Birsa Munda (1875–1900) was a revolutionary tribal leader, freedom fighter, and religious reformer from Jharkhand, India. Revered as Dharti Abba or the “Father of the Earth,” Birsa became a symbol of tribal identity and resistance. His leadership of the Ulgulan Movement (The Great Tumult) challenged British colonial rule and the exploitation of Adivasis by landlords and missionaries.

Early Life of Birsa Munda

Birsa Munda was born on 15 November 1875 in Ulihatu village, Jharkhand. Belonging to the Munda tribe, he grew up in poverty, witnessing the oppression of Adivasis under British land laws. His parents, Sugana Munda and Karmi Hatu, were sharecroppers struggling under the zamindari system.

Birsa attended a German Mission School, where he briefly converted to Christianity, but later rejected it. Instead, he revived pride in tribal culture and identity, laying the foundation of his leadership.

Colonial Exploitation and Tribal Struggles

In the 19th century, the Chotanagpur plateau faced severe hardships due to:

• British land policies that destroyed traditional tribal ownership.
• Moneylenders and landlords (zamindars) seizing land.
• Christian missionaries undermining tribal customs.

This exploitation created unrest, and Birsa emerged as a leader determined to restore self-rule (Abua Raj) for his people.

Birsa Munda’s Vision and Teachings

Birsa Munda combined religious reform, social change, and political resistance:

• Religious Reformer: He founded the Birsait faith, promoting belief in one God, purity, and unity, while rejecting superstitions, alcoholism, and exploitative conversions.
• Social Leader: He inspired tribals to reclaim dignity, self-respect, and pride in their heritage.
• Political Freedom Fighter: His slogan “Abua Raj, Ate Jana Raj” (Our Rule, Not Others’ Rule) became a powerful call for self-governance.

The Ulgulan Movement (1899–1900)

The Ulgulan, or Great Tumult, was a tribal rebellion led by Birsa Munda. Thousands of Adivasis, armed with bows, arrows, and traditional weapons, rose against the British and local landlords.

• They attacked police stations, government officials, and exploitative zamindars.
• The movement spread across Ranchi, Khunti, and Singhbhum districts.
• Although militarily suppressed, it shook the colonial administration and gave hope to oppressed communities.

The Ulgulan remains one of the earliest tribal uprisings in Indian history.

Arrest and Martyrdom of Birsa Munda

The British, alarmed by Birsa’s growing influence, arrested him in March 1900. He was imprisoned at Ranchi Central Jail, where he died mysteriously on 9 June 1900, at the young age of 25.

Many believe he was poisoned, though the official claim was cholera. His martyrdom turned him into a legend and eternal inspiration for tribal struggles.

Legacy of Birsa Munda

Birsa Munda’s legacy continues to shine in India’s history:

• Tribal Icon: He is worshipped as a deity by Adivasis across Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal.
• National Hero: His birthday, 15 November, is celebrated as Jharkhand Foundation Day and Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.
• Institutions in His Name: Birsa Munda Airport (Ranchi), Birsa Agricultural University, and Birsa Institute of Technology honor his memory.
• Cultural Reverence: Folk songs, stories, and festivals keep alive the memory of his struggle.

Birsa Munda in Modern India

Today, Birsa Munda is seen not only as a tribal leader but also as a national freedom fighter. His vision of self-rule, dignity, and equality resonates with ongoing struggles for tribal rights, land ownership, and environmental justice.

His life inspires social movements, writers, and filmmakers, making him one of the most powerful tribal icons in Indian history.

Conclusion

The story of Birsa Munda is the story of resistance, courage, and identity. From a poor tribal boy in Jharkhand to becoming the legendary Dharti Abba, Birsa proved that leadership is born from struggle.

Though he lived only 25 years, his fight for freedom and justice made him immortal. Birsa Munda was not only a freedom fighter of India but also the voice of millions of marginalized Adivasis. Remembering him today means keeping alive the spirit of equality, self-rule, and cultural pride.