Sapha Har Movement

Sapha Har Movement, Jharkhand: Sapha Har Movement begins in 1868 led by Santhals. It was initiated by Bhagrit Manjhi. Sapha Har Movement is also known as Kherwar Movement. This movement had popularized the concept of One God as well as aimed at social reform. He demanded that a Santal raj should be introduced. Bhagirath proclaimed himself as the King of Santhals and the representative of God. He wanted the Santhal Tribes to stop their sacrifices to the "evil bongas". He was arrested in that same year. Bhagrit Manjhi was arrested in 1868 as an instigator of disturbances. Bhagirath Kherwar's movement spread like a wild fire among the Santhals of Santhal Parganas. The Government had to take strong measures to crush it. He was active till 1871 and continued his activities during the great famine in Bengal in 1874. He was also sentenced to two years imprisonment.  This movement too was suppressed but not before its suppression convinced the people, that their upliftment lay in purifying themselves and regenerating themselves as Sapha Hor or pure man. This movement was ended by the British East India Company.