Chero Archers
Who are the Chero Archers
Chero Archers is a sports franchise based in Jharkhand that competes in India’s first-ever Archery Premier League (APL). The team is owned by Tata Steel. They were officially launched in September 2025.
Historical & Cultural Significance
The name “Chero Archers” is not just a branding choice; it deeply connects the team to local tribal history and heritage in Jharkhand. The term Chero (pronounced “Chii-roe”) refers to an indigenous warrior clan that historically inhabited areas in what is today Jharkhand, Bihar, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, especially the region of Palamau in western Jharkhand. This clan emerged after the fall of the Pala Empire (12th-13th centuries) and maintained a strong martial tradition.
Notable Figures and Events
Medini Rai (often called “Chero Napoleon”) is among the most prominent leaders of the Chero dynasty. The city Medininagar in Jharkhand is named after him. The Cheros are known to have resisted Mughal incursions; for example, in the 17th century, generals of the Mughal empire (like Daud Khan, Sha’ista Khan) attempted to bring their territory under control, but faced stiff resistance from the Cheros, who used the terrain (forests, hills) and guerrilla type tactics.
Against the British: the Chero people also resisted during colonial times. Examples include confrontations in the late 18th century (Captain Jacob Camac, 1771) and during the Revolt of 1857 with leaders like Nilamber and Pitamber.
Cultural/Tribal Features
Archery (bows & arrows) was not just a tool of warfare but part of daily life: hunting, tradition, tribal rituals. Their bows were simple — “just a bent arc” — but effective, especially from forests and rugged terrain. Women among the Cheros are said to have often participated alongside men, in various forms of work and sometimes even conflict.