Kharsawan massacre of 1948

Kharsawan Massacre of 1948was recently commemorated, which has significance in Jharkhand’s history.

About the Kharsawan massacre of 1948:

• The Kharsawan massacre of 1948 occurred on January 1, 1948.
• On this day Police has opened fire at unarmed Adivasis protestors.

Historical Background:

• Formation of Bihar and Orissa Province in 1912, leading to the Adivasi demand for a separate tribal state.
• The Simon Commission acknowledged the diverse characteristics within Bihar and Orissa Province in 1930.
• As per The Simon Commission, Bihar and Orissa was formed by bringing under a single administration 3 areas which differ in physical features, social, linguistic and cultural characteristics.
• Adivasi Mahasabha was formed in 1938, and was led by Jaipal Singh Munda, former captain of the Indian hockey team.
• There was a growing demand for a separate Adivasi state, in which Jaipal Singh Munda played an important role.

Kharsawan’s merger with Orissa:

• Kharsawan was a small princely state.
• At the time of Independence, Kharsawan, alongside 24 other princely states in eastern India, decided to accede to the Union of India and join the state of Orissa, due to majorly Odia speaking population. 
• But most Adivasis did not support this merger and also did not want to join Bihar, the alternative option.
• They rather wanted a separate Adivasi state. 
• In protest, a huge meeting was called at Kharsawan on January 1, 1948, the day when the merger was to take place.
• This was also the day when the weekly haat (market) was organised in the town.
• More than 50,000 tribals gathered in Kharsawan, waiting for Jaipal Singh Munda leadership.
• Police opened fire at a crowd gathered for a protest and the weekly haat, killing many Adivasis, similar to Jallianwala Bagh in 1919.
• Still there is a lack of clarity on the exact number of casualties, and the responsible authority for ordering the massacre.

Memorial:

• Memorial at Kharsawan marketplace has been built.

Ref : Source