History of Jharkhand

Since Stone age human inhabited in present Jharkhand state.[1] There have several copper tools discovered which are from Chalcolithic period.[2] This area enter in Iron Age during mid 2nd Millenium BCE.[3] Probably during Mauryan period some region of state were under Mauryan rule and other were autonomous.[4][5] During region of Akbar Chotanagpur region came within Influence of Moghal emperers, Nagvanshi king were paying tribute to Akbar. [6] In Palamu region, King Medini Ray (1662–1674), ruled for thirteen years from 1662 to 1674 from Medininagar in Palamau.[7] Following the death of Medini Ray there was rivalry within the royal family of the Chero dynasty which ultimately lead to its downfalls. [8] In 1765, the region came under the control of the British East India Company. the Palamu Forts was besieged by the British and finally occupied by the British in 1772.[9] [10] The Princly states in Chota Nagpur Plateau, came within the sphere of influence of the Maratha Empire, but they became tributary states of British India as a result of the Anglo-Maratha Wars known as Chota Nagpur Tributary States[11]. The subjugation and colonisation of Jharkhand region by the British East India Company resulted in spontaneous resistance from the local people. There were several revolt against British colonial authority and zamindari system such as Paharia revolt, revolt of Tilka Manjhi, Santhal rebellion, Birsa Munda revolt, Chero revolt, Kharwar revolt etc. After Indian independence in 1947, the rulers of the states all chose to accede to the Dominion of India. Changbhakar, Jashpur, Koriya, Surguja and Udaipur later became part of Madhya Pradesh state, but Gangpur and Bonai part of Orissa state, and Kharsawan and Saraikela part of Bihar state.[12] After the last Assembly election in the state resulted in a hung assembly, RJD's dependence on the Congress extended support on the precondition that RJD would not pose a hurdle to the passage of the Bihar reorganisation Bill (Jharkhand Bill). Finally, with the support from both RJD and Congress, the ruling coalition at the Centre led by the BJP which had made statehood its mail poll plank in the region in successive polls earlier, cleared the Jharkhand Bill in the monsoon session of the Parliament this year, thus paving the way for the creation of a separate Jharkhand state.[13] According to writers including Gautam Kumar Bera,[14] there was already a distinct geo-political, cultural entity called Jharkhand even before the Magadha Empire. Bera's book (page 33) also refers to the Hindu epic Bhavishya Purana.

Prehistoric era

Stone tools and Microlith have discovered from Chota Nagpur plateau region which are from Mesolithic and Neolithic period.[15] There are ancient Cave Paintings in Isko, Hazaribagh district which are from Meso-chalcolithic period (9,000–5,000 BC).[16] There is a group of megaliths found close to Barkagaon that is about 25 km from Hazaribagh at Punkri Barwadih, which has been proven to date back to beyond 3000 BCE.[17]

Copper Hoard Culture

Copper Hoards describe find-complexes which occur in the northern part of India. These occur mostly in hoards large and small and are believed to date to the later 2nd millennium BCE, although very few derive from controlled and dateable excavation contexts. Characteristic hoard finds from Chota Nagpur Plateau include finely worked pieces, and mostly look at first like axe-heads but are probably ingots.[18]

Iron age(c. 1800 – c. 200 BCE)

Barudih in the Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, yielded evidence of microlith, Neolithic Celts, Iron slags, Wheel made pottery, iron objects include a sickle. The earliest radio carbon dating give a range of 1401 – 837 BCE for this site.[19]

During the age of Mahajanpadas around 500 BC, India saw the emergence of 16 large states that controlled the entire Indian subcontinent. In those days the Jharkhand state was a part of Magadha, Anga, Banga, Kalinga, Kashi and Vajji. In mouryan period, this region was ruled by a number of states, which were collectively known as the Atavika (forest) states. These states accepted the suzerainty of the Maurya Empire during Ashoka's reign (c. 232 BCE). According to Indologist Johannes Bronkhorst, the culture of Magadha was in some ways different than the Vedic kingdoms of the Indo-Aryans.[20]

Classical to early medieval periods (c. 200 BCE – c. 1200 CE)

Samudragupta, while marching through the present-day Chotanagpur region, directed the first attack against the kingdom of Dakshina Kosala in the Mahanadi valley.[21]

Early modern period (c. 1526 – 1858 CE)

In Akbarnama the region of Chhotanagpur is described as Jharkhand (Jangal Pradesh). The Jharkhand region was famous by another name Khukhra during the Mughal period which was famous for its Diamonds. Akbar was informed of a rebel Afghan sardar, Junaid Kararani, was taking shelter in Chotanagpur. Besides, the emperor also got information of diamonds being found in this area. Consequently, Akbar ordered Shahbaz Khan Turbani to attack Kokhra (the then seat of Nagvanshi kings and capital of Chotanagpur). At that time Raja Madhu Singh, the 42nd Nagvanshi king was ruling at Kokhra. Consequently Kokhra was subdued by the armies of Akbar and a sum of rupees six thousand was fixed as its annual revenues payable to the Mughals. Till the reign of Akbar, Chotanagpur had not come under the suzerainty of the Mughals and the Nagvanshi rulers had been ruling over this region as independent rulers.

