The Prime Minister recently commemorated the birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda (born on 15th November 1875), a member of the Munda tribe from the Chotanagpur Plateau area. Birsa Munda was not only a tribal leader but also the initiator of the ‘Birsait’ faith, emerged in response to British colonial incursion and missionary attempts at Christianizing tribals.
Birsait Faith and the Munda Rebellion
Incited by the British colonists and their evangelizing attempts, Birsa Munda threw himself into a revolution that took on both a religious and political character. He stirred up the emerging ‘Birsait’ faith and motivated tribals to challenge colonial laws and refuse the imposition of rent. His primary objective was to reclaim tribal rights over their land and forest through a rebellion which later became known as the Munda Rebellion. The goal of this uprising was to establish ‘Munda Raj’, or tribal self-rule.
The Ulgulan Movement and Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
Birsa Munda spearheaded the Ulgulan movement, involving guerrilla warfare, challenging prevailing religious practices, and bringing about substantial social changes. This movement centred on ousting the British and achieved self-rule, known as Munda Raj. His birthday is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, acknowledging the significant contributions of tribal communities. Revered as ‘Bhagwan’ (God) and ‘Dharati Aba’ (Father of the earth) by his followers, Birsa Munda’s legacy extends far beyond his lifetime.
Formation of Jharkhand and Birsa Munda’s Legacy
On November 15, 2000, which also marks Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, the state of Jharkhand was formed. The name Jharkhand translates to “The Land of Forests,” indicating the deep connections with tribal communities and their traditional domains.