Birsa Munda- Relevance for UPSC Exam
- GS Paper 1: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
Birsa Munda in News
- Recently, Union Minister released a book “Birsa Munda – Janjatiya Nayak” written by Prof. Alok Chakrawal, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur.
- “Birsa Munda – Janjatiya Nayak” book is a comprehensive attempt to bring to the fore the struggle of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and the contribution of forest dwellers to the freedom movement.
Key Facts about Birsa Munda
- About Sri Birsa Munda: He was born on 15th November 1875 in a Munda tribe in the Chotanagpur Plateau area.
- Against British Rule: Birsa Munda fought bravely for the country against the exploitative system of the British colonial system and spearheaded the movement against British oppression giving a call for ‘Ulgulan’ (Revolution).
- Birsait Sect: Birsa started the faith of ‘Birsait’ after knowing the efforts of the missionaries to convert tribals to Christianity.
- he urged the Mundas to give up drinking liquor, clean their village, and stop believing in witchcraft and sorcery.
- Birsa Munda Led Munda Rebellion: Birsa Munda initiated the Munda Rebellion in the south of Ranchi in 1899-1900.
- It was also known by the name of the ‘Ulgulan’ or the ‘Great Tumult’.
- Objective: To establish Munda Raj by driving out the British.
- The Munda rebellion identified the following reasons for the misery the Mundas-
- Hindu landlords and moneylenders snatched the land of the Munda tribes.
- Conversion activities are taken by Missionaries in Tribal Areas.
- Exploitative land taxation system and policies of the British government.
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas- Birth Anniversary of Birsa Munda
More on Birsa Munda- Celebrating Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
- The Union Cabinet has approved the declaration of 15th November as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas dedicated to the memory of brave tribal freedom fighters.
- The date is the birth anniversary of Sri Birsa Munda who is revered as Bhagwan by tribal communities across the country.
- Janjatiya Gaurav Divas will help coming generations know about their sacrifices for the country.
- The day will be celebrated every year and would recognize the efforts of the tribals for the preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of Indian values of valour, hospitality, and national pride.
Swami Vivekananda