Telanga Kharia (1806 - 1880) was a great Indian tribal freedom fighter, who spearheaded a rebellion against the British Raj in Chotanagpur Region during 1850-1860.

This rebellion was mainly against injustice, atrocities and land alienation of tribal people which was a result of British Rule.

Telanga Kharia was born on 9 February 1806, at Murgu village, Gumla district of modern-day Jharkhand state.

He developed a keen interest in social and political issues as he often had a chance to witness debates on these topics in the court of the King of Ratu, where he used to go with his father.

For ages, tribals have had their own traditional autonomous self-governance rule of the "Parha System" and they were almost free from any kind of outside interference.

The middlemen like money lenders(sahukars) and zamindars didn't miss any single chance to loot common people.

Telanga Kharia couldn't tolerate this injustice and atrocities and started the fight against British rule and their middlemen.

There were 13 Jury Panchayats formed by Telanga Kharia, which were spread across Sisai, Gumla, Basia, Simdega, Kumhari, Kolebira, Chainpur, Mahabuang and Bano area.

When Telanga Kharia was released after completing his imprisonment in Calcutta jail, he again met his followers at Sisai Akhara.

After crossing the Koel River, they buried the body of Telanga Kharia at Soso Neem Toli village of Gumla district.