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Birsa Munda: Biography, History, Death, Contribution

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Birsa Munda Biography: Birsa Munda, born in the late 19th century on 15th November 1875 in Ulihatu, Ranchi, played an important role in the history of tribal resistance against British rule in India. He belonged to the Munda tribal community, and he was a folk rebellion, tribal freedom fighter, religious leader and Indian activists. Growing up in the Munda community, he witnessed the hardships faced by his people. In response, Birsa led the Munda Rebellion, fighting not just for political rights but also for socio-economic reforms and a revival of tribal culture.

Despite the short life of Birsa Munda, his legacy remains strong, making him a symbol of resilience and inspiration for indigenous communities in India, and his contributions continue to be celebrated nationwide. In this Article, We have discussed the Biography of Birsa Munda, Rebellion Moments, How Birsa Munda Died, His legacy and more.

Birsa Munda: Biography, History, Death, Contribution

Birsa Munda (1875-1901)

Birsa Munda, born in 1875, was a tribal leader who started the Munda Rebellion against British rule in the Chotanagpur Plateau of India. He was a leader leading for the rights and independence of his people. Birsa’s teachings focused on a single god, a return to traditional Munda practices, and resistance against British oppression, inspired tribal communities. The Munda Rebellion which was led by Birsa, aimed to challenge exploiting the land policies, religious impositions, and cultural disruptions imposed by the British. Unfortunately, Birsa’s life ended mysteriously at the age of 25 while in British custody.

Also Read: How did Colonial Rule affect Tribal Lives?

Who Was Birsa Munda?

Birsa Munda was a young freedom fighter and leader of the tribal community, whose spirit of activism in the late nineteenth century became popular. Birsa Munda belongs to Munda tribe was born on 15th November 1875 in Jharkhand India. Birsa started a movement called ‘Ulgulan’, or ‘The Great Tumult’. During that time, people call him “Dharti Abba“, which means “Father of the Earth“. He gathered a large religious movement against the British missionaries and their conversion activities. He revolted against the Christian missionary’s religious conversion activities mainly with the help of the Munda and Oraon Tribal Community people.

Also Read: Who were Tribal People?

Birsa Munda Biography

Birsa Munda, born in 1875 in Ulihatu, Bihar, was a tribal leader who played an important role in the Munda Rebellion against British rule in India. As a leader of the Munda tribe, he focused on the rights of his people. Birsa’s teachings emphasized worshipping one god, going back to traditional Munda customs, and resisting British oppression. His strong leadership rallied tribal communities against unfair land policies, religious interference, and cultural disruptions imposed by the British during the late 19th century.

Tragically, Birsa’s life ended at the age of 25 under mysterious circumstances being in the British custody. Despite his short life, Birsa Munda remains as a symbol of tribal resistance and the fight for justice against colonial oppression. His efforts to empower tribal communities and preserve their cultural identity have left a lasting impact in Indian history. Today, Birsa Munda is remembered as a hero and an inspiration for those standing against social and economic injustices.

Also Read: Top 10 Endangered Tribes of the World

Birsa Munda Timeline

The following table is a timeline stating the events and details that happened in the life of Birsa Munda:

Year Event Details
1875 Born Born in Ulihatu village, Bengal Presidency (present-day Jharkhand).
1886 Moves to Chaibasa Attends a mission school but leaves due to his father’s disapproval.
1894 Starts “Birsait” movement Advocates for tribal cultural revival, social reforms, and resistance against exploitation.
1895 Leads protests against taxes Organizes protests against oppressive taxes imposed by the British.
1895 Arrested and imprisoned Imprisoned for two years for his role in the protests.
1897 Leads Munda Rebellion Launches armed rebellion against British rule and exploitation.
1899 Negotiations and Guerilla Warfare Engages in negotiations with British officials while employing guerilla tactics to disrupt their control.
1900 Captured and imprisoned British forces capture Birsa Munda and imprison him in Ranchi jail.
1900 Dies in prison Dies under mysterious circumstances, possibly from cholera or poisoning.

Also Read: Gond Tribe of India

Date Of Birth And Early Childhood Of Birsa Munda

  • Birsa Munda was born on 15th November 1875 at Ulihatu village under Bengal Presidency which is presently located in Jharkhand.
  • Birsa Munda’s Parents were Sugana Munda and Karmi Hatu and his family mainly belonged to the Chota Nagpur plateau area.
  • Birsa spent a lot of his childhood life moving from one place to another different place with his family.
  • Birsa Munda agreed to convert to Christianity to attend a German missionary school. But He dropped out of missionary school a few years later.

Also Read: Wardha Scheme of Basic Education 1937

Birsa Munda Jayanti

Birsa Munda Jayanti is celebrated on November 15th every year, which is also the foundation day of Jharkhand. This day holds immense significance in the state and is marked by various events and celebrations.

