Who Was Birsa Munda? The Tribal Hero Who Fought for Freedom and Justice

Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875 in Ulihattu, Jharkhand. He is a famous tribal freedom fighter, religious leader and folk hero of the Munda tribe of Chota Nagpur Plateau, and a great icon of India’s resistance to British colonial rule. His death anniversary is June 9, the day he was martyred in 1900. He died in prison at the age of 25.

early life and education

Birsa Munda was born into a poor family. His early education was under the guidance of Jaipal Nag of Sargar. Initially, he attended a German mission school, but left after realizing that the British’s purpose was to convert tribal people to Christianity through education. This experience led him to establish a new faith called Birsait, which encouraged tribal communities to return to traditional beliefs and resist British influence.

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Urgulam Movement

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Birsa Munda’s radicalism reached its peak during the Urgulam Movement, or “Great Rebellion” of 1899-1900. The movement was a struggle against the British authorities and local landowners (Dikus) to restore tribal rights to land and resources. He mobilized thousands of tribal followers in an armed resistance that also included attacks on police stations and other government buildings. In August 1897, he notably led an attack on the Khunti police station in a display of guerrilla warfare challenging the British forces.

Arrest and death

On March 3, 1900, his guerrillas captured Birsa in the Jamkoipai forest. Birsa was imprisoned in Ranchi Jail, where he died on June 9, 1900. The death certificate stated that he died of cholera, but there were doubts about the cause of his death. His death was the first of several decisive turns in the years that followed for the movement he founded. Soon after, the movement declined.

heritage

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However, the memory left behind by Birsa Munda is powerful and lasting. To Indian tribal communities, he is revered as Dharti Aaba or “Father of the Earth.” His efforts resulted in reforms that incorporated recognition of tribal land rights and had a significant impact on the Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act of 1908, which was designed to protect rights from exploitation.

The anniversary of his birth is known as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas to commemorate such contributions made by tribal communities in India. Many places and institutions are named after him, including the Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi and several educational institutions. The story of his life motivated and inspired movements for indigenous rights and justice within India.

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Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion