Throughout the wheel of history, countless battles have shaped the course of nations, often memorialised as pivotal moments in grand narratives. The Indian Independence movement stands as one of the most remarkable, uniting millions across diverse backgrounds in their struggle against British colonial rule. The bloodshed that accompanied this movement—spanning issues of land relations, economic exploitation, identity, and socio-political and cultural upheavals—was immense, culminating in the ultimate pursuit of ‘Swaraj’. Among the most significant chapters in this history are the tribal uprisings.
On the occasion of Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, November 15, it is a moment not only to honour the legacy of a revolutionary but also to reflect on the enduring spirit of resistance and hope that he instilled in tribal communities across India. Born in 1875 in the village of Ulihatu, in present-day Jharkhand, Birsa Munda stands as a monumental figure in Indian history—a young visionary whose brief yet transformative life redefined the trajectory of Indigenous struggles and amplified their collective voice against systemic oppression. His legacy as a symbol of resistance transcended mere rebellion, forging a movement that united diverse tribal groups under a banner of self-respect, sovereignty, and spiritual revival.
Birsa’s story is inextricably woven into the broader fabric of India’s freedom struggle, offering a crucial reminder that the fight for independence extended far beyond the mainstream events commonly chronicled in history. At this juncture, decades after independence, it is imperative to critically examine India’s approach to tribal development, particularly the persistent marginalisation of tribal communities from mainstream administration and policymaking, as well as the ongoing threats to their distinct identities. In a nation as diverse as India, it is essential to interrogate how fairly tribal histories are represented and acknowledged, and whether their voices are genuinely integrated into the national narrative.
To understand the essence of Birsa Munda’s life and impact, it is important to appreciate the central role of vision in his resistance. At a young age, Birsa found himself disillusioned with the exploitative forces disrupting tribal lives—the British, missionary influences, and landlords—all of whom sought to uproot the deep cultural and spiritual ties binding tribal people to their land. From his initial exposure to Christian teachings, Birsa journeyed through different faiths and traditions before creating his unique spiritual path. He came to be revered as ‘Dharti Aba’ (Father of the Earth), a prophet-like figure who encouraged his people to reclaim their identity, traditions, and ancestral lands.
The economic exploitation imposed by the British—manifested through heavy taxation, the systematic extraction of land resources through exploration, and the brutal treatment towards forest dwellers, apart from squeezing the maximum out of peasantry, culminated and resulted in various outbreaks including the tribal uprisings. Tribal communities, for the most part, remained largely isolated from the mainstream currents of ‘civilisation’, maintaining a subsistence-based lifestyle deeply rooted in their customs and practices. The forest lands, abundant in resources like food and fuel, served as their vital sanctuaries. However, these areas were soon targeted by the British as economic assets. In their efforts to exploit forest resources, the colonial regime enacted a series of forest laws that significantly disrupted the tribal way of life, undermining their traditional practices and threatening their peaceful existence.
Against this backdrop, Birsa Munda’s movement emerged as a revolutionary force. His spiritual framework not only challenged external authorities but also sought to dismantle the internalised oppression within his community, rejecting exploitative practices and advocating for a return to purity, unity, and moral discipline. Birsa’s vision redefined the identity of his people, empowering them to stand against colonial rule on their own terms—not merely as subjects of a political movement, but as stewards of their sacred tradition and homeland.
Before the nineteenth century, tribal communities rarely rebelled in defence of their rights, and when they did, their uprisings were met with brutal repression, as seen in the Santhal Rebellion of 1855. However, the latter part of the 19th century witnessed a significant shift in British colonial policy. As the century drew to a close, the emergence of the Birsaites—devoted followers of Birsa Munda, revered as ‘Dharti Aba’—marked a pivotal transformation in tribal resistance. Birsa’s movement was not only a protest against the encroachment on tribal land but also a fierce stand against cultural subjugation, particularly the missionary-driven efforts to convert indigenous communities, which he saw as a threat to their identity and spiritual autonomy.
Birsa Munda’s legacy is inseparable from the Ulgulan, or the “Great Tumult”, that he initiated in the late 1890s. In this movement, Birsa rallied the Munda and Oraon communities against a range of injustices—British exploitation, forced labour, and the economic stranglehold of zamindars who reduced the tribespeople to mere labourers on their land. Under his leadership, the Ulgulan became more than an armed rebellion; it was a socio-economic movement aimed at reclaiming tribal autonomy, asserting their land rights, and dismantling the oppressive structures that sought to erase their identity.
Birsa’s approach was innovative and uniquely suited to the tribal context. He sought to awaken a collective consciousness among the Mundas and neighbouring tribes, encouraging them to stand united. His advocacy for a return to communal land ownership resonated deeply, as it tapped into traditional notions of resource stewardship and kinship that had been threatened by colonial legal frameworks. Although his movement was violently suppressed, Birsa’s message persisted and ignited a wave of regional uprisings, embedding his ideals into the struggle for India’s independence.
Birsa Munda’s legacy extends far beyond his time, offering crucial lessons that remain relevant today. His resistance was not simply against foreign rule; it was a broader indictment of structures that disregarded the rights of indigenous people and undermined their unique ways of life. Even in present-day India, tribal communities face land encroachments, displacement due to industrial projects, and exploitation that echoes the injustices of Birsa’s era. Celebrating his legacy calls for a reexamination of our policies regarding tribal welfare, environmental justice, and land rights. It raises essential questions: Are we truly honouring the legacy of Birsa if indigenous lands continue to be threatened in the name of development? Are we doing justice to his memory if the voices of India’s marginalized remain unheard in the halls of decision-making?
Furthermore, Birsa Munda’s spiritual emphasis on unity, discipline, and self-respect offers a blueprint for rebuilding fractured communities. His movement was deeply rooted in values that transcended politics—it was an expression of a culture that valued the interconnectedness of people, heritage, land, and spirituality. Recognizing Birsa’s legacy involves upholding these values, and ensuring that development policies respect the deep-rooted cultural bonds that sustain tribal societies. It necessitates a commitment to dialogue, participatory governance, and policies that empower rather than displace.
The relentless struggle for survival and identity by tribal communities endures to this day. Beyond the inter and intra-tribal conflicts documented throughout history, the tribal uprisings that took place during the Indian freedom struggle hold profound significance for contemporary generations. These episodes of resistance, marked by bloodshed, tears, and trauma, are an essential part of the national narrative that must be acknowledged and represented.
While Birsa Munda’s contributions have often been celebrated in tribal belts of Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal, his place in the broader national narrative is still evolving. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to recognize his contributions on a larger scale, including the declaration of his birth anniversary as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ in 2022. However, it is vital that such recognition goes beyond ceremonial gestures and translates into meaningful action—improved access to education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal communities, as well as the preservation of their heritage and identity.
Birsa Munda was more than just a tribal leader; he was a revolutionary, a spiritual guide, and an architect of social change who urged his people to stand tall against insurmountable odds. His life is a testament to the power of a single individual to inspire and transform an entire community, reminding us that the path to freedom is paved with sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering courage. As we honour Birsa Munda, let us recommit ourselves to creating a society that respects the dignity and rights of all its people, ensuring that the torch of freedom he lit continues to shine for generations to come.
Ajisha C is a Research Scholar at the Department of History, Central University of Hyderabad, and Amal Chandra is an author, political analyst and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.