Artistes of Jharkhand Progressive Students’ Organisation stage Hul Revolution on Hul Divas at Central Library Auditorium in Ranchi on Tuesday. Pictures by Manik Bose

Ranchi, June 30: The state today turned the pages of history to one of the most glorious chapters in the annals of freedom struggle and remembered the four brothers — Sidho, Kanho, Chand and Vairav — who gave their lives resisting the British rule.

On the occasion of Hul Divas, an array of events was lined up all over the state to pay tribute to 20,000 Santhals who lost their lives in the 1855 uprising.

Santhal Students’ Association organised a meet to discuss the legacy of Sidho-Kanhu in Ranchi today. At the meet, eminent personalities referred to the Uprising as the forerunner of 1857 Sepoy Mutiny while others reckoned Hul as the first war of independence.

Members of Jharkhand Progressive Students’ Organisation presented a play on the life and struggles of the Santhal brothers of Bhognadih at the Central Library of Ranchi University. The artistes vividly depicted the oppressions and suppressions of the tribals of the region under the British and showed how the brothers waged a war against the mighty British army.

Addressing students of various colleges and institutes in the state capital, vice-chancellor of Sidho-Kanhu Murmu University, Dumka, Victor Tigga said: “The revolt of Sidho-Kanhu is not just an event to be remembered once a year. It should inspire us to fight for our honour and rights.”

At Sidho-Kanhu Park in the capital, members of Adivasi Jan Parishad garlanded the statues of the Santhal brothers. General secretary of the organisation, Prem Shahi Munda, said: “The administration should install life-size statues of Sidho-Kanhu at thoroughfares of Ranchi and other cities of the state.”

At Amgachi in Shikaripara under Dumka district, villagers observed Sankalp Divas today. “The heroes continue to inspire the people to fight against oppression and suppression,” said Surender Murmu, a villager.

Led by party president Raghubar Das, BJP also celebrated Hul Divas at its party headquarters in the capital. The members offered floral tribute to the leaders.