Birsa Munda (he is also known as Dharti Abba) was an Indian tribal freedom fighter and a folk hero, who belonged to the Munda tribe, and was behind the Millenarian movement that rose in the tribal belt of modern day Bihar, andJharkhand during the British Raj, in the late 19th century.
A visionary and great fredom fighter, Birsa saw the injustice meted out to his felllow tribals. He organised them in a group and led agitation against forceful grabbing of the land of tribals by non-tribals and then ruler of the country-Britishers. His movement was aimed to prevent his fellow tribals from becoming bonded labourers and to check exploitation of their wealth. Birsa motivated tribals to adhere to their rich culture and rituals and asked them not budge under any pressure
His birth anniversary which falls on 15 November, is still celebrated by tribal people in as far as Mysore and Kodagu districts in Karnataka, and official function takes place at his Samadhi Sthal, at Kokar Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand.
He died at a very young age of 25 years but his deeds and agitations shattered the roots of Britishers. His movement forced the Colonial Government for the promulgation of the Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908. This act was the outcome of his dedicated struggle against the discrimination experienced by the tribals.
He was arrested on 3 March 1900 in Jamkopai forest, Chakradharpur while he was sleeping along his tribal guerrilla army which was fighting against British forces. About 460 tribal people were arrested of which one was given with capital punishment, 39 were awarded for transportation for life and 23 for 14 years jail. Birsa Munda died in Ranchi Jail on 9 June 1900 through cholera.
We pay tribute to this Great Hero on his Death Anniversary.