By the advent of the reign of Jahangir, Nagvanshi Raja Durjan Sal had come to power in Chotanagpur. He refused to pay the rent fixed by the Emperor Akbar. Jahangir ordered Ibrahim Khan (governor of Bihar) to attack Kokhra.

The details of this invasion are mentioned in Jahangir’s memoirs, Tuzk-e-Jahangiri. There was also another reason behind the invasion. This was the acquisition of the diamonds found in the bed of the Sankh River in the region. Due to its diamonds Chotanagpur was also known as Heera Nagpur and its Raja Durjan Sal, being an expert of diamonds, was known as Heera Raja among the people. Thus to subdue the Raja of Chotanagpur and to acquire valuable diamonds, Jahangir decided to invade chotanagpur. On getting orders from the emperor, Ibrahim Khan marched against Kokhra in 1615 AD.

He entered the Nagvanshi territories easily with the help of his guides. The Nagvanshi Raja Durjan Sal found himself beleaguered himself within the hills and vales. He fled and was at last found in a cave with some of his family members. He was arrested and all diamonds which were in the possession of Durjan Sal and his family were captured by Ibrahim Khan. Twenty four elephants also fell into the hands of Ibrahim Khan. After this, Kokhara was subdued and the diamonds found there were sent to the Imperial court. After his defeat and arrest, Durjan Sal offered as ransom jewels, gold and silver to the value of crores of rupees, but Ibrahim Khan did not release him and took him as a captive to Patna. From there he was sent to the Imperial court and subsequently imprisoned in the fort of Gwalior.

According to Nagvanshi traditions and Col. Dalton, Raja Durjan Sal’s confinement lasted twelve years. Ultimately, the very diamonds which had caused the misfortune of Durjan Sal secured him his release and former prosperity. It so happened that from some place, two very large diamonds were brought to Emperor Jahangir’s court. A doubt arose in the mind of the Emperor over the genuineness of one of them.

As no one in his court was able to confirm or relieve his suspicion, the Heera Raja was brought to the Imperial court from his incarceration. When the two diamonds were brought before him, he without any hesitation pointed out the fake one. To prove it to the court and the Emperor, he requested two rams to be brought to the court. He then tied the two diamonds on the horns of the two rams and made them fight each other. As a result of the fight, the fake diamond shattered but there was no scratch on the pure one.

The Emperor was so impressed and pleased with Durjan Sal that he not only released him but also restored the prosperity taken from him in addition to his kingdom. The generous Durjan Sal further begged the Emperor to release the other Rajas who had been his companions in prison and his prayer was granted. Being pleased with Durjan Sal, Jahangir conferred the title of ‘Shah’ on the Kokhra ruler.

On his return to Chotanagpur, Durjan Sal assumed the title of Maharaja and changed his surname. Most probably from that time ‘Shah’ was added with the names of the Nagvanshi kings. The reign of Durjan Sal lasted for about thirteen years. He died in 1639 or 1640 AD.[22]

Daud Khan, who launched his invasion starting from Patna on 3 April 1660, attacked south of Gaya district and finally arrived at the Palamu Forts on 9 December 1660. The terms of surrender and payment of tribute were not acceptable to the Cheros; Daud Khan wanted complete conversion of all Hindus under the Chero rule to Islam. Following this, Khan mounted a series of attacks on the forts. Cheros defended the forts but ultimately both forts were occupied by Daud Khan, and the Cheros fled to the jungles. Hindus were driven out, the temples were destroyed, and Islamic rule imposed.[23]

In Palamu district, the old fort in the plains, was built by the King of Raksel Rajput Dynasty. However, it was during the reign of King Medini Ray (1662–1674), who ruled for thirteen years from 1662 to 1674 from Medininagar in Palamau, the old fort was rebuilt into a defensive structure. Ray was a Chero king.[24] His rule extended to areas in South Gaya and Hazaribagh. He attacked Navratangarh (33 miles (53 km) from Ranchi) and defeated the Maharaja of Chhotanagpur. With war bounty he constructed the lower fort close to Satbarwa, and this fort became famous in the history of the district.[25]

