Read the paragraph under the title ‘Adivasi Revolts’ on page 214, 215 and comment on it.

when British colonized India, the Indians were deprived of their rights and properties. The farmers especially the tribals were prohibited from using forests which were means of their livelihood. They were forced to work as laborers as a tenant in the fields and were underpaid. These atrocities grew more and the Adivasi people started to protest against the regime and their policies.

Santhal Revolt occurred in the regions of present-day Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal against the British as well the Zamindari system. The revolt was violently suppressed by the British with about 20000 Santhals being killed including the two leaders.

Munda revolt: The Mundas were able to get an able and charismatic leader in Birsa Munda who proclaimed a rebellion. The Mundas torched police stations, houses of the landlords, churches and British property.

Kumaon revolt: This occurred in the regions of Uttarakhand. the peasants broke the rules of the forest department.