The Santal Revolt, also known as the Santhal Hul, was one of the major tribal uprisings against British colonial rule in India. It began in 1855 in the Rajmahal Hills region, mainly covering present-day Jharkhand and adjoining areas of Bihar and West Bengal. The revolt was led by four brothers and sisters—Sidhu Murmu, Kanhu Murmu, Chand Murmu and Bhairav Murmu, along with prominent women leaders such as Phulo and Jhano Murmu. The term ‘Hul’ means rebellion or movement for freedom and reflects the Santals’ collective resistance to exploitation and loss of their traditional way of life. The Santals had traditionally lived in close relationship with forests and land. Their economy depended on agriculture, hunting, gathering forest products and community-based resources. The introduction of the Permanent Settlement and expansion of colonial administration brought major changes to their traditional land system. Moneylenders, landlords, traders and revenue officials entered Santal areas and exploited the tribal population.