Context
PM pays tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on the occasion of his Martyr’s Day.
About Bhagwan Birsa Munda
- Early Life:
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- Born on 15th November 1875 in Ulihatu of the erstwhile Bengal Presidency.
- An Indian freedom fighter, spiritual leader and people hero from the Munda Tribe.
- Learned teachings from a Vaishnav monk.
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- Founder of New Religion “Birsait”:
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- He believed in One God.
- Munda and Oraon network people joined the sect & challenged British conversion activities of tribals.
- He preached strong Anti-British sentiment by faith.
- Also, referred to as ‘Dharti Abba or Father of Earth’ by his followers.
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- Outcomes of the Munda Rebellion:
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- In 1895, Birsa Munda was arrested for rioting and imprisoned for 2 years.
- In 1900, Birsa Munda became arrested again and died of cholera in captivity, at the age of simply 25.
Munda Rebellion
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- A tribal movement led by Munda against the British Raj.
- Also called ‘Ulgulan’ or the ‘Great Tumult,’ to establish Munda raj.
- The revolt aimed at challenging the colonial land revenue system, Zamindari system, and forced labor imposed at the tribals.
- The movement’s primary grievances were the introduction of the Zamindari device, which displaced tribals from their land, and the exploitation by outsiders or Dikus who took control of tribal lands and resources.
- Birsa Munda and his followers used guerrilla warfare techniques to target symbols of British power, including police stations, government buildings, and landlords’ organisations.
- Outcomes of the Rebellion:
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- The British government introduced the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act in 1908, to prohibit the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals (Dikus).
- Lenient mindset of Britishers closer to tribals & retaining their faith & beliefs.
Key Initiatives For Tribals
- Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: Celebrated on fifteenth November at the beginning anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. This day serves to apprehend and honor the contributions of tribal communities in India, especially their role within the country’s freedom struggle.
- Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN): This initiative, released to aid Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), targets to provide basic infrastructure in tribal areas, which include pucca houses, smooth drinking water, and advanced roads.
Conclusion
Bhagwan Birsa Munda remains a guiding discern for the tribal groups, specifically in Jharkhand, and continues to inspire the combat for tribal rights and social justice in India.
Source: The News on AIR
UPSC Prelims Practice Question
Q. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both? (2013)
(a) State Forest Department
(b) District Collector/Deputy Commissioner
(c) Tahsildar/Block Development Officer/Mandal Revenue Officer
(d) Gram Sabha
Ans: (d)
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