TRIAL OF SEEDO MANJHE AND OTHER REBELS - lively stories

http://livelystories.com/2012/07/10/trial-of-seedo-manjhe-and-other-rebels/

While writing various articles on Santal Rebellion, and going through various books, write-ups I found that there is hardly any authentic description on the final days of the two celebrated leaders- Seedo and Kanhu. Some documents say they were hanged, others point they were shot, I believe as Santals we must know the truth and develop a consensus on this. Then of course we can disseminate this information among all Santali and other readers. It is not that there are no authentic records from which we can draw a fairly accurate idea on these issues, there is, but those records are waiting to be published and distributed. This year I translated some important reports/records in Bengali and published a booklet on this. This booklet named “Santal Hul 1855, the statements of Seedo in Court” was released last Saturday, 7th July 2012, on the eve of Santal Hul Celebration in the town of Berhampore.

Booklet on Seedo’s trial

While writing on the fate of Seedo and Kanhu I have taken into account the first hand reports. From these reports it is clear that both Seedo and Kanhu had undergone trial along with other Santal leaders. Seedo was captured by betrayal and his trial was conducted first by the Session Judge of Bhagalpore- Mr William Bell and then the case was referred to Nizamat Adalat for the final verdict by the Nizamat Judges. He (Seedo) and other accused were presented in the Nizamat Adalat on 4th December, 1855 and on the same day the death sentence was awarded to Seedo.

A page from the book

The trial was conducted on the fourth day of December in the year 1855 at Bhagalpore in the Nizamat Adalat. The trial is recorded in, “REPORT OF CASES DETERMINED IN THE COURT OF NIZAMUT ADAWLUT for 1855, Volume V, Part 2”. The document is currently in the Harvard Law Library, the library received this document on January 17, 1899. I present below the summarized version of the entire proceeding.

PRESENT: SIR R. BARLOW, Bart, and B. J COLVIN, Esq JudgesGOVERNMENT
VERSUS
TRIAL NO.-1
SEEDO MANJEE (No.1), KISTO SONTHAL (No.2), MOOCHEA SONTHAL (No.3), DUKEA SONTHAL (No.4), HINGO CHOWDHRY(No.5), CHUCKOO DOME (No.6), BUDDUN DOME (No.7), JOORAWUN DOME (No.8), and BHOLA DOME (No.9)
TRIAL NO.2
ANTA MANJEE (No.10)

The Convicts (Spellings of names unchanged)
1. Seedo Manjee:
2. Kisto Sonthal:.
3. Moocheea Sonthal:
4. Dukea Sonthal:
5. Hingo Chowdry
6. Chuckoo Dome:
7. Buddun Dome:
8. Joorawun Dome:
9. Bhola Dome:
10. Anta Manjee:
The first nine, Seedo Manjee to Bhola Dome stood in the first trial, whereas Anta Manjee stood the second trial.
Charges against Seedo Manjee-
i) During the Months of July and August 1855, assembled men for purposes treasonable to the state and subversive of public tranquility.
ii) In having on 15th of the same month unlawfully resisted with arms the officers of the Government, thereby causing bloodshed.
iii) In having between the 5th and 7th July willfully murdered Mohess Dutt, naib Suzawul and eight others with a sword.
iv) In having during the months of July and August laid waste a large tract of country, plundering, and burning villages and putting all to the sword and placing the officers of the Government at defiance.
Charges against Kisto Sonthal, Moccheea Sonthal, Chuckoo Dome, Buddun Dome, Jorawun Dome-
i) During the Months of July and August 1855, unlawfully joined Seedo Manjee for purposes treasonable to the state and subversive of public tranquility.
ii) In having on 15th of July 1855, at Muheshpore unlawfully resisted with arms the officers of the Government, thereby causing bloodshed.
iii) In having been accomplices in the willful murder of Mohesh Dutt, Naib Suzawul and others between 5th and 7th July.
iv) In having accessory to the willful murder of Mohesh Dutt, Naib Suzawul and others.
v) In having aided and abetted in the willful murder of Mohesh Dutt and others.
vi) In having during the months of July and August laid waste a large part of the country, burning and plundering the village and putting the inhabitants to the sowrd and the placing the officers of the government at defiance.

