Birsa Munda Biography, History, Birth Date, Death June 9, 1900

Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu (now in Jharkhand) to a Munda family. His early life was marked by poverty, and he initially converted to Christianity to attend a missionary school. However, after spending time in Chaibasa, he became influenced by the national movement and grew critical of British rule and missionary activities. This Birsa Munda biography provided details on Birsa Munda’s life and his significant role in India’s fight for independence, offering a comprehensive biography.

Who was Birsa Munda?

In Indian history, Birsa Munda is remembered as a highly respected leader who inspired tribal communities to fight for independence. He was born on November 15, 1875, in the Munda community, a significant cultural group in Jharkhand, in the village of Ulihatu near Ranchi. Birsa Munda emerged as an iconic figure in the resistance against British colonial rule and the injustices faced by tribal communities. Check the table provided below.

Birsa Munda Jayanti 150th Birth Anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release a commemorative Rs 150 coin and a postal stamp to honor Birsa Munda on his 150th birth anniversary during the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on November 15 in Jamui, Bihar. Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader from Khunti, is being celebrated for his contributions. The coin will be made of 99.9% pure silver, weigh 40 grams, and have a diameter of 44 mm. One side will feature the Ashoka Lion Capital, while the other side will have Birsa Munda’s image. This is the 16th commemorative Rs 150 coin issued in India.

MESSAGE OF THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA SMT. DROUPADI MURMU

Birsa Munda Biography (1875-1901)

Early Life and Tribal Background

• He was part of the Munda tribe, a well-known group in the area. His dad, Sugana Munda, was a spiritual leader, and his mom, Karmi Hatu, took care of their home.
• As a kid, Birsa loved the traditions of his tribe, learning their language, and enjoying their dance, music, and culture. Growing up surrounded by his community’s vibrant customs made him proud and gave him a strong sense of who he was.

Influence of Tribal Customs and Traditions

• Birsa Munda’s early exposure to the customs and traditions of his tribe had a profound impact on his life and thinking. He was deeply impressed by the communal way of life of the tribal people, where everyone shared equally in the joys and hardships of life.
• This idea of fairness and equality motivated Birsa Munda to stand up against the mistreatment and unfairness that his people experienced because of the British rulers. He saw British rule as a threat to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of his community and sought to mobilize the people to resist it.

Early Resistance Against British Rule

• In 1895, Birsa Munda rebelled against British rule by gathering a group of tribals to protest taxes and forced labour. More uprisings followed, and he became a key leader in the tribal resistance movement in Jharkhand. His goal was to unite the various tribes in Jharkhand for a common cause. People admired him for his message of freedom and self-governance.

Formation of the Munda Council

• In 1899, Birsa Munda established the Munda Council to unite Jharkhand’s diverse tribes to resist British rule. The council convened its initial meeting in 1900, presenting a resolution urging the British to cease meddling in tribal affairs.
• It also aimed to institute a self-governance system, allowing tribal communities to follow their customs and traditions autonomously. Birsa Munda took on the role of council head and dedicated himself to ensuring its success.

Imprisonment and Death

• Birsa Munda’s active leadership greatly annoyed the British colonial rulers. In 1900, the British arrested him on charges of sedition, gave him a life sentence, and sent him to Ranchi jail. During his time in jail, he suffered from illness and neglect, and sadly, he passed away on June 9, 1900, at only 25 years old.
• His death was a significant loss to the tribal resistance movement in Jharkhand, but his memory as a freedom fighter and a symbol of resistance against British rule remains alive in India.

Legacy and Significance

• Birsa Munda’s legacy as a freedom fighter and a symbol of resistance against British colonialism is an essential part of India’s history. His message of equality and justice for all people, regardless of caste, religion, or ethnicity, remains relevant.

Reasons Behind the Munda Rebellion:

Feudal Zamindari System: The British replaced the tribal Khuntkatti system with the feudal Zamindari system, which disrupted the traditional land-sharing practices of the tribal communities, marginalizing them and undermining their land rights.

Forced Labor and Exploitation: The British imposed forced labor on the Mundas, making them work in plantations, mines, and infrastructure projects under harsh conditions, while also exploiting them through high taxes and debt.

Entry of Outsiders (Dikus): British policies favored non-tribal settlers and landlords, denying the tribals equal rights and access to justice, further alienating them.

Missionary Activities: Christian missionaries, backed by the British, sought to forcibly convert tribal people, creating resentment among the tribal communities against colonial rule.

