Like the peasants, the tribals were also in misery with the coming of the British. The tribals who led a free life were subjected to exploitation and torture. They were prohibited to enter forest which was their source of livelihood.
Santhal Rebellion:
Santhal Rebellion was the biggest tribal revolt that the British had to encounter in India. The Santhal tribe inhabited the valleys of Rajmahal Hills. Gathering forest produce, cattle rearing, shifting cultivation and hunting were their major means of livelihood. The Forest Acts imposed by the British made their life miserable. They were prohibited to enter forest because the British declared the forests as protected.
The British widely felled trees from forests to lay railway lines and build ships and for plantation. The British levied high tax on the forest produce collected by the tribes.
Zamindars and moneylenders captured their land. The British made them work as slaves. These situations made the Santhals to fight against the British. The agitation was led by Sido and Kanhu.
Kurichiya Revolt:
Kurichiya Revolt was also a tribal insurgency against the British. It was ‘organised by the Kurichiya and the Kurumba tribes of Wayanad in 1812. The main reasons of the revolt were:
- Imposition of excessive tax by the British.
- Compulsion for paying tax in cash.
- Seizing of agricultural land for nonpayment of tax.
The revolt was led by the Kurichiya leader RamaNambi. The British suppressed the struggle and killed RamaNambi.
