HO HISTORY IS COMING HOME
The first edition of A Land of Their Own, that treats the history of the HOS from 1818 to 1842, was published in 2016 in Europe. Looking back eight years later, the reception of one of its main characters, Poto Ho, has been beyond expectations. At the time, Poto was not unknown to the HOS, but much of his life and work was. Now, every year the battle of Seringsia (19 November 1837), as well as the memory of his hanging (1 January 1838) are commerorated by an ever-growing crowd before a well maintained memorial on the site of the battle. Poto got a life size statue in Ranchi’s tribal museum. As I hoped he would become, Poto Ho has become the symbol of the independent Ho spirit.
Still, the huge price of A Land of Their Own kept it a rarity in India, even among the HOS. Now this has been set right by an edition for the Indian market. From about Rs 12,150 , the price is reduced to Rs 945 (including postage Rs 995), a whopping 90% cheaper. For me, to see this book published in India is the fulfilment of a long-held and deep wish.
I set out on researching the history of the HOS with very few preset ideas. My main aim was to write a history that would meet the highest standards. Careful research and close reading have clarified much of the individuals and the events from their first meetings in 1818 till Tickell’s departure in 1842. Now we have a new and authoritative study of those 25 decisive years.
The establishment of the Kolhan Government Estate in 1837 is the decisive moment in the history of the HO tribe of Jharkhand and Odisha. This book is essential reading for anybody interested in tribal history and tribal policy.