Following the death of Medini Ray there was rivalry within the royal family of the Chero dynasty which ultimately lead to its downfall; this was engineered by the ministers and advisers in the court.[8] In 1765, the region came under the control of the British East India Company. Chitrajeet Rai's nephew Gopal Rai betrayed him and facilitated the Patna Council of the British East India Company to attack the fort. When the new fort was attacked by Captain Camac on 28 January 1771, the Chero soldiers fought valiantly but had to retreat to the old fort on account of water shortage. This facilitated the British army to occupy the new fort located on a hill without any struggle. This location was strategic and enabled the British to mount canon supported attacks on the old fort. The Cheros fought valiantly with their own canons but the old fort was besieged by the British on 19 March 1771.[9] The fort was finally occupied by the British in 1772.[26]

British rule

The Princly states in Chota Nagpur Plateau, came within the sphere of influence of the Maratha Empire, but they became tributary states of British India as a result of the Anglo-Maratha Wars known as Chota Nagpur Tributary States[27]. The Cheros and Kharwars again rebelled against the British in 1882 but the attack was repulsed.[28]

The subjugation and colonisation of Jharkhand region by the British East India Company resulted in spontaneous resistance from the local people. Almost one hundred years before India’s First War of Independence (1857), Adivasis of Jharkhand were already beginning what would become a series of repeated revolts against the British colonial rule.They continue to be one of the most dominant families of Ranchi and adjoining districts.

Jharkhand revolts

  • 1772–1780 Paharia revolt
  • 1780–1785 Tilka Manjhi led the tribal revolt and managed to injure the Collector of bhagalpur Augustus Cleveland , who Died in cape town later . In 1785, Tilka Manjhi was hanged to death in Bhagalpur
  • 1795–1800 Tamar revolt
  • 1795–1800 Munda revolt under the leadership of Vishnu Manaki
  • 1800–1802 Munda revolt under the stewardship of Dukhan Manaki of Tamar
  • 1819–1820 Munda revolt in Palamu under the leadership of Bhukan Singh
  • 1832–1833 Khewar revolt under the leadership of Bhagirath, Dubai Gosai and Patel Singh
  • 1831–1832 Kol revolt under the leadership of Buddhu Bhagat,Madara Bhagat and Joe Bhagat
  • 1832–1833 Bhumij revolt under the leadership of Ganga Narain of Birbhum
  • 1855 Santhals waged war against the permanent settlement of Lord Cornwallis
  • 1855–1860 During the late 1850s Sidhu had accumulated about ten thousands Santhal to run parallel government against British rule. The basic purpose was to collect taxes by making his own laws. British Government had announced an award of Rs. 10,000 to arrest Sidhu and his brother Kanhu
  • 1856–1857 Martyr Sahid Lal, Vishwanath Shahdeo, Sheikh Bhikhari,pandey Ganpat Roy and Budhu Veer led a movement against the British Government during India’s First War of Independence, 1857, also called Sepoy Mutiny
  • 1874 Kherwar Movement shot into fame under the leadership of Bhagirathi Manjhi
  • 1895–1900 Movement against the British raj led by Birsa Munda (born 15 November 1875). Birsa Munda was captured by British forces and declared dead on 9 June 1900 in Ranchi Jail, due to Cholera, according to records of the British colonial government.

All of these uprisings were quelled by the British through massive deployment of troops across the region.

In 1914 the Tana Bhagat resistance movement started, which gained the participation of more than 26,000 adivasis, and eventually merged with Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha and Civil Disobedience movement.

In October 1905, the exercise of British influence over the predominantly Hindi-speaking states of Chang Bhakar, Jashpur, Koriya, Surguja, and Udaipur was transferred from the Bengal government to that of the Central Provinces, while the two Oriya-speaking states of Gangpur and Bonai were attached to the Orissa Tributary States, leaving only Kharsawan and Saraikela answerable to the Bengal governor.[29]

In 1936, all nine states were transferred to the Eastern States Agency, the officials of which came under the direct authority of the Governor-General of India, rather than under that of any Provinces.

Post-independence

After Indian independence in 1947, the rulers of the states all chose to accede to the Dominion of India. Changbhakar, Jashpur, Koriya, Surguja and Udaipur later became part of Madhya Pradesh state, but Gangpur and Bonai part of Orissa state, and Kharsawan and Saraikela part of Bihar state.[30]

After the last Assembly election in the state resulted in a hung assembly, RJD's dependence on the Congress extended support on the precondition that RJD would not pose a hurdle to the passage of the Bihar reorganisation Bill (Jharkhand Bill). Finally, with the support from both RJD and Congress, the ruling coalition at the Centre led by the BJP which had made statehood its mail poll plank in the region in successive polls earlier, cleared the Jharkhand Bill in the monsoon session of the Parliament this year, thus paving the way for the creation of a separate Jharkhand state.[31]

