By Saurabh Shukla
Birsa Munda was a legendary tribal freedom fighter from Jharkhand who challenged British rule. Known as “Dharti Aaba” (Father of the Earth), he became a powerful symbol of tribal pride and resistance.
Born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu village, Birsa grew up in a poor farming family. The hardships faced by his community shaped his desire to fight for justice.
In 1899, Birsa launched the “Ulgulan” or the Great Tumult, a major tribal uprising. He united thousands of people to resist unfair taxes, land alienation, and British authority.
Birsa envisioned “Munda Raj,” a system of self-rule where tribes could live with freedom and dignity. His followers fought using guerrilla tactics to reclaim control over their ancestral lands.
Birsa also led a social and spiritual revival through the Birsait movement. He preached unity, purity, and indigenous faith, strengthening the community from within.
Birsa Munda died at just 25, but his movement changed the course of tribal history. Today, his legacy lives on across India, and November 15 is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.