‘In this, our 75th year of Independence … we needed quality literature around our great tribal freedom fighters. This book is a truly commendable start in that direction.
—Arjun Munda, Minister of Tribal Affairs

Our first war of Independence was not in 1857.

In fact, tribal mutinies against the British began at least 75 years before the 1857 revolution. These battles were fought with traditional bows and arrows and spears, and predated the reported political movement that came to the fore in the latter part of the nineteenth century.

As we complete 75 years of Independence, it is only fair to acknowledge that a parallel freedom movement had existed in our far-flung villages and jungles, away from the mainstream freedom movement acknowledged in the books of history.

The Great Tribal Warriors of Bharat is a humble attempt to honour these largely unsung heroes of an epochal movement, whose contribution remains largely unacknowledged. The book begins with Tilka Manjhi, who unleashed guerilla warfare to combat the British, and includes Jaipal Singh Munda, one of the most nuanced speakers of our Constituent Assembly, tracking the trajectory of this movement. These brave warriors came from all parts of India, including the Northeast and the South, and from all tribes existing in the country.

This book is a rare collection and a journey into self-discovery for our civilization turned nation.