Celebrations In Jharkhand

  • Official Ceremony: The main official ceremony takes place at Birsa Munda’s samadhi sthal in the Kokar neighborhood of Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand. Dignitaries like the Chief Minister and Governor pay floral tributes and address the gathering.
  • Cultural Programs: Traditional tribal dances, folk songs, and theatrical performances showcasing Birsa Munda’s life and legacy are organized across the state.
  • Rallies and Marches: Tribal communities often hold rallies and marches to commemorate Birsa Munda’s fight for their rights and cultural identity.
  • Sports Competitions: Various sports competitions, especially archery and football, are held to encourage participation and community spirit.
  • Educational Programs: Schools and colleges organize special programs and lectures to educate students about Birsa Munda’s life and contributions.
  • Exhibitions and Fairs: Exhibitions showcasing tribal art, artifacts, and historical documents related to Birsa Munda are organized in many places.

Also Read: List of Major Tribes In India

Birsa Munda’s Contribution To Indian history

Muda tribe’s well-known leader Birsa Munda founded a new religion called “Birsait“. He wanted to reform the tribal society and so he started this “Birsait” religion on his own and declared himself as God’s messenger.

The people of the Kharias and Orans community along with the people of the Munda tribal community allowed him to be their leader. Many other Hindus, as well as Muslims, were interested in seeing the new messenger of God, resulting in huge gatherings. Birsa Munda advised the tribal people to ignore missionaries and missionary activities and urged them to return to their old traditional practices.

Also Read: Social, Religious And National Movement

Birsa Munda’s Rebellion Movements

  • It was one of the most important pre-independence tribal movements in the history of India.
  • Birsa Munda started and led the Munda Rebel Movement south of Ranchi between 1899 and 1900.
  • Birsa Munda not only taught the people about his religion but also gathered the people and formed guerrilla-style rebel forces against British rule.
  • He introduced the slogan “Abua Raj Seter Jana, Maharani Raj Tundu Jana” for his rebel movements. Its means “Queen’s kingdom must end and our kingdom must be established”.
  • He also urged people not to pay taxes. After that, due to this statement, the British government arrested him and released him 2 years later.

Also Read: Important Tribal Movements of Modern India

Reasons Behind The Munda Rebellion Movement

The following points describe the Primary reasons behind the Birsa Munda Rebellion Movement:

  • The land policies introduced by the British government attacked the tribal traditional process of the agricultural system.
  • The religious conversions taken by the British missionaries attacked the old traditional faith and the worship of God, as well as the religious and cultural beliefs of the tribal people.
  • The British government introduced a “Feudal zamindari system” in the Chota Nagpur plateau area, which destroyed the local tribal farming system called “Khuntkatti” i.e. a group of indigenous tribes owning common land.
  • The British government also bought land contractors called “Dikus” as feudal landlords for the Adivasis forest areas.

Subsequences Of The Rebellion Movements

Birsa Munda urged the people not to pay any taxes or rent to the British government and he attacked feudal department offices and British conversion missionaries. Birsa Munda and his followers attacked so many British loyal places like police stations, and commissioner offices, they also killed two policemen and razed the churches and houses of zamindars.

Significant Achievements By The Rebellion Movements

After 8 years of his death in 1908, the British government enacted the “Chota Nagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act. The law prohibits the transfer of tribal lands to non-tribals and protects the ownership rights of the owners. Subsequently, the British government abolished the forced labor called the “Veth Bigari” system. The Rebellion movements showed to British Raj that tribal community people also could have the ability to protest against injustice and express their anger against the colonial British government.

Also Read: Mahatma Gandhi – Biography, Education, Movements, Birth Date

Death Of The Birsa Munda

Birsa Munda was first arrested in 1895 for his statements against the British government and was released two years later. He again resumed his rebellion revolt against British Raj along with his followers and other Indian freedom fighters. Later in 1900, he was captured by the British government in the Jamkopai forest area in Chakradharpur, which is located in Jharkhand.

Birsa Munda imprisoned in Ranchi Jail and died on June 9, 1900, due to cholera declared by the British government.

Also Read: Savitribai Phule : Complete Biography (Personal Life, Education

Bhagwan Birsa Munda

The title “Bhagwan” given to Birsa Munda which means “God” and is a way some tribal communities show deep respect and honor for him. This title reflects the impact Birsa Munda had on the cultural and religious identity of these communities. Some see Birsa Munda not just as a historical leader but as someone with spiritual and divine qualities, and the title “Bhagwan” emphasizes this special emotion.

Also Read: Emperor Ashoka: The Complete Biography of the Mauryan Leader

Birsa Munda Park

Birsa Munda Park is created to honor Birsa Munda’s important role in fighting for the rights of tribal communities during the Munda Rebellion against British rule. The park provides a space for the community to relax, enjoy fun activities, and learn about the life and impact of Birsa Munda. It has statues displays that tell the story of Birsa Munda, celebrating his contributions to the tribal history of India.

