India’s freedom struggle is incomplete without acknowledging the sacrifices of tribal warriors. Among them, Tilka Majhi shines brightest as the heroic leader of the Santhal Rebellion and India’s first freedom fighter. His legacy is etched in the hills of Jharkhand and the hearts of millions who value courage and resistance against oppression.

Biography at a Glance

Birth, Family, and Early Identity

Tilka Majhi was born on February 11, 1750, in a Santhal family. While he is widely known as Tilka Majhi, historical research suggests his original name was Jabra Paharia. The name ‘Tilka’ was given to him by a British officer who noticed his fierce, red eyes—’Tilka’ in the local Paharia language means an angry, red-eyed person. This identity eventually became his historical mark, synonymous with tribal pride and resistance.

The Damin Satyagraha (1784)

In 1784, decades before the Great Revolt of 1857, Tilka Majhi raised the banner of Damin Satyagraha against the British East India Company. For the tribal people, the forest, land, and water were not just resources but the very essence of their existence. When the British attempted to seize these and impose exploitative taxes, Majhi organized a mass movement to protect the ‘Jal, Jangal, and Zameen’.

Guerrilla Warfare and Mass Mobilization

Using traditional weapons such as arrows, bows, and spears, Tilka Majhi built a formidable army of Santhal and Paharia warriors. He was a master of guerrilla tactics, using the dense forests and rugged terrain to his advantage. His strategy focused on:

• Disrupting British treasuries and administrative supply lines.
• Launching surprise attacks on Company outposts from the hills.
• Protecting local villagers from the dual exploitation of the British and their allied moneylenders (Mahajans).

Timeline of Resistance

Why He is India’s First Freedom Fighter

Historians increasingly recognize Tilka Majhi as India’s first freedom fighter because he led an organized, armed, and politically conscious movement against foreign rule nearly 70-80 years before the 1857 uprising. His struggle was not merely local or personal; it was a fundamental fight for self-determination and national dignity.

Legacy in Modern India

Today, Tilka Majhi’s legacy is preserved through education and culture. The Tilka Majhi Bhagalpur University (TMBU) stands as a testament to his sacrifice. Renowned Bengali writer Mahasweta Devi also immortalized his struggle in her novel ‘Shalgirer Dake’. Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has frequently mentioned Tilka Majhi in his national addresses, including ‘Mann Ki Baat’, bringing his story to the national stage.

Jharkhand’s Perspective: Santhal Pargana Pride

For the people of Jharkhand and especially the Santhal Pargana region, Tilka Majhi is a folk hero whose stories are passed down through generations. He represents the unyielding spirit of the Jharkhandi people who have always stood first in the fight against injustice.

Thank you for reading. Follow Jharkhandibaba.in for more in-depth stories on the unsung heroes of Jharkhand.