Birsa Munda 150th Birth Anniversary: Life and Ulgulan
Why in the news
The Prime Minister and Home Minister paid tribute to Birsa Munda on his 150th birth anniversary, marked nationwide as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.
Key facts
- Born in Ulihatu village, now in Khunti district, Jharkhand; raised in Chhotanagpur Plateau region.
- Early name Daud Munda, after his family briefly converted to Christianity.
- Died aged 25 in Ranchi Jail, 1900.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ulgulan | ‘Great Tumult’; 1890s revolt |
| Opposed | British land policies, land alienation, begar, thikadars, moneylenders, missionary interference |
| Slogan | Abua Raj setar jana, Maharani Raj tundu jana |
| Tribes | Munda, Oraon, Kharia |
| Method | Guerrilla attacks on police stations, churches, colonial offices |
Reforms and legacy
- Defended Mundari Khuntkatti land system.
- Fought alcoholism and superstition; founded Birsait.
- Played flute and tuila; joined village akhra gatherings.
Exam angle
- Ulgulan means ‘Great Tumult’.