Bhagirath Majhi's Promise to Santhals

This question asks about the main assurance Bhagirath Majhi gave to the Santhal community if they adhered to his principles and guidance. Understanding Bhagirath Majhi's role and the aspirations of the Santhal people is key to answering this.

Understanding Bhagirath Majhi and the Santhal Context

Bhagirath Majhi was a significant religious and political leader among the Santhals. During the 19th century, tribal communities, including the Santhals, faced immense pressure from colonial rule, including land alienation, economic exploitation, and cultural disruption. Leaders like Bhagirath Majhi often emerged to guide their communities, offering hope and a vision for a better future.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at each potential promise:

• Restoration of tribal kingdoms: This option suggests a return to a past era where the Santhals had autonomous rule and control over their territories. This aligns with the common desire of oppressed communities to regain sovereignty and self-governance.
• Access to modern education and jobs: While education and employment are important, this promise seems more aligned with modern development goals rather than the primary concerns of restoring traditional autonomy during that historical period.
• Complete independence from British rule: While related to sovereignty, Bhagirath Majhi's specific promise, as indicated by the correct answer, focused more narrowly on the internal structure and governance of the Santhal community itself, rather than outright political independence from the entire British empire at that stage.
• Land restoration and divine protection: Land is crucial for tribal communities, and divine protection is often sought. While these might have been components of his teachings or broader goals, the "ultimate promise" seems to encompass a more comprehensive restoration of their political standing.

The Ultimate Promise

Based on historical context and the provided correct answer, Bhagirath Majhi's ultimate promise to the Santhals, should they follow his teachings, was the Restoration of tribal kingdoms. This signified a goal of re-establishing their own governance, autonomy, and a sense of sovereign identity, which was deeply threatened by external forces.