Tilka Manjhi: The First Tribal Rebel Against British Rule

In the annals of India's struggle for independence, the name Tilka Manjhi stands out as a symbol of early resistance against British colonialism. Born on February 11, 1750, in Tilakpur village, Sultanganj, Bihar, Tilka Manjhi, originally named Jabra Pahadia, emerged as the first tribal leader to challenge the British East India Company's oppressive rule. His rebellion predates the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny by several decades, marking him as a forerunner in India's fight for freedom.

Early Life and Awakening

Tilka Manjhi hailed from the Santhal community, known for its deep connection to nature and strong communal bonds. Growing up amidst the forests and hills of Bihar, he developed skills in archery, hunting, and guerrilla warfare. His early experiences with the exploitation of tribal lands and resources by British officials and local landlords ignited a sense of injustice in him. Witnessing the suffering of his people under heavy taxation and forced labor, Tilka Manjhi resolved to resist the colonial powers.

The Catalyst: The Great Famine of 1770

The devastating famine of 1770, which claimed millions of lives in Bengal and Bihar, further exposed the British administration's apathy towards the plight of the indigenous population. Instead of providing relief, the East India Company continued to extract taxes, exacerbating the misery of the people. This period of hardship galvanized Tilka Manjhi's resolve to organize a rebellion against the British and their collaborators.

Organizing the Rebellion

Tilka Manjhi began mobilizing the Santhal tribes and other local communities, urging them to unite against the common enemy. Using traditional methods of communication, such as messages inscribed on sal leaves, he spread the call for resistance. His leadership and charisma attracted a significant following, and he soon formed a formidable guerrilla force adept at navigating the dense forests and challenging terrains of the region.

Guerrilla Warfare and Early Victories

Employing guerrilla tactics, Tilka Manjhi's forces launched surprise attacks on British establishments, disrupted supply lines, and targeted collaborators. In 1778, his forces successfully attacked the British camp at Ramgarh, dealing a significant blow to colonial morale. These early victories demonstrated the effectiveness of indigenous resistance and inspired further uprisings in the region.

The Assassination of Augustus Cleveland

One of the most notable events in Tilka Manjhi's rebellion was the assassination of Augustus Cleveland, the British Commissioner of Bhagalpur. On January 13, 1784, Tilka Manjhi shot Cleveland with a poisoned arrow, leading to his death. This act sent shockwaves through the British administration and intensified their efforts to capture the rebel leader.

Capture and Execution

Despite the British intensifying their military campaigns, Tilka Manjhi managed to evade capture for several months, continuing his resistance from the forests. However, in 1785, he was eventually betrayed, captured, and subjected to brutal treatment. The British tied him to the tail of a horse and dragged him to Bhagalpur, where he was publicly hanged from a banyan tree. His martyrdom at the age of 35 became a rallying point for future generations of freedom fighters.

Legacy and Recognition

Tilka Manjhi's sacrifice did not go in vain. His rebellion laid the groundwork for subsequent tribal uprisings, such as the Santhal Hool of 1855-56. Post-independence, his contributions have been commemorated in various ways. A statue stands at the site of his execution in Bhagalpur, and the Bhagalpur University was renamed Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University in his honor. His story continues to inspire movements advocating for tribal rights and social justice