Charges against Hingo Chowdhry-
1. Aiding and abetting in rebellion attended with murder, arson and plunder.
The Judges: SIR R Barlow and B J Colvin.
Committing Officer: The Honourable A. Eden, assistant special commissioner exercising the powers of a joint Magistrate.
Summary of the remarks by the Session Judge:
The committing officer, the Honourable Mr. Eden, assistant to the special commissioner for the suppression of the Sonthal Insurrection, was at the time of the outbreak in charge of the subdivision of Ourungabad (presently Aurangabad) and states, “On the 9th of July I received intelligence of an outbreak amongst the Sonthals, on the same day Sunno Momin came and told me that large bodies of Sonthals were assembled under Seedo and Khanooo (Kanhu) Sonthals, and that they had murdered the Mohesh Dutt Naib Suzawul and eight others with him and also several other men, that they were killing all they found, and plundering and burning. I sent for troops to Berhampore and on the 13th they arrived and we went in pursuit of the rebels and found that the whole country under the hills laid waste…Seedo was afterwards caught by an old Sonthal sent by me from Ourungabad, with him was caught Kisto (No.2) he abused the captors of Seedo and wanted to rescue him etc…Seedo and Kanoo must be looked upon as responsible for all atrocities that were committed by the men assembled at their bidding. No adequate causes for the rising has been assigned, and probably none exists, disposition to plunder and murder which is innate in the savage hill tribes, has been worked upon by several causes which it is unnecessary for me to particularize at this place.”
The first trial under report was held at Bhagulpore on the 29th, 30th, and 31st October and 1st Nomvember, 1855 and I (Mr. William Bell) was aided by a jury consisting of Meher Chunder Misser, Ram Chunder Chowdhry, and Bhowani Suhoy.
Seedo’s Statement and evidences of witness as placed by the Session Judge :
No less than eleven witnesses, swear to Seedo as concerned as a principal in the murder of Mohesh Dutt and others. According to the Session Judge, “the evidence of these witnesses is entitiled to every credit and the slight dispositions in their do not shake it any way. Seedo’s defence before the assistant commissioner and before the Sessions court is same in substance.” In his defence he clearly stated that he cannot be convicted of having risen up against the Government, when his original grievance was against the Muhajans (money lenders) who unlawfully extracted money from them. Seedo said that he had complained to Mr. Pontet (whom the Santals called “Ponteen”) and the daroggah (police inspector) in this regard but there was no effect to his complains and finally he had to kill the daroggah for being an instrument in the hands of the muhajans (money lenders). He mentioned that it was true that his bands had in fact attacked villages and led raids however he did not fight with the troops at Mohespore.
Author’s Remark: Sadly, these statements made by Seedo were not taken as his “defence” rather, “what he urges(d ) as a defence before me fully admitting his guilt upon all points.”
Kisto’s Statement and evidences of witness as placed by the Session Judge :
Session Judge stated, “Kisto pleaded guilty to being accessory to the murder of Mohesh Dutt Darogah, and of having laid waste of the country as detailed in the count 6th and his participation in these last acts of violence, and being present and armed at the murder of the Darogah was proved by the witnesses.” Witnesses also asserted that Kisto Sonthal abused and threatened his captors while he was cornered and arrested.
Moocheea’s Statement and evidences of witness as placed by the Session Judge:
Moocheea pleaded guilty to “having been an accomplice and accessory to the murder of the darogah and not guilty to the other charges.” “Before me he admits his participation in the murder of the darogah, but denies the intent to murder him beforehand, and his being with the plunderers out at a distance.”
Author’s Remark of the actual facts: The Session Judge seems to have overstated the facts for there was no plan to murder Mohesh Dutt darogah beforehand. The Santals had gathered under Seedo and Kanhu at Baboopore when Mohesh Dutt was bribed by the local money lenders and scared businessmen to arrest the leaders on false ground. When Seedo and Kanhu meet Mohesh Dutt, they said that the Santals were starving for want of food and requested him to collect some money from the businessmen to help them. Instead of helping Mohesh Dutt revealed his actual intention (which was to arrest them) and then the Santals became furious and cut him down. The facts as narrated here fully comply with the record of Captain Sherwill who wrote in “The Friend of India,” July- December, 1855 .
Hingo’s Statement and evidences of witness as placed by the Session Judge:
Compared to the above three Hingoo’s charge was nominal, only in aiding and abetting the rebels. He confessed that he had encouraged the rebels and sent them wine and a gun.
Remarks by the author: In fact Hingo’s statement was all but confused.
Chuckoo, Boodhun and Joorawun’s Statement and evidences of witness as placed by the Session Judge:

Remarks of the Session Judge: “Chuckoo Boodhun and Joorawun all plead not guilty, but allow they were present at the darogah’s murder, but say they ran away and hid themselves and did not assist in the plunder their participation in the business is established by witnesses Nos. 2,3,4 and 29.”

Trial No-2, Anta Manjee:

The second case regarding Anta Manjee was opened. He was charged “upon two separate counts, to both of which he pleads guilty”. The witnesses-Sepoys of the 40th regiment stated that Anta Manjee was with the group who attacked Captain Sherwill on August 1. That time Capain Sherwill was out in an expedition against the Santals. The Session judge remarked, “The prisoner is clearly shewn to have been wounded and seized with arms in his hands and to have resisted his capture. He confessed before the assistant commissioner on the 12th of October that he was at the fight, but says Chutto Manjee forced him to go, and this confession is attested as free and unbiased by witnesses. Before me he states that he went to look for his mother and brothers, when Chutto Sirdar called him and told him that the soldiers had burnt the villages of Deajajuree, and therefore he went with him, that he was armed and went to fight and that he was wounded and seized. He says he has nothing to offer in extenuation of his guilt. The jury find him guilty, in which I agree.”
Upon considering all the evidences and the statements of the accused, the Session Judge- Mr. William Bell passed his verdict outlined below-

The Verdict of the Session Judge:
1. Seedo Manjee: Sentenced to death by hanging.
2. Kisto Sonthal: Transportation for life beyond the sea.
3. Moocheea Sonthal: Sentenced to death by hanging.
4. Dukea Sonthal: Acquitted by lower court.
5. Hingo Chowdry: Fourteen years in banishment.
6. Chuckoo Dome: Fourteen years in banishment.
7. Buddun Dome: Fourteen years in banishment.
8. Joorawun Dome: Fourteen years in banishment.
9. Bhola Dome: Acquitted by lower court.
10. Anta Manjee: Transportation for life beyond the sea.
After passing his verdict the Session Judge added that in his opinion those awarded with capital punishment (Seedo and Moocheea) should be executed at the scene of their crime so that a strong lesson passes onto the Santals. They are to be put in to the charge of the assistant commissioner who will choose the site of execution in a manner which best suits for the suppression of the revolt. Further instructions were given by the court not to expose the bodies for public display after execution
The above was the proceeding and verdict of the Session Judge, the case was then forwarded to the Nizamat Adalat where Judges altered the previous verdict a little and passed a new verdict which is given below-
The Verdict of the Nizamat Adalat:
1. Seedo Manjee: Guilty of “willful murder”. Sentenced to death by hanging.
2. Kisto Sonthal: The Judge found his guilt was not of the same proportion as of Seedo but he stands charged with 1st, 2nd and 6th count (refer charges against him) and was, “Imprisoned for life with labor and irons in transportation.”
3. Moocheea Sonthal: For taking part in several acts of violence, was sentenced to death by hanging.
4. Dukea Sonthal: As no substantial evidence was found against him he was acquitted by lower court.
5. Hingo Chowdry: His sentence of “fourteen years in banishment” by the Session court was repelled since the Nizamat Adalat found that he only acted in obedience to the leaders and not voluntarily, therefore he was acquitted.
6. Chuckoo Dome: No evidence of serious offence was found against him, and also he was not Santal, the court acquitted him.
7. Buddun Dome No evidence of serious offence was found against him, and also he was not Santal, the court acquitted him.
8. Joorawun Dome: No evidence of serious offence was found against him, and also he was not Santal, the court acquitted him.
9. Bhola Dome: Lack of sufficient evidence acquitted by lower court.
10. Anta Manjee: He was guilty of what “he has confessed”, so the court sentenced him, “imprisonment with labour and iron for life and transportation.”
After this sentence was passed Seedo and Moocheea Sonthal was hanged at the “Baboopore, at the scene of their murders.” This is mentioned in Allen’s Indian Mail, February 5, 1856.

The Capture of Kanhu Murmu
The following are the records of the movements of Kanhu Murmu as prisoner after being caught near Opurbund.
1. Opurbund, November 30, 1855: Kanoo, Chand and Bhyroo (Bhario or Bhairav) along with other comrades were arrested while fleeing towards Hazaribagh, following their arrest they were brought to Opurband. He was arrested by Sirdar Ghotwal of Konjra.[i]
2. Raniganj, December 3, 1855: On Saturday Morning, Ensign Allen, of the 2nd Grenadiers, came into Raneegungee (Raniganj) from Opurbund with a party of his regiment, having as prisoners Kanoo, Chaund, Bhyro, and Kanoo alias Jutta, Sonthal mangees (Manjhis) and nine of their followers. He was transported from Raniganj to Suri because the authorities of the former place was unable to find any proof against him.
3. Suri, December 5, 1855: Khanoo Manjhee and twelve Sonthal prisoners were brought into Soorie on the morning of 5th December. On the evening of the same day General Lyod ordered that he and other prisoners should be brought to his camp. Here he said that he had been with Sidhu for a couple of months in Bhagalpore but choose to go towards Calcutta to see the Governor. He was noted to be a, “small limbed man, about five feet six inches tall in height, with small features… he is about thirty five years of age.” During his stay here he made it clear that his fight was not with the Europeans or the Company Raj but with the evil jamindars and their operatives, and he after finishing them off, longed to meet the Governor General. The news of Sidhu Murmu’s execution had not reached him, and when it was informed he said that it was fate and became indifferent about himself.
4. Camp Birheit, 24th February, 1856: The following is from a correspondent at Camp Birheit on 24th February, 1856- “You will hear no more of Kanoo Manjee, the celebrated Sonthal chief, as we hung him yesterday at 2’o clock, p.m, at his own village, where the gallows was all ready for him. We afterwards burn him so there is precious little left of him now. We were afraid that there might be a row when we arrive at Khanoo’s village Bhognaddee, so the guard was increased to 120 men, and about twenty men of the 2nd Irregvular cavalry accompanied him. Although there was a nice party, as eleven gentlemen from the neighboring parts accompanied us to the place of the execution.” His last words- “Kanoo says that he will come to life again in six years, and then that all the country will rise again. He did not seem to be a bit afraid of being hung, nor did he conceal anything that he knew about the Sonthal insurrection. He told us he should have liked to have get hold of a sahib, as he would have made him write chits (letters) to the Lord Sahib (Governor General at Calcutta) and other people, and that he would not have murdered any gentleman that he got hold of.“There are some other details but that do not require mention.
In preparing this article there might be some mistakes, I will be happy to correct them if the reader points them out.
PS- “Hul Sengel: The Spirit of the Santal Revolution”, is a very informative documentary on “Santal Hul” by Dr. Daniel Rycroft of the East Anglia University and Mr. Joy Raj Tudu an Adivasi actitivist based in Jharkhand. This documentary made in 2005 is a real treat to watch since this was shot in actual location in Bhognadih, and contains the interviews of the descendants of Seedo and Kanhu. It has been uploaded in YouTube please have a look.

References:
[i] Calcutta review, Volumes 26-27 By University of Calcutta, University of Calcutta. Dept. of English.
Key words: Trial, Court, Sidhu Murmu, Kanhu Murmu, Kano Murmu, Santhal Rebellion, Sonthal Rebellion 1855.