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Birsa Munda (1875–1900) was a charismatic tribal leader, freedom fighter, and revered folk hero from the Munda community in present-day Jharkhand, India. Born in a humble village in the Chotanagpur region, he emerged as a formidable voice against British colonial oppression and the exploitation of indigenous communities. Endowed with profound spiritual insight and an indomitable spirit, Birsa galvanized the tribal populace and revolted against the British Raj and local landlords who usurped tribal lands and resources. His revolutionary zeal, rooted in socio-economic justice and cultural resurgence, sought to restore tribal autonomy and dignity. Proclaiming himself a divine messenger, he blended spiritual fervor with political activism, inspiring thousands to resist injustice. He is a symbol of indigenous resilience and defiance, etched in India’s struggle for freedom and social equity.

Birsa Munda Overview

Birsa Munda was a visionary tribal leader, freedom fighter, and cultural icon from the Munda tribe in the Chhota nagpur Plateau, now part of Jharkhand, India. He is a pivotal figure in India’s resistance against British colonial rule and socio-economic exploitation.Here is overview of Birsa munda:

Birsa Munda Contribution to India’s Independence Movement

Birsa Munda’s leadership in the Munda Uprising (Ulgulan) of 1899–1900 stands as a crucial chapter in India’s resistance against British colonial rule. This revolt was a direct challenge to the British administration’s exploitative measures, such as new land revenue policies and restrictive Forest Acts that curtailed tribal communities’ access to their ancestral lands.

• Munda Uprising (Ulgulan): Birsa Munda spearheaded the Munda Uprising (1899–1900), a significant tribal rebellion against British oppression, opposing unjust land policies and forest regulations that marginalized tribal communities.
• Establishment of Munda Raj: Birsa rallied tribal groups under the banner of ‘Munda Raj,’ promoting self-governance and orchestrating guerrilla warfare against colonial forces. He attacked symbols of British authority, galvanizing tribal unity in the fight for autonomy.
• Icon of Tribal Defiance: Birsa’s rallying cry, “Abua raj seter jana, maharani raj tundu jana” (“End the queen’s rule, establish our own governance”), encapsulated his vision for tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
• Champion of Tribal Rights: Birsa fiercely opposed the alienation of tribal lands and fought for their restoration, influencing the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act of 1908. This legislation barred the transfer of tribal lands to non-tribals and upheld traditional rights over land, water, and forests.
• Spiritual Leadership: Birsa founded the ‘Birsait’ religion, merging animist traditions with social reforms. He encouraged his followers to abandon superstitions and embrace indigenous values, earning him the title Dharti Aba (Father of the Earth).

Birsa Munda Enduring Legacy

Birsa Munda is revered as a tribal icon, with November 15 celebrated as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ to honor his contributions to India’s freedom struggle. Jharkhand’s formation on his birth anniversary in 2000 further cements his legacy. A museum in Ranchi and initiatives like the ‘PM-JANMAN’ program, aimed at empowering tribal communities, reflect his vision of justice and equity.

• Legacy and Recognition: Birsa Munda is celebrated as a pivotal figure in Jharkhand, with ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ on November 15 honoring tribal contributions to India’s independence movement.
• Government Programs: The ‘PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)’ initiative underscores ongoing efforts to uplift marginalized tribal groups, aligning with Birsa Munda’s mission of fairness and empowerment.
• Jharkhand’s Foundation: The state of Jharkhand was established on November 15, 2000, coinciding with Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, as a tribute to his vision of tribal autonomy and dignity.
• Policy Impact: Birsa’s advocacy for tribal land rights influenced the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act of 1908, which protected tribal lands from being transferred to non-tribals and recognized traditional community rights over land, water, and forests.
• Cultural and Spiritual Influence: Through the Birsait faith, Birsa blended animist traditions with social reforms, promoting tribal identity and self-reliance. His title, Dharti Aba (Father of the Earth), reflects his revered status as a protector of tribal culture and values.

Munda Uprising 1899-1900

When the British implemented new land revenue systems like the zamindari system in Chota Nagpur, replacing the traditional tribal Khuntkatti system—where land was communally owned—the livelihoods of tribal communities were severely disrupted. This shift allowed outsiders, such as moneylenders, landlords, and merchants, to seize tribal lands, transforming indigenous owners into landless laborers forced to toil under new overlords. These landlords enforced Bandhua Majdoori (bonded labor), compelling tribals to work in harsh conditions without fair wages. Additionally, tribals faced exorbitant rent for cultivating land and crippling interest rates, deepening their exploitation.

Revolt 

The Munda Uprising, also called Ulgulan or “The Great Revolt,” arose as a response to this land dispossession and coercive conversion practices.

