People and Personalities of Ranchi District

The big stories often make the headlines of our historical narratives, but history is not only about the landmark events - it finds shape and character in the myriad events that led up to a flashpoint of change. An attempt to discover and document stories of people, events, and places linked to the freedom struggle of India at the micro level of the district has led to the creation of a Digital District Repository. Stories in this section can be broadly classified under - People & Personalities.

Gaya Munda

Gaya Munda was a tribal leader who played a key role in the Munda rebellion against British rule in India in the late 19th century. Munda was born in Ranchi district, in the state of Jharkhand into the Munda tribe.

In 1900, Gaya Munda’s house was burnt and destroyed by the British, However, he remained undeterred in his stance. His attitude irritated the British who described him as ‘obstinate’. Munda wounded a few British officers during his rebellion against them. He was shot by the British and killed in 1900. His entire family was arrested for their anti-British movements.

Munda was a charismatic leader who was able to unite the Munda people against British rule. He led a series of attacks on British forces. Munda's rebellion was eventually suppressed by the British, but it had a lasting impact on the history of India. The rebellion showed that the British were not invincible, and it helped to inspire the Indian independence movement.

Vishwanath Shahdeo

During the First War of Independence of 1857, people from various regions of India, including Ranchi in Jharkhand, actively participated in the fight for independence. Among the courageous revolutionaries who dedicated themselves to this cause was Raja Vishwanath Shahdeo whose true patriotism and rebellious nature set him apart.

Raja Vishwanath Shahdeo became disillusioned with the authoritarian practises of the colonial administration, which exploited the Indian population. This eroded his faith in British rule and fuelled his determination to pursue his ambitions during the Great Revolt. Collaborating with local revolutionaries from Chotanagpur, such as Jaimangal Singh, Brij Bhushan Singh, Nadir Ali Khan, and Ram Lal Singh, he played a pivotal role in organising the Mukti Vahini. Through the establishment of the Mukti Vahini, Raja Vishwanath Sahadev and his fellow revolutionaries aimed to challenge the oppressive rule of the British and fight for freedom.

Raja Vishwanath Shahdeo's dissent against the exploitative nature of colonial authorities exemplified his rebellious spirit. He stood firm in his belief that the British Raj needed to be opposed, and he actively worked towards mobilising the people of Ranchi and Jharkhand in the struggle for liberation.

Tikait Umrao Singh

Tikait Umrao Singh was the landlord of Khatanga Estate, which is located in the Ranchi district of Jharkhand. In the Great Rebellion of 1857, he played a pivotal role in opposing the East India Company forces. Earlier a part of the sepoys in the army, he shifted to Delhi after his discharge.

Singh encouraged soldiers in both Delhi and Ranchi to participate in the uprising and fight against the British. He drafted secret letters to soldiers all situated in different battalions of the army, urging them to resign and join the uprising against the Company. In Ranchi, he created an army led by him, Shaikh Bhikhari (the Diwan), Madho Singh (the Zamindar), Vishwanath Sahdeo, and Pandey Ganpat Rao. The people in the army broke open prison cells and freed the prisoners unjustly incarcerated by the British, who also joined in the battle against the British. They also burnt government records and their offices in Ranchi.

Umrao Singh was eventually captured, his property confiscated, and given a death sentence. He was hanged on 8th January 1958. But his contributions are not forgotten.

Sheikh Bikhari: Khudia's Unsung Hero

In the annals of the Indian independence movement, the Chotanagpur region of India remains a testament to the courage and resilience of numerous unsung revolutionaries. One such remarkable figure was Sheikh Bhikhari, of Ranchi, whose name and contributions have often been overlooked.

Born in 1819 and raised in Khudia village, located in the Ranchi district of Jharkhand, Sheikh Bhikhari stood tall amidst the tumultuous era of the Great Revolt. With an unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom, he actively participated in the struggle against the oppressive British regime. At the outbreak of the great revolt of 1857, Sheikh Bhikhari, aged 38 at the time, emerged as a highly trained and skilled individual. His capabilities led to his appointment as diwan by Raja Tikait Umrao Singh of Ormanjhi Khatanga, moreover, he played a crucial role as a member of the Muktivahini. Bhikhari, known for his exceptional military approach, collaborated closely with Subedar Nadir Ali and Jamadar Madhav Singh during the turbulent times. In a significant turn of events, British Captain Graham and his three officers found themselves compelled to flee toward Hazaribagh while the revolutionaries successfully seized their prized artillery. Displaying his strategic brilliance, Sheikh Bhikhari redirected these captured guns toward Ranchi, a pivotal move that would alter the course of history. It was on August 2nd, 1857, that the formidable army led by Chutupalu established its firm grip over the city of Ranchi, marking a momentous victory for the rebellion.

