ALL ABOUT BIRSA MUNDA
ALL ABOUT BIRSA MUNDA
Introduction
- Birsa Munda was an Indian tribal freedom fighter, reformer and religious leader. He was nicknamed as ‘Dharti Abba’ or Father of the Earth, by his followers.
Contribution
Religion
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Reformer
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Munda Rebellion
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Background
'Ulgulan' or the 'Great Tumult' (1899-1900)
Outcome
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Significance
- Birsa Munda’s political awareness and ability to connect with people became the foundation of later tribal movements in the nineteenth century.
- He became a symbol of the anti-feudal, anti-colonial struggle of that time.
- His influential personality and motivational speeches encouraged the public to believe in the power of freedom.
- His revolutionary work not only put an effective dent in the British rule, it also helped mobilise tribals.
- It is due to him and many other such activists and tribals in today’s India get inspired to protect their rights.
The Munda people initially spread from Southeast Asia some 4000–3500 years ago, but mixed extensively with local Indian populations. This ethnic group predominantly speaks the Mundari language as their native language, which belongs to Austroasiatic languages. The Munda are found in the northern areas of east India concentrated in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal. The Munda also reside in adjacent areas of Chhattisgarh as well as in portions of Bangladesh. They are one of India's largest scheduled tribes. Munda people in Tripura are also known as Mura. |