BPSC 66th Mains (GS - I: History)
Tribal Revolt - Birsa Movement
Explain the characteristics of Birsa Movement.
Approach
- Brief intro about Birsa Movement and its leader Birsa Munda
- Causes of the Movement
- Course of the Movement
- Characterstics of the Movement
- Conclusion
Answer
Like the other tribal movements, Birsa movement also known as Munda rebellion (Munda Ulgulan) was a violent movement where large number of people.
Munda tribe inhabitated the region around Randhi in present day Jharkhand. They rose in rebellion under the leadership of 'Birsa Munda' in late 19th century (1899-1900.
Birsa Munda was born in a poor share-cropper household in 1874. He declared himself to be the divine messenger of God. Birsa began to move from village to village, organising rallies and mobilising his followers on religious and political grounds. Thousands of people gathered around him seeing him as a Messiah with new religious message.
On Christmas eve in 1899, Birsa declared a rebellion to establish Munda rule on the land and encouraged killing of thikadars, jagirdars, rajas and Christians. Birsa declared that the tribals will fight against the Dikus (non-tribals) and the ground will be red with their blood like a red flag.
Causes of the Rebellion
- Destruction of their traditional system of common landholdings.
- Intrusion of Jagirdars, Thikadars and Merchant moneylenders whom they called 'Dikus'.
Course of the Rebellion - To bring about liberalisation and to establish 'Satyug' in place of present day 'Kalyug', Birsa gathered a force of nearly 6,000 Mundas armed with traditional weapons like swords, spears, axes and bow and arrow.
The rebellion was crushed ruthlessly and the Birsa was captured in the beginning of February 1900 where in died of cholera in Prision in June 1900.
Characterstics of the Birsa Movement
- Localised nature - Like other tribal revolts, it was also localised in nature.
- A violent confrontation - It was a violent movement where large number of people (both Dikus and Tribal people) died.
- Absence of Nationalism - It was based on local grievances, and they targeted the immediate oppressors.
- Charismatic leadership (A Messiah) - Like other tribal revolts, it was led by a charismatic personality, Birsa Munda who claimed himself to be the messenger of God and mobilises people using their religious sentiments.
- Unequal fight - The fight between tribals and the Britishers was unequal in nature. The Britishers on one had were using modern and sophisticated weapons whereas on the other hand tribals were using their traditional primitive weapons.
Though the rebellion was short lived and was crushed ruthlessly, it was successful in making a huge impact. Tribals were successful in getting some concessions and land related rights.
And Birsa Munda who envisaged an ideal and just society which was free from both internal as well as external exploiters becomes a legend and is respected even today as a brave warrior, a patriot and a God and remains as a source of inspiration for people all over India.
BPSC 66th Mains - History (GS -I)
Question 1: What were the causes of the Santhal revolt? What were its course and outcome?
BPSC 66th Mains - Polity Questions (GS - II)
Question 1: "The role of the President of India is like an old man in family who has all the authorities, however he cannot do anything if the naughty young members of the family do not listen him". Evaluate.
Question 2: "Indian federal structure is constitutionally oriented towards the central government." Explain.
Question 3: "The uneven development of Indian states has created many socio-economic and political problems." Critically analyse the statement with special reference to Bihar.
Question 4: "Parliament of India is an effective forum of national integration." Discuss.
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Note - This is my Vision IAS Notes (Vision IAS Class Notes) and Ashutosh Pandey Sir's Public Administration Class notes. I've also added some of the information on my own.
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