Birsa Munda: The ‘Father of the Land’ Who Laid the Foundation for Jharkhand

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Ranchi, Jharkhand – 17 November 2025: Born on 15 November 1875 in Ulihatu village, Khunti district, Birsa Munda was a legendary freedom fighter and social reformer whose life, though brief at just 25 years, left an indelible mark on the tribal community and the struggle for justice in colonial India. Revered as “Dharti Aba” (Father of the Land), his leadership and vision became a cornerstone for the eventual formation of Jharkhand state.

Why Birsa Munda is Worshipped
Around 1890, tribal communities often interpreted natural calamities, diseases, and accidents as divine punishment. Birsa Munda, having received formal education, challenged these superstitions. He promoted hygiene, medical treatment over traditional rituals, and practical solutions for daily life. His interventions saved countless lives, leading the community to believe in his divine presence. Over time, he became revered as “Dharti Aba”, a spiritual protector of the tribes.

Birsait Religion and Social Reform
Birsa was deeply spiritual and well-versed in texts like the Ramayana. In 1895, he founded the Birsait faith, emphasizing discipline, abstinence from alcohol, meat, tobacco, and marketplace food, as well as respect for nature. Followers wore white clothing and led morally upright lives. This spiritual and social framework contributed to his veneration as a god-like figure among tribals.

Leadership in the Freedom Struggle: Ulgulan
In 1899, Birsa Munda led the Ulgulan (Great Rebellion) against the British, landlords, and moneylenders who were dispossessing tribal communities of their land and forests. Traditionally, tribal land was held under Khuntkatti system, where families clearing land had hereditary rights. British policies and the Indian Forest Act of 1982 disrupted this system, igniting widespread unrest.

Birsa rallied thousands of tribals under the slogan “Abua Dishum, Abua Raj” (Our Country, Our Rule). The Ulgulan was a armed resistance, where tribal warriors used bows, arrows, and guerrilla tactics against the British army and colonial officials. The revolt was both a fight for land rights and a defense of tribal dignity and culture. Many revolutionaries sacrificed their lives, but Birsa remained elusive to the British.

Mysterious Death in 1900
The British offered a reward for Birsa’s capture, and in March 1900, he was betrayed by an acquaintance. Arrested and sentenced to two years in prison, Birsa Munda died mysteriously on 9 June 1900 while in custody. His death marked a tragic end to a life devoted to tribal welfare, yet his legacy continues to inspire generations.

Legacy
Birsa Munda’s leadership, spiritual guidance, and fight for justice have immortalized him as the Father of Jharkhand’s tribal identity. Jharkhand’s statehood and its cultural pride owe much to the revolutionary spirit of this young tribal leader, whose life remains a beacon of courage and reform.