Module 2: Sidhu-Kanhu's Leadership & The Defeat of Major Burroughs (1855)
Concept
Subtopic 2.1: The Assembly at Bhagnadih & The Battle of Pirpainti
The rebellion was sanctified by spiritual authority and organized with surprising military discipline under four brothers:
- The Proclamation of Bhagnadih (30 June 1855): Over 10,000 Santhals gathered at the village of Bhagnadih on 30 June 1855. Four brothers—Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav (along with their sisters Phulo and Jhano)—proclaimed divine sanction from Thakur Bonga to overthrow the rule of the Company and establish a sovereign Santhal Raj.
- The Historic Rout of Major Burroughs (July 1855): The colonial administration dispatched a military contingent under Major Burroughs (मेजर बारो) to crush the uprising. In a pitched battle near Pirpainti (near Kahalgaon/Bhagalpur) in July 1855, the Santhal warriors armed with bows, poisoned arrows, battle-axes, and spears completely outmaneuvered and routed the British forces commanded by Major Burroughs.
- Psychological Impact: The humiliating defeat of Major Burroughs shattered the myth of British invincibility across Bihar and Bengal, causing panic in Calcutta and encouraging the revolt to spread into Birbhum, Bankura, and Hazaribagh.
⭐ Key Points
- In 1855, the Santhals decisively defeated the British commander Major Burroughs (मेजर बारो).
- The four brothers leading the Santhal rebellion were Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav.
- The historic declaration of rebellion was made at Bhagnadih on 30 June 1855.
- The battle where Major Burroughs was routed occurred near Pirpainti (Bhagalpur).
📌 One-line Q&A
- Question: Which British commander was defeated by the Santhals in 1855? Answer: Major Burroughs (मेजर बारो).
- Question: At which village did the Santhals gather on 30 June 1855 to declare war? Answer: Bhagnadih.
- Question: Name the two foremost brothers who led the Santhal Hul. Answer: Sidhu and Kanhu.
Topic
MCQs
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Question 1: Which British military commander was defeated by the Santhals in 1855?
In July 1855, the Santhal forces led by Sidhu and Kanhu routed the British troops commanded by Major Burroughs near Pirpainti.
Question 2: At which historic village did thousands of Santhals assemble on 30 June 1855 under the leadership of Sidhu and Kanhu?
Bhagnadih was the birthplace of Sidhu and Kanhu and the cradle of the 1855 Santhal Hul proclamation.
Question 3: Who among the following were the prominent leaders of the Santhal Rebellion of 1855–56?
The four brothers—Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav Murmu—spearheaded the massive anti-colonial struggle across the Rajmahal hills.
Question 1 of 3
One-liners
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Which British commander was defeated by the Santhals in 1855?
Major Burroughs (मेजर बारो).At which village did the Santhals gather on 30 June 1855 to declare war?
Bhagnadih.Name the two foremost brothers who led the Santhal Hul.
Sidhu and Kanhu.
Question 1 of 3