The Kol uprising (1831-32) in Chota Nagpur against the British, landlords and moneylenders was mainly led by:

The Kol uprising (Kol rebellion) of 1831-1832 in the Chota Nagpur region was mainly led by Buddhu Bhagat, Joa Bhagat, Jhindrai Manki, Madara Mahato and other tribal leaders.

Who were the Kols?

"Kol" was a general term used by the British for the tribal communities of Chota Nagpur, especially the Mundas, Oraons and Hos.

Causes of the uprising:

• The British policies brought outsiders (dikus), such as moneylenders, traders, landlords and contractors, into the tribal areas.
• The tribal chiefs and peasants lost their lands, which were transferred to outsiders, especially Sikh and Muslim farmers brought in by the local Raja.
• The tribals were forced to pay high rents and taxes, and were exploited by moneylenders.
• The British courts and police favoured the outsiders.

The uprising:

• In December 1831, the tribals rose in revolt in the Sonepur, Tamar and Bandgaon areas of Ranchi and Singhbhum.
• They attacked and killed outsiders, burnt their houses, and seized their property.
• The uprising spread over Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Palamau and Manbhum.

Suppression:

• The British sent troops and crushed the uprising after fierce fighting.
• Buddhu Bhagat and his sons were killed in a battle with British troops in February 1832.
• Thousands of tribals were killed.

Results:

The British changed their administration in the region; the South-West Frontier Agency was created (1833-34), with the area under a special administration, and some of the old tribal institutions were recognised.

Other tribal uprisings of Chota Nagpur:

• The Santhal rebellion (1855-1856).
• The Munda uprising (1899-1900).

Why not the other options?

• ✗Sidhu and Kanhu led the Santhals; Birsa Munda led the Mundas later; Tilka Manjhi led an earlier uprising.