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India at 75: India's unsung tribal freedom fighters

While India's freedom struggle is filled with stories of brave hearts and valour, the role of tribal leaders has often been overlooked. Here are some of the prominent tribal figures who fought for their people and motherland.
Last Updated 14 August 2022, 14:14 IST
Birsa Munda was a tribal hero from Chotanagpur's tribal region. He was regarded as a freedom fighter, spiritual leader, and a folk hero even though he passed away at the young age of 25. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Birsa Munda was a tribal hero from Chotanagpur's tribal region. He was regarded as a freedom fighter, spiritual leader, and a folk hero even though he passed away at the young age of 25. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
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Alluri Seetha Ram Raju, an Andhra Pradesh native, gave his life fighting for freedom from the British. The locals refer to him as 'Manyam Veerudu' ('Hero of the Jungle'). Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Alluri Seetha Ram Raju, an Andhra Pradesh native, gave his life fighting for freedom from the British. The locals refer to him as 'Manyam Veerudu' ('Hero of the Jungle'). Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu, two brothers and tribal freedom warriors, fought the British in the Santhal Revolt of 1855 with their bows and arrows. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu, two brothers and tribal freedom warriors, fought the British in the Santhal Revolt of 1855 with their bows and arrows. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Manipur-born Naga chieftain  was renowned for leading an armed uprising against the British. Gaidinliu joined the Heraka movement in 1927 with the intention of ending British control and bringing about Naga self-government. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Manipur-born Naga chieftain was renowned for leading an armed uprising against the British. Gaidinliu joined the Heraka movement in 1927 with the intention of ending British control and bringing about Naga self-government. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Tilka Majhi, who is regarded as the first Adivasi leader from the Santal Community, helped train the Adivasis into an army that was skilled in the use of bows and arrows in order to defend the land and its people. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Tilka Majhi, who is regarded as the first Adivasi leader from the Santal Community, helped train the Adivasis into an army that was skilled in the use of bows and arrows in order to defend the land and its people. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Tribals were disproportionately affected by the great famine from 1899–1900. From this tragedy sprang a social reform movement that worked to improve the lives of the oppressed. The Bhagat Movement was started to address the issues the Bhils were facing and was led by Govind Guru. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Tribals were disproportionately affected by the great famine from 1899–1900. From this tragedy sprang a social reform movement that worked to improve the lives of the oppressed. The Bhagat Movement was started to address the issues the Bhils were facing and was led by Govind Guru. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Tirot Sing—also known as U Tirot Sing Syiem—was a Khasi chief, dating back to the 19th century. He derived his ancestry from the Syiemlieh clan, and in response to British attempts to annex the Khasi Hills, he declared war and engaged in combat. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Tirot Sing—also known as U Tirot Sing Syiem—was a Khasi chief, dating back to the 19th century. He derived his ancestry from the Syiemlieh clan, and in response to British attempts to annex the Khasi Hills, he declared war and engaged in combat. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Telanga Kharia, a member of the Kharia tribe, inspired the local tribespeople in the Chota Nagpur region to oppose British brutality and injustice. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Telanga Kharia, a member of the Kharia tribe, inspired the local tribespeople in the Chota Nagpur region to oppose British brutality and injustice. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Oraon tribals, one of the five largest tribes in South Asia, were established by Jatra Bhagat, also known as Jatra Oraon, of the Gumla District (his supporters were known as
The Oraon tribals, one of the five largest tribes in South Asia, were established by Jatra Bhagat, also known as Jatra Oraon, of the Gumla District (his supporters were known as
The 1857 Sepoy Mutiny stretched to the tribal hinterland as well as the actions of Indian Army soldiers. Narayan Singh, the tribal landlord whose forefathers belonged to the Gond tribal community that lived in Sarangarh, is one example of this. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The 1857 Sepoy Mutiny stretched to the tribal hinterland as well as the actions of Indian Army soldiers. Narayan Singh, the tribal landlord whose forefathers belonged to the Gond tribal community that lived in Sarangarh, is one example of this. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
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(Published 14 August 2022, 10:10 IST)

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