Birsa Munda: The fearless tribal leader in India’s struggle for independence

By Rudraksh Sharma

Numerous nationalists participated in India’s struggle for independence. Many courageous individuals sacrificed their lives without a moment’s hesitation for our sacred motherland. A number of tribes also fought for their independence and the freedom of our nation, India. One of these tribes was the Munda tribe, which resided in modern-day Jharkhand.

When the East India Company initiated their rule over India, they began consolidating their empire by subjugating various emperors and their respective lands. After the Mutiny of 1857, in the year 1899, the Munda tribe, under the leadership of Birsa Munda, rose to assert their fundamental rights. The Munda tribes used to inhabit the forests, and the conservation of these forests was a major concern, as the forest was their home.

Birsa Munda, a young leader born on 15th November 1875, led this rebellion. This was the first time when tribes stood up for their rights as it was a direct attack on their habitat by the ruling administration. At first, Munda realised that only his tribe could not fight alone against the government, so he formed alliances with other tribes such as the Oraons and Adivasis. He named this coalition of numerous tribes “Ulgulan,” which simply means “the roar.” This roar was against the exploitation of their land and resources.

The native tribes supported Birsa Munda as much as they could. The East India Company introduced the zamindari system that allowed non-tribal masses to purchase land and engage in farming, but the tribal people could not tolerate this. According to the tribes, the forest was their habitat, and these forests were for their use, not for business purposes. The motherland of the tribes could not be exploited for the sake of profit.

Birsa Munda motivated the masses to stop paying taxes to the British. In the year 1895, he was arrested but released in 1897. The young leader did not cease his brave acts and reorganised the tribes, forming his army. The movement faced numerous challenges, and many times, he had to go underground, but his actions were characterised by determination and courage.

Birsa continued to stand against the East India Company until his last breath. He passed away on 9th June 1900 at the age of 25 in Ranchi jail. He was highly active in the region of Chottanagpur and launched numerous attacks, making the British authorities rethink their decision to suppress the spirited tribes of India.

Birsa Munda was one of the key figures in the fight for India’s independence. There are countless unsung freedom fighters like him who deserve recognition. We must acknowledge these true patriots who contributed to our nation’s pride – India.