Also Read: Bal Gangadhar Tilak(1856-1920): Biography, Early Life, Slogans

Birsa Munda Airport Ranchi

Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi is named after Birsa Munda, a respected tribal leader and freedom fighter. This airport, located in the capital city of Jharkhand, India, honors Birsa Munda’s important work in advocating for the rights of tribal communities during the Munda Rebellion against British rule.

Naming the airport after Birsa Munda is a way of recognizing his leadership and heroism among the tribal people in the region. It’s a way to celebrate his legacy and underline the cultural and historical significance of Birsa Munda in Jharkhand and the broader tribal history of India.

The airport is a lasting reminder of the impact of Birsa Munda’s efforts, ensuring that his name and contributions are remembered and respected by the people of Jharkhand and beyond. It symbolizes the courage, resilience, and aspirations of tribal communities in their fight for justice and empowerment.

Also Read: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar Contribution as a Social Reformer

The Legacy Of The Birsa Munda

Birsa Munda’s legacy is still alive and many people in Jharkhand and Karnataka celebrate his birthday on November 15 every year. On the occasion of the 75 years of Independence, the Union Cabinet approved the declaration of November 15 as “Janjatiya Gaurav Divas” to commemorate the services of tribal freedom fighters. The following is the list of notable of legacy of Birsa Munda:

  • So many institutions, and organizations are named after him notably Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium, Birsa Munda Airport, Birsa Munda tribal University, Birsa Munda central jail, Birsa Agricultural University, etc.
  • The novel Aranyer Adhikar (Rights to the forest) was written in 1977 by Mahasweta Devi on the life journey of the Birsa Munda as Bhagavan and his rebellion movements against British rule. This novel won the Sahitya Akademi award for Bengali in 1979.
  • The Jharkhand government has proposed a 150-foot-tall Ulgulan statue to commemorate the legacy of Birsa Munda.

Also Read: Humayun(1530 – 1556): Biography, Battles, Tomb

Important Facts About Birsa Munda

Some of the most interesting and unknown facts about Birsa Munda are as below:

  1. Birsa Munda, born in 1875, was a brave tribal leader who led the Munda Rebellion against British rule. He strongly supported the rights of tribal communities, focusing on fair treatment, land rights, and better living conditions.
  2. Birsa started a movement to bring back the cultural and religious practices of his community, creating the Birsait Religion. His talents, language skills, and mystical experiences made him influential, with some saying he had spiritual visions that gained him more followers.
  3. During the Munda Rebellion, Birsa showed clever strategies by using surprise attacks and guerrilla tactics against the British. Despite leading a rebellion, he also talked with British officials, showing a practical approach.
  4. Encouraging self-reliance, Birsa urged Munda communities to practice traditional agriculture, weaving, and crafts. He not only challenged British rule but also fought against unfair practices within the Munda Community, like moneylenders and corrupt officials.
  5. Birsa’s ideas about peaceful resistance and self-reliance may have influenced Mahatma Gandhi. His early death at 25 made him a martyr and inspired tribal activism, pushing for social justice that still shapes India’s tribal history. His legacy is recognized nationally, with Jharkhand’s biggest airport named after him.

Related Resources:

Birsa Munda: Biography, History, Death, Contribution – FAQs

Why Is Birsa Munda So Famous?

Birsa Munda is famous for his role as a tribal leader and freedom fighter during the late 19th century in British-ruled India. He led the Munda Rebellion against colonial oppression and advocated for socio-economic reforms, making him a symbol of resistance and empowerment for tribal communities.

Why Birsa Munda Is Called God?

Birsa Munda is often revered as a deity or god by some tribal communities due to his significant contributions to their welfare and his leadership during the Munda Rebellion.

Which caste is Birsa Munda?

Birsa Munda belonged to the Munda tribe, one of the Adivasi (indigenous) communities in India. The Mundas are predominantly found in the Chotanagpur Plateau region, which includes parts of present-day Jharkhand and neighboring areas.

What Is The Slogan Of Birsa Munda?

The slogan associated with Birsa Munda is “Abua raj seter jana, maharani raj tundu jana”, which translates to “Let the kingdom of the queen be ended, and our kingdom be established.”

What Is The Golden Age Of Birsa Munda?

The “golden age” of Birsa Munda refers to the period during the late 19th century when he actively led the Munda Rebellion against British colonial rule.

How Old Was Birsa When He Died?

Birsa Munda passed away at the age of 25 in 1901. He was born in 1875, and his relatively short life was dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of tribal communities.

Who Did Birsa Munda Refer To As Ravana?

Birsa Munda often referred to the British colonial rulers as “Ravana,” drawing a parallel with the antagonist in Hindu mythology.



Last Updated : 28 Feb, 2024
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