Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to revered tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary. 

Who was Birsa Munda?

• Born on November 15, 1875 as part of the Munda tribe, Birsa Munda played a crucial role in the liberation of his community who were exposed to the atrocities of the British. 

• The Mundas inhabited fertile lands in the Chotanagpur region which were used for cultivation. To take their land, the British connived with the local zamindars and tried to force them into bonded labour. 

• In 1895, the locals turned to Birsa Munda, who is also known as Dharti Abba (Father of the Earth) for help.

• He successfully rallied people across the region to take on the British Empire which led to his arrest. However, the two years of imprisonment only made him more determined. 

• In 1899, Birsa Munda led a revolt called ‘Ulgulan’ (Great Tumult). A series of attacks were unleashed on the British using guerrilla warfare tactics.

• However, the rebellion did not last long. The British attacked the tribal leaders and captured Birsa Munda. 

• Birsa Munda died on June 9, 1900 at the age of 25. 

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas

• Last week, the Union Cabinet had decided to declare November 15 as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ to mark the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda and honour the contributions of the members of Scheduled Tribes to Indian history and culture. The decision has been taken with a view to honour the special place and contributions of tribes in Indian history and culture.

• On November 15, PM Modi inaugurated a museum in Ranchi in memory of Birsa Munda, popularly known as Dharti Abba.

• The museum is situated at the Old Central Jail in Ranchi where the tribal icon had breathed his last. A 25-feet tall statue of Munda has been installed.

• Along with Munda, the museum will also highlight tribal freedom fighters such as Budhu Bhagat, Sidhu-Kanhu, Nilambar-Pitambar, Diwa-Kisun, Telanga Khadiya, Gaya Munda, Jatra Bhagat, Poto H, Bhagirath Manjhi and Ganga Narayan Singh.

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