Birsa Munda played a crucial role in the history of indigenous opposition in India, spearheading a rebellion against British colonial rule in the late 19th century. He is universally recognized as an iconic figure of tribal resistance and empowerment. His lasting impact continues to serve as inspiration for numerous movements advocating for tribal rights and autonomy, both in India and internationally.

Birsa Munda was born on 15 November 1875, to Sugana Munda and Karmi Hatu in Village Ulihatu in the then Bengal Presidency, now in the Khunti district of Jharkhand in India. He was born on Thursday, hence, as per Munda tribe customs, he was named after the day.

Birsa Munda’s life was marked by his struggle against British oppression and his efforts to unite the tribal communities against colonial rule. He was deeply influenced by the tribal traditions and beliefs, and he used them as a tool to mobilize the people against the British.

Birsa Munda emerged as an emblematic figure of indigenous defiance through his leadership and endeavours to advocate for the rights and liberty of his community. He organized tribal communities, including the Mundas, Oraons, and others, to oppose the oppressive measures enforced by landlords and the British administration.

His campaign sought to safeguard tribal territories, uphold customs, and preserve traditions against encroachment and exploitation. The ultimate goal was to establish self-governance rooted in traditional tribal customs and practices. He also coined the slogan, “Abua raj seter jana, maharani raj tundu jana” (Let the kingdom of tribals prosper, while the Queen’s kingdom ends).

Birsa Munda aimed to bring about social reforms within the tribal community. He campaigned against social evils such as alcoholism, witchcraft, and forced labour. He encouraged education among the tribal people to uplift their socio-economic status.

The British colonial system exacerbated the evolution of the tribal agrarian structure into a feudal state. Because the tribal communities, relying on primitive technology and cultivating crops on small patches of land using simple tools and techniques, were unable to produce a surplus, the tribal chiefs invited non-tribal peasants to settle in Chhotanagpur and cultivate the land. This resulted in the dispossession of lands that were originally owned by the tribals. The emergence of a new class of Thikadars, more voracious and motivated to maximize their holdings, ensued as a consequence.

In 1856, there were approximately 600 Jagirs, ranging from a single village to 150 villages. However, by 1874, the influence of traditional Munda or Oraon chiefs had been largely eradicated by the authority of farmers introduced by landlords. In certain villages, these chiefs had lost their ownership rights entirely, being relegated to the status of agricultural labourers.

Birsa Munda’s activism began when he was still a teenager. He witnessed the exploitation of his people by the British and their Indian collaborators, Zamindars, who had taken over their lands and resources. He saw how the tribals were forced to work in the mines and plantations, and how they were denied their basic rights.

Birsa Munda started organizing the tribals in his village and nearby areas, and he soon became a popular leader among them. He preached the message of unity and resistance, and he encouraged the tribals to assert their rights and fight for their freedom.

He also organized a guerrilla army that attacked the British forces and their collaborators, using bows and arrows, swords and spears. He captured several towns and villages and declared himself the king of his territory. He inspired thousands of tribals to join his cause and challenged the might of the British Empire.

Birsa Munda’s movement spread rapidly, and he soon became a threat to the British authorities.  He asked the people not to pay any rent and attacked the outposts of feudal, missionary, and colonial authorities.

The British authorities launched a massive campaign to crush Birsa Munda’s Ulgulan (great rebellion), deploying thousands of troops, police and informers. They also tried to discredit him by spreading rumours and propaganda.

Birsa Munda was eventually captured on March 3, 1900, in Jamkopai forest, Chakradharpur, while he was sleeping, along with his tribal guerrilla army, which was fighting against British forces. He died in Ranchi Jail on 9 June 1900, under mysterious circumstances. He was only 25 years old.

But Birsa Munda’s spirited struggle did not go in vain as it compelled the British government to take action on the plight and exploitation of tribals, which resulted in the Chhota Nagpur Tenancy Act (CNT Act) of 1908 for their protection. This Act restricted the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals and became landmark legislation for the protection of tribal rights.

Despite his relatively short life, Birsa Munda’s legacy endured. He became a symbol of tribal resistance and a folk hero for his efforts to protect the rights, land, and traditions of tribal communities in the face of external pressures.

Today, he is remembered as a significant figure in the history of India’s tribal movements, and his contributions are acknowledged in discussions about tribal rights and autonomy. His legacy is still alive and tribal peoples of West Bengal and Jharkhand celebrate his birth anniversary on 15 November. Mahasweta Devi wrote a novel ‘Aranyer Adhikar’ on the life of Birsa Munda and his rebellion against the British Raj. The novel won her the Sahitya Akademi Award for Bengali in 1979.

On 10 November 2021, the Union Cabinet of the Government of India decided the observance of the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, 15 November 2021, as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ (Tribal Pride Day), aiming to honour the courageous tribal freedom fighters in the context of the year-long festivities marking India’s 75 years of Independence. This special day will be commemorated annually, acknowledging the tribal community’s contributions to safeguarding cultural heritage and fostering Indian values such as national pride, bravery, and hospitality.

Birsa Munda’s life is a testament to the resilience and courage of the tribal communities, who have fought against all odds to protect their identity and way of life. His legacy reminds us of the importance of preserving the diversity of our country, and respecting the rights and dignity of all its citizens, irrespective of their background or identity.