Ulihatu

Yousuf Sarfaraz

Photographer based in London

Nestled in the verdant embrace of Jharkhand lies Ulihatu, a cradle of tribal heritage and a bastion of defiance against colonial hegemony. Birthplace of Birsa Munda, a visionary leader whose name resonates through the annals of Indian independence, Ulihatu bears witness to a storied past of resistance and resilience.

Despite the winds of change that swept across the Indian subcontinent, birthing new states and governments, Ulihatu remains tethered to its historical roots, caught in the grip of systemic neglect and political exploitation. The promises of autonomy and empowerment made by successive administrations often ring hollow in the ears of its tribal inhabitants, who continue to grapple with the legacy of colonial oppression and contemporary marginalization.

In the corridors of power, the voices of Ulihatu's tribes are but whispers, drowned out by the clamour of political manoeuvring and bureaucratic apathy. Yet, within the rugged landscapes and weathered faces of its people, lies a narrative of defiance—a testament to the enduring spirit of resistance that refuses to be silenced.