Birsa Munda: Freedom Fighter of Tribal Society

Modern Indian history: eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities.

 

 

 

 

In news:

Birth anniversary of Birsa Munda was observed on November 15^th. In recognition of his impact on the national movement, the state of Jharkhand was created on his birth anniversary in 2000.

 

About Birsa Munda:

Bisra Munda was a folk hero and a tribal freedom fighter hailing from the Munda tribe. He was a spearhead behind the Millenarian movement that arose in the Bihar and Jharkhand belt in the 19th century under the British colonisation. He is also known as ‘Dharti Abba’ or the Earth Father.

Birsait:

Bisra wanted to reform the tribal society and so, he urged them to let go of beliefs in witchcraft and instead, stressed on the importance of prayer, staying away from alcohol, having faith in God and observing a code of conduct. Based on these, he started the faith of ‘Birsait’.

Achievements:

Bisra started a movement called ‘Ulgulan’, or ‘The Great Tumult’. His struggle against the exploitation and discrimination against tribals led to a big hit against the British government in the form of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act being passed in 1908. The act restricted the passing on of land from the tribal people to non-tribals.

 

Sources: pib.