Rebellion in Ranchi – inspiring middle grade historical fiction

Rebellion in Ranchi is a moving, emotional, and inspiring middle grade historical fiction that sheds light on the harsh realities of colonial rule and hardships endured in the struggle for India’s freedom.

Other Books I read in The Songs of Freedom series –

The Letter to Lahore
Postcard from the Lushai Brigade

Synopsis

Ranchi district, 1915

Sibu’s life is changing as the Oraons who live in the forests of Chota Nagpur, are slowly moving to the Tana Bhagat movement, where they begin to protest the injustices that the zamindars and the British Raj perpetrate on the Adivasis. And by stories of German Baba, who will help defeat the British in the Great War and bring freedom to the Oraons and to India.

Yet, though the Tana Bhagats follow the path of non-violence, violence is rearing its head in the world around them . . .

The Songs of Freedom series explores the lives of children across India during the struggle for independence.

Review

Rebellion in Ranchi is another compelling entry in The Freedom Fighter Series, transporting readers to 1915 Ranchi and delving into the lives of the Oraon (Kurukh) tribes during India’s pre-independence era.

Before reading this book, I knew little about the Kurukh people or the fact that they initiated one of India’s earliest nonviolent protests. The author clarifies in the endnotes that the story, while fictional, is inspired by the real Tana Bhagat movement, which took place in Jharkhand and Bihar around 1915—an event I learned about for the first time through this book.

The narrative centers on Sibbu, his family, and his bond with his cousin Buddhu. They belong to a small community living in the forests of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, eking out a living as farmers on lands that once belonged to them but had been deceitfully taken over by wealthy businessmen and moneylenders, now landlords under British rule.

These landlords impose exorbitant taxes, rents, and loans on the poor Kurukh farmers, leaving them with almost nothing. Their homes are fragile, their children malnourished, and the British officers remain indifferent, trusting the landlords’ word over the oppressed.

Set against the backdrop of World War I, rumors began to spread of a “German Baba” who would help liberate India from British rule if Germany won the war. So dire was the Kurukhs’ plight that even this rumor sparked hope, inspiring them to rise against their oppressors and join the nonviolent Tana Bhagat movement.

The book paints a heart-wrenching picture of the Kurukhs’ dire conditions and the minimal resources they had to survive. Despite this, their resilience shines through, as their belief in religion, rumors, and the hope for liberation pushed them to stand up against a better-equipped force. The innocence of the children, especially their curiosity about the world beyond their isolated lives, is particularly touching.

The injustice of their forced displacement, losing their ancestral lands, and becoming dependent on others working under British rule is deeply moving. It took years for the nationwide nonviolent movement under Mahatma Gandhi to take shape, offering a more tangible hope for freedom.

At its core, Rebellion in Ranchi is a simple yet profound tale of friendship, courage, and unity. Even though they couldn’t reclaim their lands, the story conveys a powerful message about standing up to injustice and the strength of nonviolence.

Sibbu, though illiterate, is resourceful and brave boy who learned from what he hears and showed remarkable courage. His grandmother, Eng Ajji, is a standout character, whose wisdom and storytelling breathe life into the narrative.

The ending is both heartwarming and hopeful. I also appreciated the author’s note at the end, which provides fascinating historical insights about the Kurukh people, the Tana Bhagat movement, and the German Baba rumors.

Overall, Rebellion in Ranchi is a moving, emotional, and inspiring middle grade historical fiction that sheds light on the harsh realities of colonial rule and hardships endured in the struggle for India’s freedom.

Book Links

Goodreads | Amazon.in | Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk

#RebellioninRanchi by Swati Sengupta – moving, emotional, and inspiring middle grade #historicalfiction . Check out the full review –> Share on X

What do you think about this book?
What is your favorite book on Independence or major event in your country?

Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | WhatsApp Channel

Just in Case You Missed,,,,

• Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune – uplifting cozy LGBTQ fantasy
• A Week of Balance with Busy Days and Comfort Reads : My Weekly Recap (Nov 18, 2024)
• Living with Adi by Zarin Virji – Neurodiverse Middle Grade Fiction

---