Context:
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas celebrated on 15th November.
Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas:
- Observed annually on 15th November
- To remember the contribution of tribal freedom fighters and honour the birth anniversary of the revered tribal freedom fighter, Birsa Munda.
Birsa Munda (1875-1900):
- Tribal Leader and Freedom Fighter
- Belonged to the Munda tribe in the Chhotanagpur Plateau.
- Known as – “Dharti Aba” (Father of the Earth).
- Key Contributions –
- Munda Rebellion – Led a mass movement against British colonial policies, particularly land grabbing and oppressive taxes.
- Religious Leader – Founded the Birsait faith, blending animism and indigenous beliefs
Munda Rebellion (1899-1900):
- Led by – Birsa Munda
- Causes –
- British land policies harmed traditional land system “Khuntkatti System”
- Hindu landlords seized Munda land
- Missionaries interfered in their traditional culture
- Also known as – ‘Ulgulan‘ or ‘Great Tumult’.
- Impact – Led to enactment of Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908 which imposed restriction on the transfer of Adivasi land to non-Adivasis.
Read more: Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan
Previous Year Question
With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Trumult is the description of which of the following events?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) The Revolt of 1857
(b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921
(c) The Indigo Revolt of 1859-60
(d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900
Answer: (d)