Question
Analyse the features of kol Rebellion.
Answer
The features of Kol Rebellion were
- The Kol Rebellion began in 1831-32 in response to the oppression of the Kol tribals by landlords, moneylenders, and the British Government.
- The rebellion spread quickly over forested areas of Manbhum, Singbhum, Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Palamau, and Chhotanagpur.
- The rebels aimed their attacks exclusively on the landlords, hoarders, moneylenders, and British officials, protesting against leasing out the land to Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh moneylenders who charged exorbitant taxes.
- The rebellion was characterized by mass movement and collective action, and the Kols used the term “diku” to refer to their oppressors.
- The rebellion was triggered by the high rate of land tax and the introduction of new leasing laws, which caused discontent among the Kol tribe.
- The rebellion was initially started by the Munda and Oraon people of Ranchi, who distributed bows and arrows and asked people to unite against the three oppressors, namely, moneylenders, leaseholders, and the government.