The slogan “Abua raj seter jana, maharani raj tundu jana,” meaning “Let the kingdom of the queen be ended and our kingdom be established,” echoes the revolutionary spirit of Birsa Munda, one of India’s greatest tribal heroes, revered as ‘Bhagwan’ by many Indian tribal communities. Born on November 15, 1875, in the village of Ulihatu in the Khunti district of present-day Jharkhand, Birsa Munda was not only an Indian freedom fighter and tribal leader but also a religious reformer. His legacy is honored annually on November 15, celebrated as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ (Tribal Pride Day), a date which also commemorates the formation of the state of Jharkhand.
Early Life and Awakening
Birsa Munda’s early life was marked by various shifts. He received his formal education in Salga under Jaipal Nag’s guidance and later converted to Christianity to attend the German Mission School. However, Birsa soon realized that the British were using education as a tool to convert tribals to Christianity. This realization led him to withdraw from the school and found a new faith named ‘Birsa Faith,’ attracting many followers from the Munda community who declared themselves as ‘Birsaits,’ openly opposing British rule.
The Munda Rebellion, a Struggle for Land and Freedom
The historical backdrop of Birsa’s rebellion was the British introduction of new land settlement systems like the zamindari system, replacing the tribal ‘Khuntkatti’ system, which allowed communal land ownership. This change led to widespread displacement of tribals, who were reduced to landless laborers under oppressive landlords. The new landlords imposed ‘Bandhua Majdoori’ (forced labor) and subjected tribals to harsh working conditions without fair compensation. High rental rates and exorbitant interest rates further exacerbated their plight.
The Munda Rebellion, also known as ‘Ulgulan’ or ‘The Great Tumult Movement,’ emerged in response to these injustices. Birsa Munda began mobilizing the Munda tribals against the colonizers and outsiders, called ‘Dikus,’ starting in 1894. By 1895, he had established an independent ‘Munda Raj,’ adopting a white flag as its symbol. Under his leadership, the rebels used guerrilla tactics to launch a series of armed attacks on British establishments, disrupting their operations and asserting their resistance.
Birsa Munda’s Leadership and Legacy
Birsa Munda’s organizational and oratory skills were instrumental in uniting various tribal communities across Chotanagpur, Bengal, and Odisha. He brought together the Oraons and Kharias to form a common front against the British-Thekedar alliance. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Birsa’s resolve remained unbroken.
In March 1900, the British arrested Birsa Munda while he and his followers were sleeping in a forest. He was imprisoned and died a few months later due to cholera. His death dealt a severe blow to the rebellion, and the British swiftly moved to suppress the uprising. Despite this, Birsa Munda’s movement succeeded in highlighting the capacity of tribal communities to resist oppression and fight for their rights.
The Chotanagpur Tenancy Act
The British response to the uprising was the implementation of the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act of 1908. The CNT Act aimed to safeguard tribal land rights by restricting the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals. It also recognized customary community rights related to water, forest, and land, ensuring protection for the tribal way of life. This act marked a significant step in addressing the grievances of the tribal communities.
Birsa Munda’s Enduring Impact
Birsa Munda’s struggle and sacrifice have left an indelible mark on Indian history. His fight for political justice, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment resonates even today. Along with political justice, he fought to preserve and revive the spiritual, economic, and cultural heritage of indigenous tribes. He mobilized the tribal communities to resist the imposition of external cultural practices, preached against animal sacrifice, and encouraged cleanliness and self-reliance.
In 2021, the Prime Minister inaugurated a museum in Ranchi in Birsa Munda’s honor, located at the Old Central Jail where he took his last breath. The museum commemorates other tribal freedom fighters and showcases Birsa’s story as a symbol of rebellion and resilience. The Prime Minister also launched the ‘PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)’ initiative to empower Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), further extending Birsa Munda’s legacy.
Summing Up
As the nation celebrates Birsa Munda Jayanti, it is crucial to recognize this day not just as a tribute to a remarkable tribal leader but as a reminder of resistance, courage, and the spirit of freedom. Birsa Munda’s life and legacy continue to inspire the citizens of India to strive for a just and equal society, embodying the timeless values of bravery and resilience against oppression.