Why in News? 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his Martyr’s Day. 

About Birsa Munda  

• Birth and Background: Born on 15 November 1875 in Khunti, Jharkhand, into the Munda tribe of the Chotanagpur Plateau. 
• Colonial Exploitation: British replaced the traditional Khuntkatti system (community land ownership) with the zamindari system, leading to land loss, forced labour, and high rents for tribals. 
• Education and Religious Movement 
  • Studied in Salga and later at a German Mission School. 
  • Left Christianity on realizing its link with British conversion goals. 
  • Founded a new faith called ‘Birsait’, promoting tribal traditions and rejecting superstitions. 
  • His followers were known as ‘Birsaits’. 
• Munda Rebellion (Ulgulan), 1899–1900 
  • Led a major tribal uprising against British land policies and Forest Laws. 
  • Promoted the idea of ‘Munda Raj’ (self-rule) and launched guerrilla attacks against British forces. 
  • Gave the slogan, “Abua raj seter jana, maharani raj tundu jana” (“End Queen’s rule, establish our own rule”). 
• Contribution to Tribal Rights 
  • Opposed land dispossession and colonial exploitation. 
  • Influenced the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908, which protected tribal land rights. 
• Religious and Social Reformer 
  • Encouraged a return to tribal faith and identity. 
  • Known as ‘Dharti Aba’ (Father of the Earth). 
• Death 
  • Arrested in March 1900. 
  • Died in Ranchi Jail on 9 June 1900 under mysterious circumstances. 
• Legacy and Recognition 
  • 15 November is observed as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’. 
  • Jharkhand was founded on his birth anniversary in 2000. 
  • A museum in Ranchi and the PM-JANMAN scheme reflect continued efforts for tribal justice and empowerment inspired by his legacy.