|Birsa Movement|

Birsa Movement

Birsa movement named after Birsa Munda is one of the prominent 19th-century tribal rebellions in the subcontinent. It took place in the region south of Ranchi in 1899-1900. The Ulgulan or the great tumult sought to establish Munda Raj and independence.

Causes:

Economic causes- Mundas traditionally enjoyed the role of ‘Khuntkattidars’ or the original cleaners of the forest. With the coming of the non-tribals, the Mundas could see the erosion of this system. They started facing land alienation. The incidences of forced labor or Begar also increased.

Spread of Education- The spread of education through Christian missionaries made the tribals more organized and conscious of their rights. They became aware of how their culture was perceived by non-tribals.

Role of Birsa Munda- He played an important role in spreading awareness among the tribals and providing definite direction to the movement. He called upon the Mundas to fight against superstition, give up animal sacrifice, etc. He organized masses to stop paying debts to the moneylenders.

The course of the movement:

Birsa awakened the masses and sowed the seeds of revolt in them against the landlords as well as the Britishers. He formed two military units, one for military training and armed struggle and the other for propaganda. He traveled far and wide across villages giving discourses and building a politico-military organization.

The British fearing a conspiracy jailed Birsa for two years in 1895. The rebels attacked the police stations, officials, zamindars, and moneylenders. On 9th January 1900, the rebels were defeated and Birsa Munda was arrested and died in jail.

Result of the movement:

The struggle against the exploitation and discrimination of the tribals led to passing of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act in 1908.

Chotanagpur Tenancy Act 1908 restricted the passing of land from the tribal people to non-tribals,recognised the ‘Khuntkatti rights’ and banned forced labour.

Hence , the Birsa Movement continues to remain one of the most significant revolt fought for the rights of the tribals.