Munda Rebellion:

Birsa Munda led the rebellion, combining traditional Munda beliefs with his vision for social justice and religious revival.

• Mass Mobilization: Birsa inspired thousands of tribal people across the region to rise up against colonial oppression.
• Armed Uprisings: The rebellion saw attacks on British offices, police stations, and landlords’ estates as Munda forces fought for their rights.
• Suppression: The British crushed the rebellion with force, capturing Birsa Munda, who mysteriously died in captivity in 1900.

Achievements of the Munda Rebellion:

• Awareness: The rebellion raised awareness about the injustices faced by tribal communities under British rule.
• Tribal Rights: It highlighted the need to protect tribal land and resources from exploitation.
• Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908: This Act was a direct result of the rebellion. It restricted the transfer of tribal land to outsiders, recognized the Khuntkatti system of collective land ownership, and abolished forced labor (Veth Bigari).

The Legend Birsa Munda Death and Legacy

Birsa Munda died on June 9, 1900, at just 25 years old while in British custody. He had been captured to suppress the Munda rebellion, but the true cause of his death remains unclear.

Statue of Rebellion: The “Statue of Rebellion” honors Birsa Munda’s legacy. In 2021, a museum was opened at the old central jail in Ranchi, where he died. The statue shows him in traditional tribal attire, holding weapons like bows and arrows, symbolizing his leadership and rebellion.

PM-JANMAN: On Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched PM-JANMAN, a program to ensure better welfare services for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

Bhagwan Birsa Munda

Birsa Munda is commonly referred to as ‘Dharti Aba,’ which translates to ‘Earth Father.’ Some of his devotees consider him a deity and offer him worship. However, not everyone uses this title. For many, it serves as a means of demonstrating respect and commemorating his significant contributions. In essence, Birsa Munda is a revered and heroic figure within the tribal communities of Jharkhand. He symbolizes their resistance against the British and their quest for justice and rights in India’s historical context.

Birsa Munda Airport Ranchi

Birsa Munda Airport is in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand in India. It’s named after Birsa Munda, a tribal hero who fought against the British long ago. The airport is managed by the Airports Authority of India and handles flights from within the country and abroad.

There’s one building for arriving and departing passengers at the airport. It has useful things like Wi-Fi, ATMs, baggage carts, and a food court. The airport can welcome more than 1 million passengers every year.

Birsa Munda Park

Birsa Munda Park, situated in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India, is a big 400-acre place for fun and relaxation. It’s named after Birsa Munda, a tribal leader who bravely opposed the British in the late 19th century. The park has lots to do for everyone, with a large lake for boating and water fun. There are walking and jogging paths, as well as cycling trails for those who love the outdoors.

For those who like excitement, the park has rides like a big wheel, a roller coaster, and a toy train. There’s also a special play area for kids with swings, slides, and other fun activities.

Birsa Munda History

Birsa Munda, a revered leader of the Munda tribe, introduced a novel religion known as “Birsait” to reform tribal society. Proclaiming himself as the messenger of God, Birsa garnered widespread support from the Kharias, Orans, and Munda tribal communities, as well as significant interest from Hindus and Muslims. His leadership drew large crowds, urging tribal people to shun missionary activities and embrace their traditional customs and beliefs once again.

• Birsa Munda, a prominent leader of the Munda tribe, initiated the “Birsait” religion to reform tribal society.
• Declaring himself as God’s messenger, Birsa gained followers from various tribal communities and attracted interest from Hindus and Muslims.
• Large gatherings ensued as people flocked to witness the emergence of this new religious movement.
• Birsa advocated for a return to traditional practices and urged tribal people to disregard missionary activities.

Important Facts about Birsa Munda

• Birsa Munda spearheaded a rebellion against the British Raj in the late 19th century, rallying the Mundas and other tribes to resist colonial rule and engaging in battles against the British forces.
• Known for his slogan “Abua raj seter jana, maharani raj tundu jana” (Let the rule of the whites be ended and our raj come).
• Arrested in 1895, Birsa Munda spent several years in prison until he died in 1900.
• Celebrated as a hero and a symbol of tribal resistance in India, Birsa Munda’s legacy is honoured in literature, music, and art.
• The Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, Jharkhand is named in his honour.
• Jharkhand observes a state holiday on November 15 to celebrate Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary.
• Birsa Munda’s influence extends to various tribal movements across India, and his principles of social justice and equality continue to inspire people today.

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