Dumka, Dec. 22: Santhal Pargana, which produced noted freedom fighters like the Murmu brothers and gave the state three chief ministers, today celebrated 150th anniversary of its formation.

On December 22, 1855, the then British government had carved Santhal Pargana out of some parts of Bhagalpur district (Bihar) and Birbhum district (West Bengal).

This separate district, rich with natural resources and scenic beauty, came into existence with 5,470 square hectares having 12,177 villages including 6,340 hamlets. The district also had a customary tribal Panchyati Raj system at that time.

After the famous Santhal Hul (revolution), led by Sido, Kanho, Chand and Vairab in 1855, the British government deputed L.C. Aden, the first deputy commissioner, here to accelerate the pace of development. Aden reportedly joined office on December 22, 1855.

For the first time in the history of this region, a group of non-governmental organisations colourfully celebrated the birthday of Santhal Pargana today at Dumka.

Sido Kanhu Hul Baisi, a body of intellectuals from tribal society, today arranged cultural events to observe the 150th anniversary.

The streets of Dumka which were upgraded as the second state capital soon after the formation of Jharkhand, were flooded by revellers who were dancing to the tune of traditional tribal music.

The revellers here today underlined what Bidwell, the then commissioner of Bhagalpur submitted a report to the British government enumerating the grievances of the tribals.

Creation of the Santhal Pargana district was the direct result of the Hul , but the uprising was easily crushed and subsequently its message was not lost on the then government.