Bholanath Singh was the leader of which of the following revolts?

The correct answer is Tamar Revolt.

Key Points

• Bholanath Singh was a key leader of the Tamar Revolt, which took place in the late 18th century and early 19th century.
• The Tamar Revolt was primarily led by the tribal communities in the Chotanagpur region, located in present-day Jharkhand.
• The revolt was triggered by the imposition of oppressive taxes and exploitation by the British East India Company and local landlords (zamindars).
• Bholanath Singh played an instrumental role in organizing the tribal resistance to safeguard their autonomy and traditional rights over their lands.
• The Tamar Revolt is considered one of the prominent tribal uprisings against colonial oppression in India.

Additional Information

• Tribal Uprisings in India:
  • Tribal revolts like the Tamar Revolt were often fueled by the British policies of land revenue, deforestation, and interference in traditional tribal practices.
  • Other notable tribal uprisings include the Santhal Revolt (1855-56), led by Sidhu and Kanhu, and the Munda Rebellion (1899-1900), led by Birsa Munda.
• Causes of Tribal Revolts:
  • Imposition of land taxes and seizure of tribal lands by colonial authorities.
  • Exploitation by zamindars, moneylenders, and traders in tribal regions.
  • Suppression of tribal customs, religious practices, and community autonomy.
• British Revenue Policies:
  • The Permanent Settlement system introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 often favored landlords and left the tribal population vulnerable to exploitation.
  • Shifting cultivation, a traditional practice of many tribal groups, was curtailed under British forest policies.
• Impact of Tribal Revolts:
  • These uprisings highlighted the resistance of tribal communities to colonial exploitation and the need to address their grievances.
  • Many tribal revolts were brutally suppressed, but they inspired later nationalist movements and reforms in tribal policies.