Why did Birsa Munda leave Christianity and become a Yogi…Feared of rebellion, the British killed him/her by poisoning him/her in jail!

New Delhi: Even though it has been 15 years since Jharkhand was formed, its seeds had sprouted centuries ago in history. During the British rule, when the feudal system started taking root in the Jharkhand region, the traditional land system of the tribals was interfered with. The new permanent settlement system sowed the seeds of economic exploitation and social unrest in tribal life. In such a period, a hero was born among the Munda tribe, who launched a rebellion long ago by rejecting the foreign rule. After 1857, this was the first such great battle against the British, which was called Ulgulan. Today, in the first part of Jhandabardaar of Jharkhand, let us know the story of tribal lord Birsa Munda, who is immortal in folklore.

Hatred of white people due to Khuntakati system

Between 1789 and 1820, there was a burning spirit of rebellion against the British rule among the Munda tribe. The reason was the injury to the Khuntkatti system. Khuntakatti was a customary institution found among the Mundas of Chhotanagpur, providing ownership of land between all the families of the same killi (clan) who had cleared the land. The land was made cultivable by cutting down the forest. Due to the attack of the British rule on the Khuntakatti system in the plains of Panchpargana, the people of the Munda tribe had to flee and settle between the southern Khunti and eastern Tamar hills. During the Kol rebellion, all the Kolis of Tamad, Bundu, Silli and Panchpargana of Chhotanagpur took up arms. The rebels had to surrender in 1932, but the British government also had to compromise with the rebels in the tribal area. The British policy of dividing and suppressing the society filled the minds of the tribals with hatred against them.

Expelled from school due to criticism of missionaries

From 1850, the propagation of Christianity also started in full swing in the entire tribal area. In such a period, in 1875, Birsa Munda was born in the house of Sugana Munda and Karmi Munda in Chalkad village. Initially his/her family had adopted Christianity. However, he/she later became disillusioned with Christians. Birsa had recognized the tactics of Christian missionaries to capture tribal lands. he/she was expelled from school because of his/her criticism of the missionaries. Young Birsa joined the Sardar movement, whose slogan was – ‘Sir is a hat.’ That means all white people are the same. They are the cap of power.

When Birsa started being considered God’s messenger and God.

Birsa left Christianity and acquired knowledge of religion, policy and philosophy from 1891 to 1896. Along with the movement, he/she also started preaching religion and policy, due to which he/she gained a large number of followers. Birsa’s popularity increased so much that his/her followers started being called ‘Birsaites’. Birsa came to be considered the messenger of God and even God.

Movement launched for waiver of forest dues

In August 1895, a movement was launched for waiver of forest dues. Birsa traveled to Chaibasa for waiver of dues. Raiyats from every village were united and taken to Chaibasa. But, the British government rejected Birsa’s demand. Birsa announced that the government was finished. Now tribals will rule the forest land. They raised the slogan Abua Disum, Abua Raj. That means we will rule our country.

Those who arrested Birsa were chased away

On August 9, 1895, an attempt was made to arrest Birsa for the first time in Chalakad, but his/her followers rescued him/her from the police. On August 16, 1895, the policemen who came to arrest him/her were chased away by 900 followers of Birsa.

Arrested secretly at night and lodged in Ranchi jail

On August 24, 1895, the police under the leadership of Superintendent of Police Meyers arrested Birsa in the night itself. he/she was taken to Ranchi jail. In the morning a crowd of Birsa’s fans gathered outside the jail. he/she was accused of instigating people to revolt against the British rule in Chalakad. The court sentenced Birsa and his/her 15 associates to 2 years in jail. Later Birsa was sent from Ranchi jail to Hazaribagh jail.

When Queen Victoria was released from jail at the ceremony

There was a severe famine in Jharkhand in 1897. At that time the smallpox epidemic also spread. Even in the absence of Birsa’s leadership, the tribal society continued to struggle against government oppression, exploitation, famine and epidemics. At the same time, the government was organizing celebrations in the country to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Britain’s Queen Victoria. On that occasion, Birsa was also released along with many agitators in the country. It is believed that after being released from Birsa jail on November 30, 1897, he/she returned to Chalakad and directly started serving the people suffering from famine and epidemic. he/she also held secret political meetings, due to which the ground for a new movement began to be prepared.

Rebellion against British rule for forests and land

By the end of 1899, a resolution was taken to not pay rent to the landlords, free the land from land revenue and take back the forest rights. Under the leadership of Birsa, meetings were held at places like Lohardaga, Torpa, Karra, Basia, Khunti, Murhu, Bundu, Tamar and Podahat. On December 24, 1899, the fire of rebellion broke out from Torpa, Khunti, Tamad, Basia of Ranchi district to Chakradharpur police station of Singhbhum district.

Announcement of reward for the arrest of Birsa

Now in January 1900, the police and army even searched the forests of Podahat in search of Birsa. By deploying police in the villages of 500 square miles area, it was announced that the burden of its expenses would be passed on to the local people, so that they would not support Birsa’s movement. The government announced a reward for anyone giving information about Birsa, but no one gave information about him/her.

When Birsa started a ruckus

After this, Birsa announced an armed struggle, which was called Ulgulan i.e. great struggle or great rebellion. The British government raided many centers of the Birsa movement. Made large scale arrests. The houses and property of common tribals were looted. Angered by this, 60 groups under the leadership of Birsa simultaneously attacked government offices and churches. Government offices and residences were set on fire in areas like Chakradharpur, Podahat. During that time a total of eight people were killed by the agitators.

whites go back to your country

On January 8, 1900, the army surrounded the group of Birsaites stationed on the Dombari hills. The rebels said, White people, go back to your country. 200 Mundas were killed in a fierce battle between the rebels and the army. But the British could not capture Birsa.

When Birsa was lodged in Ranchi jail

In search of Birsa, the police search continued in the forests of Jamkopai in Singhbhum district and in every village of Ranchi. On February 3, 1900, Birsa was captured by the British while sleeping in a forest camp. he/she was immediately taken to Ranchi via Khunti and lodged in Ranchi jail. Along with Birsa, about 500 agitators were arrested. Fake cases were filed against everyone. But only 98 could be convicted.

When Birsa was given slow poison in jail itself

It is said that Birsa was taken to the court on May 20, 1900, during the hearing of the case. But, due to ill health, he/she was sent to jail. For the next 10 days the news kept coming that Birsa was ill. On the morning of June 9, 1900, suddenly the news came that Birsa had died due to cholera. Many historians claim that Birsa was given slow poison, due to which his/her health deteriorated.