Remembering Tribal Warrior Telanga Kharia on His 219th Birth Anniversary in Jharkhand

Ranchi, Feb 9 (NationPress) The 1857 revolution is recognized as India’s first war of independence; however, the tribal warriors of Jharkhand (previously known as Chhotanagpur) had already commenced their fight against British rule many years earlier. Among these courageous fighters was Telanga Kharia, whose 219th birth anniversary is being commemorated with profound respect in Jharkhand this Sunday.

Born on February 9, 1806, in Murgu village under the Sisai police station (currently in Gumla district, Jharkhand), Telanga Kharia sparked the flames of rebellion against British exploitation in the hearts of the people. Almost a decade prior to the 1857 revolt, he established village panchayats throughout Jharkhand to combat colonial oppression.

These panchayats rallied thousands, forming armed groups to confront British rule. Alarmed by his increasing influence, the British authorities detained and imprisoned him. Nevertheless, even imprisonment could not suppress his movement. Ultimately, a loyalist landlord of the British ambushed and killed him.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren paid a heartfelt tribute to him on social media, stating, “Tributes to the courageous son of the revolutionary land of Jharkhand, who fought against British exploitation, on the birth anniversary of Amar Veer Shaheed Telanga Kharia.”

Former Chief Minister and Jharkhand BJP President Babulal Marandi also honored him, writing, “Tributes to the great revolutionary who boldly opposed British rule, the courageous son of Jharkhand, Telanga Kharia ji, on his birth anniversary!”

Telanga Kharia was born into a humble farming family. His father, Huia Kharia, and mother, Peto Kharia, instilled in him values of bravery and resilience. Tribal folk songs continue to celebrate his valor, portraying him as a warrior from a young age.

Between 1840 and 1850, he spearheaded the creation of Juri Panchayats, which became a stronghold of organized resistance against the British and their allies - the feudal landlords.

At these panchayats, he trained his followers in traditional combat, including the use of gadka (wooden stick), swords, and arrows. Sisai emerged as the main center for training.

According to local legends, Telanga Kharia’s swordsmanship was so exceptional that it was said to rival British rifles and firearms, as if blessed by the divine.

Captured by the British, he was imprisoned in Kolkata for nearly twenty years. Following his release, he resumed his battle, rallying his community against British tyranny.

On April 23, 1880, while conducting arms training at Sisai Maidan, he was fatally shot by a British loyalist concealed in the bushes.

In his honor, a tomb was erected at Chandali, three kilometers from Gumla, while his only statue stands in his birthplace, Murgu.

His descendants still reside in Ghaghra village, near Murgu, where the Kharia community regards him as a revered ancestor and worships him as a deity.

Telanga Kharia’s legacy endures as a symbol of resistance and valor, inspiring generations in Jharkhand and beyond.