Why in NEWS
Prime Minister paid tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on 9th June 2025, commemorating his Martyr’s Day.
Key Concepts and Terms
| Term / Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Birsa Munda | Tribal freedom fighter and religious leader from Chotanagpur, Jharkhand |
| Dharti Abba | Title meaning “Father of the Earth” |
| Birsait Religion | A monotheistic faith founded by Birsa Munda, worshipping Singhbonga |
| Ulgulan Movement | Birsa’s anti-British movement (1899–1900), meaning “The Great Tumult” |
| Khunt Katti System | Traditional tribal land ownership based on clan collectives |
| Beth Begari | Forced unpaid labour, which Birsa opposed |
News Summary
Birsa Munda was remembered by the PM on June 9th for his legacy as a freedom fighter and tribal rights advocate. His contributions shaped tribal identity, land reforms, and cultural pride in India.
Birsa Munda: A Life of Resistance and Reform
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Life | Born on 15th Nov 1875 in Ulihatu, Jharkhand; initially named Daud Munda |
| Family Background | Belonged to a poor Munda tribal sharecropper family |
| Education & Spiritual Shift | Educated in a mission school; left Christianity due to alienation; embraced Vaishnavism |
| Religious Reform | Founded Birsait religion; worshipped Singhbonga; opposed superstitions and forced labour |
| Core Teachings | Advocated tribal unity, land rights, hygiene, pride in tribal identity |
| Major Movement | Led the Ulgulan movement (1899–1900) against British and landlords |
| Death and Legacy | Died in jail on 9th June 1900; inspired land reforms and legal protection for tribals |
Outcomes and Legacy
| Contribution | Impact |
|---|---|
| Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908) | Protected tribal land rights; banned transfer of land to non-tribals |
| Abolition of Beth Begari | Official end to forced tribal labour |
| National Recognition | 15th November declared Janjatiya Gaurav Divas since 2021 |
Key Government Initiatives for Tribal Welfare
| Scheme / Initiative | Objective and Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan | Upliftment of 63,000 tribal-majority villages with integrated development |
| PM-JANMAN (2023) | Support for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in health, finance |
| Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana | Strengthen basic infrastructure in tribal-populated villages |
In a Nutshell: Remember the Code “BIRSA”
- B – Birsait religion and spiritual reform
- I – Identity and pride in tribal roots
- R – Resistance through Ulgulan movement
- S – Singhbonga worship and social unity
- A – Abolition of beth begari and legal land rights
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following statements about Birsa Munda is correct?
A) He founded the Arya Samaj
B) He led the Santhal Rebellion
C) He launched the Ulgulan Movement
D) He opposed the abolition of the Khunt Katti system - The Birsait faith initiated by Birsa Munda emphasized:
A) Idol worship
B) Polytheism and tribal rituals
C) Monotheism and worship of Singhbonga
D) Conversion to Christianity - The Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908 was a direct consequence of:
A) Kuka Movement
B) Birsa Munda’s rebellion
C) Indigo Rebellion
D) Moplah Revolt
Mains Practice Questions
- Birsa Munda played a unique role in India’s tribal and freedom movement. Discuss his contribution with reference to the Ulgulan Movement. (GS I – 2013)
- How did the legacy of Birsa Munda influence tribal policies and legal reforms in colonial and post-colonial India?
Answers with Explanations (Prelims)
| Q.No | Correct Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | Birsa Munda led the Ulgulan Movement against British exploitation |
| 2 | C | The Birsait faith emphasized monotheism and the worship of Singhbonga |
| 3 | B | The Chotanagpur Tenancy Act was enacted as a result of Birsa’s movement |