See also

References

  1. ↑ https://books.google.co.in/books?id=6PcADgAAQBAJ&pg=PT14&lpg=PT14&dq=microlith+in+chota+nagpur+plateau&source=bl&ots=93KP8UQ1u-&sig=LnV7SZDLf4CLU7X6fyxM_3rxigM&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjuhKaGxaXdAhXEZCsKHcXXAOw4ChDoATABegQICRAB#v=onepage&q=microlith%20in%20chota%20nagpur%20plateau&f=false
  2. ↑ http://crossasia-repository.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/510/
  3. ↑ https://books.google.co.in/books?id=H3lUIIYxWkEC&pg=PA220&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
  4. ↑ Sri Lanka and the southernmost parts of India (modern Tamil Nadu and Kerala) remained independent, despite the diplomacy and cultural influence of their larger neighbor to the north (Schwartzberg 1992, p. 18; Kulke & Rothermund 2004, p. 68).
  5. ↑ The empire was once thought to have directly controlled most of the Indian subcontinent excepting the far south, but its core regions are now thought to have been separated by large tribal regions (especially in the Deccan peninsula) that were relatively autonomous. (Kulke & Rothermund 2004, p. 68-71, as well as Stein 1998, p. 74). "The major part of the Deccan was ruled by [Mauryan administration]. But in the belt of land on either side of the Nerbudda, the Godavari and the upper Mahanadi there were, in all probability, certain areas that were technically outside the limits of the empire proper. Ashoka evidently draws a distinction between the forests and the inhabiting tribes which are in the dominions (vijita) and peoples on the border (anta avijita) for whose benefit some of the special edicts were issued. Certain vassal tribes are specifically mentioned." (Raychaudhuri & Mukherjee pp. 275–6)
  6. ↑ https://www.indiamike.com/india/jharkhand-f144/the-lost-kingdom-of-navratangarh-t233144/
  7. ↑ http://palamu.nic.in/palamufort.html
  8. 1 2 Lahiry 2014, p. 29.
  9. 1 2 Lahiry 2014, p. 30.
  10. ↑ http://latehar.nic.in/history.htm
  11. ↑ http://www.southasiaarchive.com/Content/sarf.100009/231191
  12. ↑ Eastern States Agency. List of ruling chiefs & leading personages Delhi: Agent to Governor-General, Eastern States, 1936
  13. ↑ gigisoftsolutions. "History of Jharkhand, Jharkhand History". traveljharkhand.com. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  14. ↑ Gautam Kumar Bera (2008). The unrest axle: ethno-social movements in Eastern India. Mittal Publications. pp. 32–35. ISBN 978-81-8324-145-8.
  15. ↑ https://books.google.co.in/books?id=6PcADgAAQBAJ&pg=PT14&lpg=PT14&dq=microlith+in+chota+nagpur+plateau&source=bl&ots=93KP8UQ1u-&sig=LnV7SZDLf4CLU7X6fyxM_3rxigM&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjuhKaGxaXdAhXEZCsKHcXXAOw4ChDoATABegQICRAB#v=onepage&q=microlith%20in%20chota%20nagpur%20plateau&f=false
  16. ↑ https://www.telegraphindia.com/1080313/jsp/jharkhand/story_9013558.jsp
  17. ↑ https://indroyc.com/2017/12/04/punkri-barwadih-megaliths/
  18. ↑ http://crossasia-repository.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/510/
  19. ↑ https://books.google.co.in/books?id=H3lUIIYxWkEC&pg=PA220&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
  20. ↑ https://www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=31537
  21. ↑ https://books.google.co.in/books?id=WcnnB-Lx2MAC&pg=PA258&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
  22. ↑ https://www.indiamike.com/india/jharkhand-f144/the-lost-kingdom-of-navratangarh-t233144/
  23. ↑ http://palamu.nic.in/palamufort.html
  24. ↑ Lahiry 2014, p. 24.
  25. ↑ http://palamu.nic.in/palamufort.html
  26. ↑ http://latehar.nic.in/history.htm
  27. ↑ http://www.southasiaarchive.com/Content/sarf.100009/231191
  28. ↑ http://latehar.nic.in/history.htm
  29. ↑ Hunter, William Wilson, Sir, et al. (1908). Imperial Gazetteer of India, Volume 12. 1908–1931; Clarendon Press, Oxford
  30. ↑ Eastern States Agency. List of ruling chiefs & leading personages Delhi: Agent to Governor-General, Eastern States, 1936
  31. ↑ gigisoftsolutions. "History of Jharkhand, Jharkhand History". traveljharkhand.com. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
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