The State of Jharkhand joyously celebrated its foundation day on November 15. The state, which was formerly a part of Bihar, gained its separate identity in 2000 after the passage of the Bihar Reorganization Act, 2000 by the Parliament. The occasion also marks the birth anniversary of the revered tribal leader Birsa Munda, popularly known as Bhagwan Birsa.
Birsa Munda: The Tribal Leader and Freedom Fighter
Birsa Munda was born into the Munda tribe in 1875. He is affectionately known as ‘Dharti Abba’ or the Earth Father. Munda played a pivotal role in leading a rebellion against the feudal state system that had been imposed by the British government. He ignited the spark of revolution in the masses against both the local landlords and the British rulers.
Munda’s Ulgulan: The Munda Rebellion
Munda’s rebellion has been widely referred to as Ulgulan, or the Munda rebellion. Harnessing the seeds of discontent among his people, he organized them to resist their oppression. His revolutionary method involved encouraging the masses to cease the payment of debts and interest to moneylenders as well as taxes to the British government. Munda’s ultimate aim was to overthrow Victorian rule and establish a Munda Rule in what is now known as Jharkhand, but what was then a part of the Bengal Presidency region.
Establishment of a Politico-Military Organization
In order to strengthen his rebellion, Birsa Munda created two military units. One was designed for military training and armed struggle, while the other focused on propaganda. Utilizing religion as a tool to further political aims, Munda traveled across various villages, spreading his ideas and strengthening his politico-military organization.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1875 | Birsa Munda’s Birth |
| 2000 | Formation of Jharkhand |
| 15 November | Foundation Day of Jharkhand and Birth Anniversary of Birsa Munda |
Impact of the Munda Rebellion
Birsa Munda’s struggle against exploitation and discrimination led to significant changes in the socio-political landscape. The most tangible result of his revolution was the passing of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act in 1908. This Act restricted the transfer of land from tribal people to non-tribals, thereby safeguarding their rights and resources.
His legacy continues to inspire the modern Jharkhand state and his birth anniversary is celebrated as the Jharkhand foundation day, immortalizing the valuable contributions he made towards the upliftment and empowerment of tribal communities.