Why in news?
Recently, The Union Cabinet has declared the 15th November as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to commemorate the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.
- The State of Jharkhand celebrates its foundation day on November 15. As in 2000 Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar on the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.
Key points-
- The Janjatiya Gaurav Divas will be celebrated every year to recognize the efforts of the tribals for preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of Indian values of national pride, valour, and hospitality.
- The Janjatiya Gaurav Divas will be celebrated every year to recognize the efforts of the tribals for preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of Indian values of national pride, valour, and hospitality.
- Tribal freedom fighter museum: The Prime Minister of India inaugurated a Tribal freedom fighter museum that is dedicated to tribal freedom fighters in Ranchi.
Birsa Munda-
- Birsa Munda was a freedom fighter, religious leader, and folk hero belongs to the Munda Tribe of the Chhota Nagpur Plateau region of India.
- He was born 15th November 1875 in Ulihatu of the erstwhile Bengal Presidency which is now in the Khunti district of Jharkhand.
- After conversion to Christianity and education from missionary school, soon he understood the exploitation of local tribes from British and Zamindars, also known as Dikus or outsiders.
- He wanted to reform the tribal society, so he urged tribal people to renounce belief in witchcraft, staying away from alcohol.
- Birsa Munda studied ancient scriptures and the Ramayana and Mahabharata, even he learned about the Hindu religious teachings from a Vaishnav monk.
- He started a movement known as Ulgulan or The Great Tumult against the exploitation and discrimination of tribals by the local authorities. This results into passing of Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908. This act brought the provision of the creation and maintenance of land record and it also restricted the transfer of tribal land to non tribals. The act created a tenure category that is “Mundari Khuntkattidar” to recognise the original settlers of the land.
- He played a significant role in India’s Independence by fighting against exploitative policies of British colonial system.
- He started a new faith named as Birsait, it believed in One God and urged its people to return to their ancestral religious beliefs. He was referred as Dharti Abba or Bhagwan Birsa Munda by his followers. Birsa Munda preached Anti – British sentiment and used this faith/religion to mobilise thousands of tribal folk to build a guerrilla army against the British raj.
- Birsa Munda was arrested and sent to Ranchi jail, and then the British government declared that he died of Cholera on 9 June, 1900 during imprisonment.
Issues with Tribal Movements-
- Revolts were poorly organised.
- Localised in nature.
- Used outdated arms against modern weapons.
Conclusion–
Declaration of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas will help to inspire generation to preserve tribal cultural heritage and bring the tribals in mainstream. Government is working hard for tribals with several initiatives in health, education, skill development, livelihood, and infrastructure.