Why in News?

• Recently, the 169th anniversary of Santhal Rebellion was celebrated.
• The Prime Minister paid tribute to the sacrifices and bravery of the Santhal tribal community.

Key Points:

=> The Santhal uprising, one of the most noted events of revolt against the British Raj, took place in 1855 and 1857.

=> This was India’s first major peasant uprising fueled by the implementation of the Permanent Land Settlement in 1793.

=> It was led by four brothers, Sidho, Kanho, Chand, and Bhairav Murmu, along with sisters Phulo and Jhano and covered the regions of Bihar.

Santhal Tribe:

=> Santhals are the third largest scheduled tribe community in India after Gonds and Bhils.

=> Their greatest concentration is in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Orissa, in the eastern part of the country.

Language: Their language is Santhali, a dialect of Kherwari, a Munda (Austroasiatic) language. Santhali, written in OI-Chiki script, is recognised as one of the scheduled languages in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution.

Religion: They are nature worshippers and could be seen paying respect at Jaher (sacred groves) in their villages.

Occupation: Most Santhals are agriculturists, depending on their farmlands or forests. Seasonal forest collection is one of the important sources of their subsidiary income.