divisions: Conflicts within tribal societies weakened their efforts.

Contributions of Tribal Movements

Grassroots Resistance
- Tribal movements were among the first instances of organized resistance against British policies, predating the Sepoy Mutiny (1857).
Focus on Land and Forest Rights
- Highlighted issues of land alienation, which remain central to tribal rights even today.
- Laid the foundation for later movements like the Chipko Movement and contemporary tribal activism.
Catalyst for Tribal Policies in Independent India
- Post-independence policies like the Fifth Schedule and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) owe much to the legacy of tribal movements.
Role Models for Resistance
- Leaders like Birsa Munda have become iconic figures, symbolizing tribal empowerment and self-reliance.