Janjatiya Gaurav Divas commemorates Birsa Munda's 150th birth anniversary; he was a tribal leader, religious reformer, and led the Munda rebellion for land rights and independence from colonial rule.

Why in the News?

Recently, the nation observed Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to commemorate the 150^th birth anniversary of the freedom fighter and tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

About Birsa Munda:

Early Life:
- Born in Ulihatu Khunti district, Jharkhand in 1875.
- Belonged to the Munda tribe of the Chhotanagpur plateau area, present day Jharkhand.
Teachings and Beliefs:
- Monotheism: Founded a new sect known as the Birsait, Birsa preached belief in one God.
- Revival of Tribal Faith: He rejected the influence of Christian missionaries and sought to reform traditional Munda religious practices.
- Moral Discipline: He emphasized cleanliness, hard work, avoiding alcohol and purity in personal and social life.
Death & Legacy:
- Died in Ranchi Jail due to cholera in 1900.
- He is remembered as Bhagwan (God) and was given the title of Dharti Aaba (Father of Earth).
- In honor of his legacy, November 15 is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (Tribal Pride Day) across India.
Contribution to Colonial Resistance:
- Munda Rebellion: Birsa Munda launched the Ulgulan (or Great Tumult) movement (Munda rebellion) in 1899.
- Slogan against British Raj: "Abua Raj Setarjana, Maharani Raj Tundujana" (Let the kingdom of the queen be ended and our kingdom be established.)

About Munda Rebellion

Causes of the Revolt
- Permanent Settlement Act, 1793: It abolished the traditional "khuntkatti" system (joint landholdings/ clan-based communal ownership by forest clearers).
- Breakdown of traditional systems and institutions: Replacement of traditional clan councils with colonial courts, eroding customary justice.
- Economic and social exploitation:
  - Beth Begari: Forced/unpaid labour imposed on tribals.
  - Dependence on moneylenders for credit, leading to debt and land alienation.
Objectives of the Revolt:
- Overthrow British rule in the region and end colonial oppression.
- Expel dikus (outsiders) -zamindars, moneylenders and other exploiters – from Munda areas.
- Restore traditional Munda control over land, effectively reviving or protecting the khuntkatti system.
- Establish an independent Munda state under "Birsa Raj", free from British laws.
Outcomes of the Revolt:
- Repeal of Begar System: It reduced rganizati forced labour.
- Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908): This law prohibits the transfer of tribal land to non-tribal people and protects their ownership rights over land.