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Context

• Marking the 124th death anniversary of revolutionary tribal leader Birsa Munda, Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren paid his tributes on Sunday, June 9.
• He acknowledged the continuing influence of Birsa Munda and expressed the government’s commitment to improving the living standards of tribals, natives, and common people of Jharkhand.

Birsa Munda: A Revered Tribal Leader

Early Life and Background

• Birth and Community: Born on November 15, 1875, Birsa Munda belonged to the Munda tribe in the Chotanagpur region, present-day Jharkhand.
• Traditional Land System: The Munda tribe initially practiced the "khuntkatti" system, based on customary land rights without landlords.

Impact of Colonial Policies

• Permanent Settlement Act (1793): Introduced by the British, this act established the zamindari system, creating land-owning zamindars (dikus) and tenant farmers (ryots), disrupting the traditional land ownership system.
• Forced Labor and Exploitation: Tribals faced forced labor (begar system) and exploitation by moneylenders, replacing their traditional clan councils with courts.
• Famine and Starvation: The community suffered from famines in 1896-97 and 1899-1900, leading to mass starvation.

Birsa Munda’s Transformation and Leadership

Education and Early Influence

• Primary Education: Birsa received his primary education under Jaipal Nag and briefly converted to Christianity to attend the German Mission school.
• Disillusionment: British rule and missionary activities made many tribals, including Birsa, cynical about foreign presence.

Rise as a Tribal Leader

• Sardari Agitation: Between 1886 and 1890, Birsa was influenced by the peaceful Sardari agitation against British rule, led by the Oraon and Munda tribes.
• Anti-Colonial Movement: By 1890, Birsa was deeply involved in the anti-missionary and anti-colonial movements.

Religious and Social Reforms

• Formation of Birsait Sect: Birsa founded the Birsait faith, opposing superstition, begging, and animal sacrifice, advocating the worship of one God.
• God-like Status: He was revered as ‘Bhagwan’ (God) and ‘Dharti ka Abba’ (Father of the Earth) by his followers.

The Ulgulan Movement

Launch and Activities

• Start of Ulgulan Movement (1899): Birsa Munda launched the Ulgulan (The Great Tumult) movement using guerrilla warfare to resist British authority.
• Call for Birsa Raj: He urged tribals to reject colonial laws and rent payments, promoting the establishment of Birsa Raj.

British Repression and Birsa’s Death

• Arrest and Death: On March 3, 1900, Birsa was arrested by British police and later died in Ranchi Jail on June 9, 1900, at the age of 25, reportedly due to illness.

Legacy and Impact

Legal and Social Reforms

• Abolition of Begar System: The movement contributed to the government’s repeal of the forced labor system.
• Tenancy Act (1903): Recognized the khuntkhatti system.
• Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908): Prohibited the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals.

Continuing Influence

• Tribute by Government: Jharkhand’s government continues to honor Birsa Munda’s legacy and strives to improve the living standards of tribal and native communities following his ideals.

Birsa Munda remains a symbol of resistance and a revered figure among tribal communities, celebrated for his efforts to protect their land rights and cultural identity.

READ:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/birsa-munda-1

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/birsa-munda-1

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss the role of Birsa Munda in the tribal resistance against British rule. Evaluate the long-term impact of his leadership on contemporary tribal policies in India.