The Santhal Rebellion of 1855 was a very significant episode in the history of West Bengal’s Birbhum district. The tribal peasantry revolted against the oppressive land revenue system of the British and the local zamindars who helped enforce it.
In July 1855, the disgruntled Santhals sacked Palsa, Mrityunjaypur, Narayanpur, and Ganpur villages in the district’s north and marched towards other parts of the district as well. They gained complete control of the Nagar and Afzalpur villages in the district’s western part. However, by mid-August, British troops had succeeded in temporarily restoring peace. Following a proclamation, violence erupted once more in September. By the end of September, the Santhals had taken control of nearly the entire countryside. In November 1855, Colonel Bird, the officer overseeing the military operations in the region was compelled to declare martial law and dispatched a massive force of over twelve thousand soldiers to subdue the Santhals. By the end of 1855, the Santhals were forced to retreat, but the damage done by their rebellion was irreversible.
The Santhal Rebellion was so powerful that the British were forced to establish a separate district for the Santhals, which not only gave them a distinct identity but also protected them from exploitation.
Source: Indian Culture Portal