Chero Archers of Palamau

• 04 Oct 2025

Why in News? 

The Jharkhand franchise in the upcoming Archery Premier League (APL) has been named Chero Archers, honoring the martial traditions and resistance legacy of the Chero tribe of Palamau. 

• The APL, scheduled from 2^nd–12^th October, features teams like Prithviraj Yodhas, Kakatiya Knights, Mighty Marathas, Rajputana Royals, and Chola Chiefs, blending modern sports with India’s martial heritage. 

Key Points 

• Historical Background: The Cheros rose to prominence in present-day Bihar and Jharkhand after the decline of the Pala Empire (12th–13th century). 
  • They later settled in Palamau (western Jharkhand), where their bows became a symbol of tribal resilience. 
  • Known for resisting both Mughal imperial armies and later the British East India Company, the Cheros consistently used guerrilla tactics from their forested strongholds. 
• Key Figures & Events: 
  • Sahbal Rai (17th century): A contemporary of Jahangir, who disrupted Mughal supply lines along the Grand Trunk Road (1613). 
    • Captured and forced to fight a tiger before the Emperor, where he died—earning lasting tribal reverence. 
  • Medini Rai (Chero Napoleon): The most celebrated Chero leader; Medininagar in Jharkhand is named after him. 
    • Led resistance against Aurangzeb’s generals like Daud Khan and Sha’ista Khan in 1660. 
    • Praised by historian W.W. Hunter for his hardy archers. 
  • 18^th Century Resistance: In 1730, Chero arrows scattered Mughal forces under Muazzam Khan in Palamau. 
    • Later, Fakhruddaula settled for an uneasy tributary arrangement with them. 
  • Against the British: In 1771, Chitrajit Rai’s Cheros defied Captain Jacob Camac with bows and arrows. 
    • Their resistance continued with mini-insurrections between 1817–1857. 
  • Revolt of 1857: The Chero brothers Nilamber and Pitamber spearheaded tribal uprisings against the British alongside the Santals. 
• Cultural Significance of Bows & Arrows: For the Cheros, archery was not just a skill but a way of life, where both men and women participated in warfare and cultural practices like hunting and river-diving, with their simple bent bows symbolizing a heroic resistance against the stronger foes.