Active during the Great Revolt of 1857, Sheikh Bhikhari emerged as a symbol of resistance in the fight against colonial rule.

Somra Tana Bhagat

Somra Tana Bhagat was a freedom fighter and son of the late Jatra Tana Bhagat. He belonged originally to Baridih, district - Ranchi, and his date of birth is 1927. His wife's name was Late Budhni Bhagatain. He had contributed to the Quit India Movement. He was educated till the seventh standard. During the Quit India Movement, he was sent to Patna Jail and then shifted to Ranchi Jail. He was tortured in jail and was released from jail until he reached the death stage, he was in contact with Gandhiji. He was a true follower of Gandhiji and followed the path of truth similar to that of Gandhiji. He was also one of the chief freedom fighters from Baridih amongst all other freedom fighters. For his contribution to independence, he received a copper plate from Prime Minister Lt. Indira Gandhi on 15.08.1972. He also received a pension from the Indian Government as a freedom Fighter and after his death pension continued to his wife.

He died on 21.05. 2007.

Uma Shankar Sharma

Uma Shankar Sharma was born in February 1926. His father’s name was Lt. Ramawatar Sharma and mother’s name was Shakuntala Devi. Uma Shankar Sharma had three brother namely Shivshankar Sharma, Bakinath Sharma, and Baleshwar Prasad, and Uma Shankar Sharma had three daughters Madhu Maya Devi, Mala Bhushan, Neelam Sharma, and son Madhu Kant Sharma. Uma Shankar Sharma’s wife's name was Saraswati Devi. His marriage was fixed with Sarswati Devi while he was in jail who was the niece of freedom fighter Tipan Singh who was in jail along with Uma Shankar Sharma. He went to jail at the age of sixteen during the 1942 Quit India Movement and was in Danapur Camp Jail for his activities against the Britishers along with Gandhiji during the Quit India Movement. He was in jail for 18 months. He was a true follower and disciple of Gandhiji and followed his principles. His hobby was writing and reading. When the Sulphuric Acid plant was merged with the Sindri plant he was appointed as Personal Officer. He was also employed in DVC Maithon but as he got involved in Trade Union he was dismissed from his job. He was also appointed in PC DCA as Labour Officer. Jacopson took Uma Shankar Sharma along with him to the USA in 1958. He did his graduation from Patna College and completed his Master’s degree and received his degree on 03/02/1962 from the State University of Iowa. Due to lack of funds, he went to the USA through waterways. He was also awarded a copper plate by the Indian Government for his contribution to the freedom struggle. He died on 20/10/1999 during a prostate operation in Bokaro Hospital, Bokaro.

Nilamber and Pitamber

The brothers were born in a Chemo-Senya village to a family of the Kharwar tribe in Latehar district, Jharkhand. Inspired by the Doronda Revolt in Ranchi, they led 500 people to attack Raghubar Dayal, who had sided with the British. Pursued by the British, they had to hide in the forests, before they were caught and hanged in 1859.

Veer Budhu Bhagat

Budhu Bhagat was born on 17th February, 172 in village Silagain under Chanho block of Ranchi district of Jharkhand. Budhu Bhagat began organizing the people of Jharkhand against the might of the British Administration. On 13th February 1832, British soldiers surrounded the village of Silli and killed Budhu Bhagat and about 300 tribals by opening fire. It is said that he was the first revolutionary to be martyred in the fight for freedom, against British rule.

Mrs. Bankan Munda

Mrs. Bankan Munda was a woman martyr from the Munda tribe who led her tribe against the British forces during the Birsa Munda-led, Adivasi uprising in 1899 - 1900. Such was the misogynist attitude of the British that she was recorded not by her own identity but as the wife of Bankan Munda. This nationalist woman attained martyrdom while fighting the British forces on the Sailrakab Hills on 9 January 1900.

Jaipal Singh Munda

Jaipal Singh Munda (1903 - 1970) was a Munda leader who resigned from the Civil Services and then worked for the betterment of Adivasis. Munda was the captain of the first Indian Hockey team that played, and won gold, at the Olympics. He later joined politics in 1938. As a leader of the Adivasi Mahasabha, he raised issues related to Adivasis living in Chotanagpur Plateau and Santhal Pargana. During the early 1940s, he emerged as the most prominent voice of Adivasis in the freedom movement. He also, in the Constituent Assembly, brought the issues of Adivasis to the notice of the house.

Source :

• Indian Culture Portal
• State Archives, Jharkhand
• Azadi Ke Deewane Museum, Red Fort, ASI, Ministry of Culture
• Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav