The Legacy of Birsa Munda: A Hero Who Challenged British Rule

New Delhi, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : Birsa Munda, known as the “great hero of Ulgulan,” made a significant impact against British rule at just 25 years old. His courage and determination earned him the status of a deity among tribal communities. Reverently called “Dharti Aaba,” he ignited a rebellion against colonial oppression.

Born on November 15, 1875, in the village of Ulihatu in Jharkhand’s Khunti district, Birsa’s childhood was spent herding sheep and goats. He had a passion for playing the flute and was raised primarily in the surrounding forests of Bohonda. The extreme poverty his family faced instilled in him a spirit of struggle, which later inspired him to lead a major movement.

From a young age, Birsa heard tales of past Munda uprisings. He witnessed tribal leaders rallying their communities for rebellion. His people often reminisced about a golden age when they were free from oppression. They believed their traditional rights would be restored, viewing themselves as descendants of the original inhabitants fighting for their land. These stories motivated them to reclaim their sovereignty, and Birsa recognized the injustices around him.

Long before the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad, Birsa Munda had already taken a stand against the British. After his arrest, the British decided to chain him as a lesson to others about the consequences of defying their rule. However, they underestimated Birsa’s status as a “god” among the tribals.

When brought to court, Birsa was shackled, bloodied, and marked by wounds from beatings. Yet, he stood tall, showing no signs of pain on his face. He seemed satisfied that his message had reached his people, signifying that his rebellion was already a success.

The British realized their mistake as they observed Birsa’s resilience. Prior to the emergence of figures like Bhagat Singh and the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa, Birsa had already sparked a revolution against British authority.

He united the tribal communities in Jharkhand against colonial rule, fueled by the oppressive land taxes imposed by the British. By the late 19th century, many tribal lands were seized in exchange for loans, igniting widespread anger. Birsa stood up to lead this uprising, launching the passionate “Ulgulan” movement, which targeted police stations and British government offices.

At one point, the British government placed a bounty of 500 rupees on Birsa’s head. He was arrested in August 1895, and after serving a two-year sentence, he returned to organize his people against British oppression once more. His movement had gained substantial momentum. In 1900, during a gathering at Tambari Hill, the British army surrounded Birsa and his fellow revolutionaries, resulting in hundreds of casualties, with reports of the dead being disposed of from the hills.

Birsa managed to survive this brutal conflict but lost many comrades. On March 3, 1900, he was once again captured in Chakradharpur. The local Superintendent of Police, Ross, found him sitting calmly in a hut when he was arrested and subsequently sent to Ranchi.

The British attempted to suppress news of Birsa’s arrest, but when the public learned of it, thousands flocked to Ranchi for a glimpse of their hero. He was imprisoned in a dark cell for three months, during which his health deteriorated. Following his death on June 9, 1900, the movement he inspired led to the passage of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act in 1908, which protected tribal lands from being transferred to any individual or institution. This act continues to serve as a protective measure for tribal communities today.