Birsa Munda: The Tribal Hero who led a revolution for freedom

Birsa Munda: A beacon of Tribal revolution and Heroism

Born on November 15, 1875, Birsa Munda was a visionary leader who sparked the “Ulgulan” (The Great Rebellion) in the late 19th century, a revolt that not only challenged British colonial rule but also sought to restore the tribal community’s rights to land, forests, and water.

Ulihatu village, located 66 km from Ranchi in Jharkhand’s Khunti district, is the birthplace of Birsa Munda, one of India’s most revered freedom fighters. The village is surrounded by dense forests and hills.

Birsa Munda led a popular revolt in the early 20th century that declared the end of British rule over large parts of the region and the beginning of ‘Abua Raj‘ (self-rule).

Birsa Munda’s journey into activism began early. Growing up in a tribal community deeply impacted by British policies, he saw firsthand the erosion of tribal rights and traditions under colonial rule. By the time he was a student, Munda had already become aware of the injustice being inflicted upon his people.

His activism quickly escalated, and by the mid-1890s, Birsa had become a significant threat to British colonial authority. In August 1895, he was arrested in Chalkad village, marking a pivotal moment in his journey as a leader.

After spending two years in prison, Birsa returned to the tribal heartlands, where he reignited the struggle for tribal rights, focusing on land, water, and forest resources, which had been encroached upon by the British.

The Great Rebellion – Ulgulan

In December 1899, Birsa Munda launched the Ulgulan (Great Rebellion) — a movement that galvanized thousands of tribal people to declare independence from British rule. The slogan “Diku Raj Tuntu Jana – Abua Raj Ete Jana” (The rule of outsiders is over, our own rule has begun) echoed through the region as Munda led his followers in a fierce campaign against colonial forces. The rebellion was rooted in the fight for tribal self-governance—an end to the exploitative land policies that had undermined their way of life for decades.

The British responded with brutal force, seeking to quell the growing unrest. On January 9, 1900, a climactic battle took place at Dombari Buru hill, where Munda and his followers, armed with traditional weapons like bows and arrows, made a last stand against British forces armed with guns and cannons. While the British eventually won, the battle became a symbol of defiance, with hundreds of tribals killed. The violence left the hill stained with blood, and the nearby Tajna River turned red—a powerful symbol of the sacrifices made by the tribal community.

The martyrdom of Birsa Munda

Despite the defeat, Birsa Munda’s rebellion continued to inspire the masses. However, his eventual capture on February 3, 1900, marked the beginning of the end. Munda was arrested in the dense forests of Chaibasa while resting and brought to Ranchi, where he was subjected to a mock trial under Magistrate W S Kutus. Birsa Munda was sentenced to imprisonment in Ranchi Jail, where he faced brutal torture.

On June 1, 1900, the British authorities claimed that Birsa Munda had died of cholera, but his death remains shrouded in mystery. He passed away on June 9, 1900, under circumstances that suggest foul play. His body was discarded unceremoniously near the Distillery Bridge in Ranchi, where a memorial now stands to honor his life and sacrifice.

Today, Ranchi Jail has been converted into the Birsa Munda Smriti Sangrahalaya (Memorial Museum) to preserve his legacy and educate future generations about his contributions to the Indian freedom struggle.

A legacy of resistance

Birsa Munda’s contributions went beyond mere rebellion. He inspired a national awakening and helped lay the foundation for later anti-colonial movements. His fight for the tribal community’s rights, coupled with his leadership during the Ulgulan, positioned him as a key figure in India’s larger struggle against British oppression. The rebellion he led was one of the earliest instances of indigenous resistance, one that called for social justice, land rights, and a return to self-rule.

Birsa Munda’s impact continues to be felt today. His struggle to protect the rights of tribal communities against exploitation was a precursor to many movements that would follow. His vision of “Abua Raj” (self-rule) continues to inspire the tribal people of India as they strive for social and economic empowerment.

As Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is observed every year on Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, it serves as a reminder of the immense contribution he made not only to the freedom struggle but also to giving a voice to marginalized communities. His call for justice resonates strongly in today’s India, where issues of tribal rights, land ownership, and social equality remain pressing concerns.

Birsa Munda’s life, his sacrifices, and his undying commitment to his people remain etched in the hearts of millions. His legacy continues to shape the identity of India’s tribal communities and serves as a symbol of resistance, resilience, and the unyielding fight for justice.

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