Question

Make a list of tribal leaders of India and their contribution during the Indian National movement.

Answer 1

Tribal leaders fought for Independence of the Nation India :

1. Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh: Pride of Sonakhan, Chattisgarh Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh looted trader’s grain stock and distributed them amongst poor after the 1856 famine. He was then arrested by the British, but managed to escape the prison with the help of other prisoners and reached Sonakhan. Veer Narayan Singh formed an army of just 500 men and rose up against the British army, which was led by Deputy Commissioner Smith.

2. Birsa Munda : Birsa Munda was a tribal hero from the tribal belt of Chotanagpur. Though he died at the age of 25, he is still remembered as a freedom fighter, religious leader and folk hero. He believed in the importance of cultural roots and influenced people to understand the importance of land and the rights that they possess with the land. Under his leadership, many protests took place making his vision into a revolution. He was arrested and passed away in prison on June 9, 1900.

3. Shri Alluri Seetha Ram Raju : A brave son of Andhra Pradesh, Alluri Seetha Ram Raju sacrificed his life in the freedom struggle against the British. He was known as “Manyam Veerudu” (“Hero of the Jungle”) by the local people. He was a revolutionary at heart from a very young age. He inspired tribals to stand united as one against the British. He taught them guerrilla warfare, so that they can not only safeguard themselves, but also fight against the English army.

4. Rani Gaidinliu : Rani Gaidhinliu was a Naga leader from Manipur known for her armed resistance against the British. Gaidinliu joined the Heraka movement in 1927, with an aim to end the British rule and establish the self-rule of Nagas. By the time she was 16, she became a leader of guerrilla forces fighting against the British rulers. In a surprise attack, she along with her followers were arrested by the English troops and was then taken to Imphal where she was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.