Timeline

1750s

Introduced

Birth & Early Years

Born in a Santhal tribal family in the forested regions of present-day Jharkhand.
Childhood & Youth – Raised in a traditional forest environment, he learned:

Archery, hunting, and survival skills
Tribal customs, songs, and oral history
Community governance and respect for elders
Deep spiritual connection with land and nature

1770s

Expanded

Resistance Period

Witnessed exploitation under British revenue policies and oppression of tribal communities.
Late 1770s–Early 1780s – Began mobilizing Santhal villagers against:

Excessive taxation

Land dispossession

Harassment by British officials and local agents

1780–1784 – Organized guerrilla-style resistance in forested regions, uniting tribal groups under a collective anti-colonial movement.

1784s

Expanded

Attack on British Collector

Tilka Manjhi led a bold assault against British authority and reportedly attacked the British Collector (Augustus Cleveland) using a traditional bow and arrow,

1785s

Capture and Execution

After prolonged resistance, he was captured by British forces.
He was publicly executed in 1785, becoming one of the earliest tribal martyrs in India’s anti-colonial struggle.

Legacy & Commemoration Timeline

1785

Martyrdom & Oral Legacy Begins

After his execution in 1785, Tilka Manjhi’s story lived on through Santhal oral traditions, folk songs, and tribal storytelling across forest villages.

1950

Post-Independence Historical Recognition

Following India’s independence, historians and regional scholars began formally recognizing Tilka Manjhi as one of the earliest anti-colonial tribal freedom fighters.

1960

Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University

Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University (Bihar) was officially named in his honor, marking academic recognition of his contribution to India’s freedom struggle.

1970s–1980s

Installation of Memorial Statues

Statues and memorial sites were established in Bhagalpur and surrounding regions to commemorate his bravery and sacrifice.

2000

Recognition After Formation of Jharkhand

With the creation of Jharkhand state in 2000, Tilka Manjhi gained renewed prominence as a tribal icon of resistance and indigenous pride.

21st

Remembrance & Cultural Programs

Annual commemorations, educational programs, and tribal cultural events in Bihar and Jharkhand continue to honor his legacy as a defender of land, dignity, and autonomy.