The Union Cabinet’s recent approval of 15th November as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas marks a significant milestone in recognizing the valor and contributions of tribal communities to India’s struggle for independence. This annual celebration pays homage to the brave tribal freedom fighters who, with unwavering determination, challenged the British colonial rule. Among these revered figures, the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda on 15th November stands out, as he is not only a symbol of resistance but also revered as a god by tribal communities across India.
Birsa Munda – A Beacon of Tribal Resistance:
Born into poverty on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu, Jharkhand, Birsa Munda emerged as a pivotal figure in the tribal uprisings against British oppression in the late 19th century. His life, marked by a journey from Christian conversion to becoming a tribal leader, is a tale of resistance and resilience.
Birsa’s childhood mirrored the struggles of the Munda community. Raised in the traditional Munda way, amidst poverty, his family faced the hardships imposed by British agrarian policies that disrupted their peaceful existence. The imposition of the Zamindari System replaced the Khunkhatti system, pushing the Mundas into forced labor and poverty. His thirst for education led Birsa to convert to Christianity, adopting the name Birsa David/Daud, to attend a missionary school. However, the exposure to the exploitation by the British and the cultural belittlement by Christian missionaries fueled a growing anti-government sentiment within him.
Influenced by the national movement during his time in Chaibasa, Birsa’s anti-government stance solidified. Withdrawn from the missionary school by his father, he began speaking to his people about the injustices perpetrated by the British. The Munda Ulgulan, initiated in 1894, became a significant rebellion against British rule and outsider exploitation. Birsa, not just a rebel but a visionary, founded his religion and declared himself as God’s messenger. His influence expanded beyond the Mundas, attracting followers from various communities. Advocating a return to traditional ways and a rejection of missionaries, he also urged people to refuse tax payments, fostering a spirit of resistance.
Arrested in 1895, Birsa was released after two years, only to resume his armed struggle in 1899. Targeting symbols of oppression, he razed police stations, government property, churches, and Zamindars’ houses. His efforts aimed at reclaiming the tribal way of life and autonomy from British rule.
However, the British captured Birsa in 1900 from the Jamkopai forest in Chakradharpur. He met his untimely demise on June 9th, 1900, at the age of 25, while imprisoned in Ranchi. Officially, he succumbed to cholera, but doubts linger regarding the circumstances of his death.
Birsa Munda’s legacy endures as a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression and the preservation of tribal identity. His life reflects the indomitable spirit of a leader who fought not only for the Mundas but for the broader cause of justice and autonomy, leaving an indelible mark on the history of tribal uprisings in India.
Other Tribal Heroes in the Struggle for Independence:
Birsa Munda is not alone in the pantheon of tribal freedom fighters. The sacrifices and courage of individuals like Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, Shri Alluri Seetha Ram Raju, Rani Gaidinliu, and Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu have left an indelible mark on India’s fight for freedom.
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, Pride of Sonakhan:
Hailing from Chhattisgarh, Singh’s actions during the 1856 famine, where he looted traders’ grain stock to distribute among the poor, transformed him into a tribal leader. His sacrifice marked him as the first martyr from Chhattisgarh in the independence struggle of 1857.
Shri Alluri Seetha Ram Raju – The Rebel from Andhra Pradesh:
Born on 4th July 1897, Raju led the Rampa Rebellion against the British, organizing tribal people in Visakhapatnam and East Godavari districts. Inspired by the revolutionaries of Bengal, Raju played a pivotal role in the fight against the British government.
Rani Gaidinliu – Naga Leader and Gandhian Influencer:
A spiritual and political leader from the Naga community, Rani Gaidinliu joined the Heraka religious movement at the age of 13. Her efforts extended beyond the Naga region, as she spread Mahatma Gandhi’s message in Manipur during India’s broader movement for freedom.
Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu – Pioneers of Rebellion:
In a precursor to the Great Revolt of 1857, Santhal brothers Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu organized 10,000 Santhals to rebel against the British on 30th June 1855. Their sisters, Phulo and Jhano, also played active roles in the rebellion, marking a pivotal moment in tribal resistance.
As India celebrates Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, it is essential to reflect on the rich tapestry of tribal contributions to the nation’s struggle for independence. The stories of Birsa Munda and other tribal heroes serve as an inspiration, emphasizing the need to preserve and honor the cultural heritage and values that define the spirit of India.
