Birsa Munda, born in Jharkhand in 1875, was a respected tribal leader who led the Ulgulan movement against British exploitation. Advocating for tribal land rights and traditional beliefs, he inspired resistance and reform. His contributions, celebrated on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, continue to symbolize the struggle for justice and indigenous identity.
Birsa Munda was born on 15 November 1875 at Ulihatu in Jharkhand. He was a famous tribal freedom fighter, religious leader and folk hero of the Munda tribe of the Chotanagpur Plateau and a great symbol of resistance to colonial rule. British people in India. His death anniversary falls on June 9, which is the day of his martyrdom in 1900, when he died at the very young age of 25 in prison.
Early life and education
Birsa Munda was born into a poor, difficult family. His early education took place under the guidance of Jaipal Nag in Salga. He initially attended a German missionary school but left when he realized that the British aimed to convert the tribal people to Christianity through education. This experience led him to found a new faith called Birsait, which encouraged tribal communities to return to their traditional beliefs and resist British influence.
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Ulgulan Movement
Birsa Munda’s activism reached its peak in the Ulgulan movement, or “Great Uprising” between 1899 and 1900. The movement was a struggle to restore tribal land rights land and resources against the British government and local landlords (Dikus). He mobilized thousands of his tribesmen in an armed resistance, including attacks on police stations and other government buildings. He notably led an attack on Khunti police station in August 1897, in which he demonstrated guerrilla warfare to challenge British forces.
Arrest and death
His guerrilla army captured Birsa in the Jamkoipai forest on 3 March 1900. Birsa was imprisoned in Ranchi Jail and died there on 9 June 1900. The death certificate stated cholera as the cause caused his death, but there are still doubts about how he died. His death was the first of several decisive turning points that the movement he inspired would take in the years that followed; The movement declined soon after.
Heritage
However, the memories that Birsa Munda leaves behind are strong and lasting. Among the tribal communities in India, he is revered as Dharti Aaba or “Father of the Earth”. The reforms brought about by his efforts combined the recognition of tribal land rights with a marked influence on the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act of 1908 designed to protect rights against exploitation .
His birth anniversary is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas to honor such contributions of India’s tribal community. Many places and institutions bear his name, including Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi and several educational institutions. His life story inspired and inspired movements for rights and justice for indigenous people in India.Also read | Who is Amit Kataria? Richest IAS Officer, Check All Details!Also Read | Who is Tulsi Gabbard? Director of National Intelligence appointed by President Trump
