Birsa Munda: The Tribal Hero of Jharkhand

Birth and Early Life

• Born on 15 November 1875 in Ulihatu village, under Khunti subdivision, Arki block.
• Some scholars dispute Ulihatu as his actual birthplace.
• Father: Sugna Munda, Grandfather: Lakhari Munda.
• Born into a very poor family.

Childhood and Education

• Due to poverty, his parents sent him first to Ayubhatu (mother’s village) and later to Khutanga.
• On 7 May 1886, Birsa converted to Christianity at the Lutheran Mission in Chaibasa.
• Received his primary education in a nearby village school near Ulihatu.
• Later, admitted to Gurju Mission School.

Religious Discontent and Social Awakening

• During his schooling, German Lutheran and Roman Catholic missionaries were actively involved in land movements.
• Birsa paid close attention to the missionary activities and their effects on tribal life.
• Due to some differences, he was expelled from school, and he lived in Chaibasa from 1886 to 1890.

Turning Point and Return to Roots

• In 1890, after returning to his native village, he underwent a major transformation.
• Developed interest in stories of Ram-Lakshman (Ramayana) and Krishna-Arjuna (Mahabharata).
• Came under the influence of a Hindu Brahmin named Anand Pandey.
• Began actively serving local villagers.
• Became disillusioned with missionary work and started reviving traditional tribal life.

Beginning of the Movement

• The main goal of the Birsa Movement was to restore pure tribal culture.
• Used religion as a tool for political resistance.
• Declared a rebellion against Christian missionaries, accusing them of dividing Munda society.

Growth into a Mass Movement

• The movement gradually grew into a mass rebellion.
• Tribal sardars (leaders) also joined in.
• With the inclusion of sardars, the original peaceful nature of the movement changed.
• Without Birsa’s consent, sardars started preparing for an armed struggle.
• Christian missionaries incited the British government against Birsa.

British Action and Arrest

• On 22 August 1895, a warrant for Birsa’s arrest was issued.
• He was arrested and tried under Section 505 of the Indian Penal Code.
• Sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment.
• This suppression frightened the Munda community.

Release and Renewed Rebellion

• Released from jail on 30 November 1897.
• Spent the next two years organizing his followers.
• In 1899, led rebellions against Christians and the British in Chakradharpur, Khunti, Karra, Torpa, Tamar, and Basia regions.
• His actions angered the British government, which announced a reward of ₹500 for his capture.
• Birsa evaded arrest for some time.

Final Arrest and Death

• On 9 June 1900, Birsa Munda was finally arrested by British authorities.
• Died in Ranchi jail (exact date not mentioned in the provided text).

Legacy

• Birsa Munda remains a symbol of tribal resistance against British colonialism and missionary influence.
• Revered as a hero and spiritual leader among Adivasis in Jharkhand and across India.