•  From 1894, Birsa Munda rallied the Munda tribals against the British and external exploiters, termed Dikus, establishing an autonomous Munda Raj in 1895. The rebels adopted a white flag as the emblem of their independent rule and employed guerrilla warfare, targeting churches, police outposts, and other symbols of British and Diku authority.
• Leveraging his leadership and eloquence, Birsa united diverse tribal groups from the forests of Chotanagpur, Bengal, and Odisha, including the Oraons and Kharias, against the British and their local allies (thekedars). 
• However, in March 1900, the British apprehended Birsa and his followers during a forest encampment. Imprisoned, he succumbed to cholera a few months later. 
• His death dealt a significant blow to the movement, and the British quashed the uprising through relentless military counterattacks. Many rebels were captured, jailed, or executed, leading to the movement’s complete suppression by mid-1900. Despite its defeat, the uprising underscored the tribals’ ability to challenge injustice and resist oppression, leaving a lasting legacy of defiance.

Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act of 1908

Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act of 1908 was enacted by the British following the tribal uprising. This legislation mandated the establishment and upkeep of land records while introducing a distinct landholding category called “Mundari Khuntkattidar,” recognizing the original Munda settlers. It also placed restrictions on transferring tribal land to non-tribal individuals. Furthermore, the CNT Act ensured the documentation of traditional community rights, encompassing access to water, forests, and land (Jal, Jungle, and Zameen). These rights covered the use of forest resources, cattle grazing, and the reclamation of uncultivated land for rice farming (Korkar), thereby protecting the land rights of tribal communities.

Statue of Rebellion

Birsa Munda’s legacy, etched in history, embodies the essence of defiance and perseverance in the pursuit of a fair and liberated society. Reflecting this spirit, the Prime Minister unveiled a museum in Ranchi in 2021, situated at the Old Central Jail, where Birsa Munda breathed his last. The statue of Birsa Munda within the museum stands as a symbol of the Ulgulan (uprising) and enduring remembrance. The museum also honors other tribal freedom fighters, including Budhu Bhagat, Sidhu-Kanhu, Gaya Munda, Jatra Bhagat, Poto H, Nilambar-Pitambar, Bhagirath Manjhi, Diwa-Kisun, Telanga Khadiya, and Ganga Narayan Singh, who sacrificed their lives for tribal sovereignty.

• On Birsa’s birth anniversary in 2025, the Prime Minister launched a Rs 24,000-crore initiative for marginalized tribal communities, named the PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN).
•  This program focuses on delivering welfare schemes effectively to India’s remotest regions, prioritizing the empowerment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Concurrently, the Prime Minister introduced the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, a nationwide campaign to raise awareness and ensure comprehensive coverage of welfare programs until January 26, 2024.

Birsa Munda Death

Birsa Munda died on June 9, 1900, at the age of 24, in the Old Central Jail in Ranchi, Jharkhand. He was arrested by the British on March 3, 1900, following the Ulgulan (rebellion) against colonial oppression and land alienation in the Munda belt of Chotanagpur. Official records state he died of cholera while in custody, but there are widespread suspicions among tribal communities and historians that he may have been poisoned or killed by the British due to his revolutionary activities. 

Birsa Munda FAQs?

Who was Birsa Munda?

 Birsa Munda (1875–1900) was a tribal freedom fighter, social reformer, and spiritual leader from the Munda tribe in the Chotanagpur region (now Jharkhand, India). Known as Dharti Aaba (Father of the Earth), he led the Ulgulan (rebellion) against British colonial rule to protect tribal land rights and cultural identity.

When and where was Birsa Munda born?

Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu, a village in the Khunti district of present-day Jharkhand, India.

What was the Ulgulan?

The Ulgulan (meaning "Great Tumult" or rebellion) was an armed uprising led by Birsa Munda from 1895 to 1900 against British authorities and local landlords. It aimed to resist land alienation, forced labor, and cultural suppression of tribal communities in the Chotanagpur region.

Why is Birsa Munda celebrated?

Birsa Munda is celebrated for his courage in fighting British oppression, defending tribal land rights, and revitalizing Munda culture and identity. His legacy is honored on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (November 15), which recognizes the contributions of tribal communities to India’s history.

How did Birsa Munda die?

Birsa Munda died on June 9, 1900, at the age of 24, in the Old Central Jail in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Officially, his death was attributed to cholera, but many believe he was poisoned or killed by the British, though no conclusive evidence exists.

What is the connection between Birsa Munda and the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act?

The Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act of 1908 was enacted partly in response to Birsa Munda’s Ulgulan, which highlighted the exploitation of tribal lands. The Act introduced the Mundari Khuntkattidar category to recognize original Munda settlers, restricted land transfers to non-tribals, and protected customary rights to water, forests, and land (Jal, Jungle, Zameen), including grazing and reclamation of land for rice cultivation (Korkar).

What is Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas?

Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is celebrated annually on November 15, Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, to honor the contributions of India’s tribal communities to the nation’s freedom struggle and cultural heritage. It was declared by the Indian government in 2021 as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.