President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday paid tributes to the heroes of the Santhal Hul (Rebellion) on the occasion of Hul Diwas, remembering their courage and sacrifice in the fight against British rule and for the protection of tribal identity and dignity.
In a post on X, President Murmu said, “On the occasion of ‘Hul Diwas’, I pay my humble respects to the immortal heroic men and women of the Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, Phulo-Jhano, and Santhal rebellions for their sacrifices and martyrdom. They waged a historic struggle against the exploitation of tribal society and to protect their identity. Their valor, sacrifice, and martyrdom will forever continue to inspire all fellow citizens of the country.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Hul Diwas as a symbol of the indomitable spirit of India’s tribal communities and paid tribute to the leaders of the historic Santhal rebellion.
“Hul Diwas is a powerful symbol of the extraordinary spirit of our tribal society, which is willing to die for the motherland. On this glorious occasion of Indian history, I pay my respectful tribute to all those brave warriors—Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, and Phulo-Jhano—who stood firm against the injustice of foreign rule. The story of their struggle and sacrifice for the protection of tribal dignity and honor will continue to infuse new energy into the hearts of the countrymen,” the Prime Minister said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also remembered the martyrs of the Santhal Revolution, saying their resistance against British rule ignited the spirit of freedom across the country.
“On the occasion of ‘Hul Diwas’, I remember and pay homage to all the martyrs who dedicated their everything in the Santhal Revolution for tribal identity and the motherland. The great heroes of tribal pride and the freedom struggle, Sido-Kanhu Murmu, Chand-Bhairav, and the brave women Phulo-Jhano, sounded the conch of resistance against the British regime in such a way that it awakened the consciousness of resistance against subjugation in every heart,” HM Shah said.
Hul Diwas is observed every year to commemorate the Santhal Hul of 1855, one of the earliest organised tribal uprisings against British colonial rule. Led by tribal leaders Sido Murmu, Kanhu Murmu, Chand Murmu, Bhairav Murmu, and the courageous sisters Phulo and Jhano, the movement became a landmark chapter in India’s freedom struggle and remains a symbol of the fight against oppression and the protection of tribal identity and rights.
