The Ranchi district of Jharkhand witnessed a prolonged resistance against oppression of the tribals by the colonial state and its collaborators, called Sardari Ladai, from 1858-90.
Colonial rule brought misery for the tribals of Chotanagpur. Outsiders or “Dikus” (both Indian and European) were regarded as culprits in this regard. As Zamindars, moneylenders, merchants and officials; the Dikus exploited the Adivasis in various ways. The tribals lost control over their lands and livelihoods and suffered injustice and humiliation on a regular basis. The gathering steam of anger found expression through the Sardari Ladai.
This movement was led by the “Sardars” of the Munda and Oraon tribes. They adopted peaceful means like petition, prayers and protest to demand justice from the colonial regime. Their main objective was to safeguard land rights and cultural identity of the Adivasis. Demands were raised for abolition of forced labour (Beth-Begari), abolition of Zamindari, protection of ancestral rights on forest and land, etc. The colonial government, however, refused to pay any heed to such requests. As a result, the movement had taken a violent turn. There were many clashes between the Zamindars and Adivasi tenants. The movement was ruthlessly suppressed by 1890.
The Sardari Ladai prepared the ground for Birsa Munda’s rebellion. This finally forced the British Government to abolish the Beth-Begari system and give protection to tribal lands through the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act of 1908.
Source: Indian Culture Portal