Telanga Kharia: The Tribal Lion Who Fought the British

Imagine a land where thick forests cover the hills, and the people live close to nature, following their own customs and rules. In this peaceful land, a storm was brewing. The British had arrived, bringing new laws, heavy taxes, and cruel landlords. The tribal people, who had lived freely for centuries, suddenly found themselves losing their land and dignity. From this struggle, a hero rose—Telanga Kharia. With courage in his heart and a sword in his hand, he led his people in a fight for justice. His story is not just about battles, but about hope, unity, and the unbreakable spirit of a community that refused to be crushed.

Early Life and Background

Telanga Kharia was born on February 9, 1806, in Murgu village, which is now in Gumla district, Jharkhand. He belonged to the Kharia tribe, one of the oldest tribal communities in India. His father, Thunya (or Huia) Kharia, worked as a storekeeper for the local king, and his mother was Peti (or Peto) Kharia. Growing up in a farming family, Telanga learned the values of hard work, honesty, and bravery from a young age. He often visited the king’s court with his father, where he heard debates about justice and governance. These experiences shaped his mind and made him passionate about helping his people.

The Kharia Tribe: Culture and Life

The Kharia people are known for their close connection to nature. They speak the Kharia language, which belongs to the Munda branch of the Austroasiatic language family. Traditionally, Kharias wore simple clothes—men in dhotis and women in long sarees, often decorated with brass or silver ornaments. Their society had its own system of self-rule, called the Parha or Jury Panchayat, where elders solved disputes and managed village affairs.

The Kharia economy was based on farming, hunting, and cottage industries. They respected their ancestors deeply, offering prayers and rice-beer before every important event. Music and dance were central to their culture, with lively performances during festivals and celebrations.

The Arrival of the British and Growing Injustice

Life changed for the Kharias when the British took control of the Chotanagpur region. The British introduced new taxes, called ‘malgujari’, on land that the tribals had farmed for generations. Local landlords and moneylenders, working with the British, started taking away land from the tribals if they could not pay these taxes or loans. Many families lost their homes and fields, and the traditional Parha system was threatened.

Telanga Kharia could not bear to see his people suffer. He saw how the British and their allies were destroying the Kharia way of life. He decided to fight back—not just for himself, but for all the tribal people whose voices were being silenced.

Organizing Resistance: The Jury Panchayats

Telanga Kharia began his campaign against British oppression around 1849. He traveled from village to village, spreading awareness and encouraging people to stand up for their rights. He revived the Jury Panchayat system, setting up self-governed councils in many villages across Gumla, Simdega, Sisai, Kolebira, and Chainpur. These Panchayats became centers of resistance, where people planned their fight against the British.

He also started training young men and women in traditional weapons—swords, bows and arrows, spears, and axes. The Sisai Akhara (training ground) became famous as the main center for this training. Telanga’s leadership and oratory skills inspired thousands to join him. Soon, he had an army of 900 to 1,500 fighters, ready to defend their land and freedom.

The Rebellion: Guerrilla Warfare and Heroic Acts

From 1850 to 1860, Telanga Kharia led a full-fledged rebellion against the British Raj in Chotanagpur. His followers used guerrilla tactics—hiding in forests, striking quickly, and disappearing before the enemy could catch them. They attacked British outposts, looted treasuries, and targeted corrupt landlords and moneylenders who sided with the British.

Communication between villages was strong. Each Panchayat would warn others if British soldiers were nearby, making it difficult for the British to catch the rebels. Telanga’s skill with the sword became legendary, and people believed he was blessed by the gods.

The British soon realized that Telanga Kharia was a serious threat. They tried many times to capture him, but he always managed to escape using his knowledge of the forests and the support of the people.

Capture and Imprisonment

Despite his cleverness, Telanga Kharia was eventually betrayed. A local landlord’s agent informed the British about his location during a Jury Panchayat meeting. The British army surrounded the place and arrested him. He was first sent to Lohardaga jail and then to Kolkata, where he was imprisoned for 18 years.

Even in jail, Telanga Kharia’s spirit was not broken. His followers continued the fight, inspired by his courage and sacrifice.

Return and Martyrdom

After his release from prison, Telanga Kharia returned to his homeland. He began organizing his people again, determined to continue the struggle for justice.  However, the British saw him as a threat and wanted to eliminate him once and for all.

On April 23, 1880, while Telanga was offering prayers and conducting arms training at Sisai Maidan, he was shot by a British loyalist named Bodhan Singh, who was hiding in the bushes.  Telanga Kharia died a martyr, but his legacy lived on.

His body was buried in Soso Neem Toli hamlet, and the site is now known as ‘Telanga Topa Tand’. Every year, people gather here to honor his memory, and a week-long ‘Shahid Telanga Mela’ is held to celebrate his life and sacrifice.

Legacy and Inspiration

Telanga Kharia is remembered as a symbol of bravery, sacrifice, and resistance. He fought not just against foreign rulers, but also against injustice and exploitation within society. His efforts helped lay the foundation for later tribal revolts, including the famous Ulgulan led by Birsa Munda.

Today, Telanga Kharia is celebrated in folk songs, stories, and festivals across Jharkhand. Statues and memorials have been built in his honor, and his descendants are still respected in the region. The Kharia community regards him as a revered ancestor and even worships him as a hero.

The Kharia People Today

The Kharia people continue to live in Jharkhand and neighboring states, preserving their language, culture, and traditions. They are known for their skills in farming and cottage industries, as well as their vibrant dances and music. Although modern life has brought many changes, the spirit of Telanga Kharia still inspires them to stand up for their rights and protect their heritage.

Conclusion

Telanga Kharia’s story is a powerful reminder that true heroes are those who fight for justice, no matter how strong the enemy. He showed that even the simplest people, united by courage and love for their land, can challenge the mightiest empires. His life teaches us the value of freedom, the importance of community, and the strength that comes from never giving up. As long as his story is told, the spirit of resistance and hope will live on in the hearts of the people.