On 30 June 1855, the Santhal Hool Revolution started under the leadership of Sido-Kanhu in Bhognadih in Sahibganj district of Jharkhand. It was India’s first tribal rebellion, which raised its voice against the British rule and moneylender oppression. At a time when the spark of the freedom struggle had not even ignited in other parts of the country, the roar of Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav and Phoolo-Jhano echoed the slogan of “Quit India” in the forests of Santhal Pargana. Today, even after 170 years, five historical places of Bhognadih keep the memories of this revolution alive. These are known as Hool Tirtha or Balidan Sthal. Let us know the story of these holy places on the occasion of Hul Diwas 2025:
1. The historic banyan tree of Panchkathiya
The nearly two-century-old banyan tree of Panchkathiya located in Barhet block of Sahibganj is a silent witness to the Hul revolution. On 26 July 1856, the British hanged Sido Murmu on this tree. Sido had blown the trumpet of rebellion against the moneylenders and the British rule. This tree still tells the story of that sacrifice, which is a symbol of inspiration for the Santhal community.
Many revolutions took place in the freedom struggle of India, but two years before the revolution of 1857, a spark erupted in the soil of Santhal Pargana, which shook the foundation of the British rule. This rebellion was – Hul Kranti, which started on 30 June 1855 under the leadership of Sido and Kanhu Murmu. Even today, Bhognadih village located in Sahibganj district of Jharkhand preserves the saga of this bravery. There are five major places here, which keep the memories of this historical movement alive. Let us know about these “Hul Tirthas”
2. Panchkathiya – where Sido Murmu was hanged
Panchkathiya, located in Barhet block at a short distance from Bhognadih, is a witness to history, where a 200-year-old banyan tree still exists. Sido Murmu was hanged by the British on 26 July 1856 from this tree. Sido, who was the main face of the Hul movement, had to pay the price of raising his voice against the exploitation of moneylenders, usurers and the British with his life. This banyan tree is no longer just a tree but a living symbol containing the soul of the martyrs.
3. Birthplace of Sido-Kanhu – The mud house where the revolution was born
The mud house with tiled roof still exists in Bhognadih village, where Sido, Kanhu, Chand, Bhairav, Phoolo and Jhano were born. On the night of 11 April 1815, Sido was born in the house of Chunnu Murmu and Suni Hansda. This is the place where the first breath of revolution was taken. The descendants of Sido-Kanhu still live in the same village and tributes are paid to this historical place every year on 30 June.
4. Kadamdandi well – where the thirst of revolutionaries was quenched
During the Hul movement, when thousands of Santhal warriors used to reach Bhognadih, their first need was – water. Kadamdandi well is the same historical water source, which used to quench the thirst of the agitators. After many days of travel, they used to gather near this well, make strategies and do puja after taking bath. This well was not only a means of quenching physical thirst, but it was also the center of energy of the movement.
5. Bhognadih park – where the first call for independence was raised
There is a place named Sido-Kanhu Park in Bhognadih village, which is considered to be the center of the beginning of Santhal Hul. This is the same place where Sido-Kanhu along with his companions had made a strategy for rebellion. Statues of him and his siblings Chand-Bhairav and Phoolo-Jhano have been installed in the park. This park has now become a pilgrimage site, where every year thousands of people come to pay their respects.
6. Sabha Sthal – Where the strategy of the Hul revolution was made
Whenever Sido-Kanhu wanted to give momentum to the movement, they used to organize a special meeting in Bhognadih. People from far and wide gathered at this meeting place and made plans to fight against the British rule. Strategy was made on when, where and how to attack. This meeting place is still located near Sido-Kanhu Park and remains a tourist spot for history lovers.
Phoolo-Jhano: Two brave women whose saga is not found in history books
Along with men, women have also played a unique role in the Hul movement. Two sisters named Phoolo and Jhano, who killed 21 British officers with an axe, are still an example of courage and sacrifice. Although history may have given limited space to his bravery, his name is still taken with reverence on the land of Bhognadih.
Importance of Hul Movement
When there was not even the slightest hint of the freedom struggle in the rest of India, the roar of “Quit India” was echoing from the forests of Santhal Pargana. This tribal movement, which started on 30 June 1855, was not only a big mass uprising against the British rule, but it was also the first organized effort of the Indian freedom struggle.
Why is Hul Day special?
Every year 30 June is celebrated as Hul Day to remember those heroes who challenged the British rule by risking their lives. This day reminds us of the struggle for our soil, culture and identity. Special programs are organized on this day by the Jharkhand government and the local administration.
Hool Day is not just a date, but a story of tribal self-respect, struggle and sacrifice. The five historical places of Bhognadih – Panchkathiya, Janmasthali, Kadamdandi Kuan, Bhognadih Park and Sabha Sthal – not only bear witness to the past, but also inspire us that freedom was not achieved just like that. On Hool Day, we should pay tribute to these heroes and learn from their struggles.
“Salute to Sido-Kanhu, Phoolo-Jhano and thousands of Santhal heroes – whose martyrdom laid the foundation of freedom.”
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