About

• Birsa Munda (1875–1900) was a religious leader and folk hero from the Munda Tribe of the Chhota Nagpur Plateau area.
• He spearheaded a tribal religious movement named Munda Rebellion/Ulgulan/ Great Tumult that arose in the tribal belt of modern-day Bihar and Jharkhand in the late 19th century, as a response to the oppressive policies of the British such as new land settlement systems.
  • Though the movement was suppressed by the British, it led to the enactment of the Tenancy Act (1903) which recognised the khuntkhatti system.
    • ‘Khuntkatti’ system is joint ownership or holding of land by tribal lineage.  
• He encouraged the tribals to follow the Birsa Raj and to not comply with colonial laws and rent payments. He encouraged tribals to understand their cultural roots and observe unity.
• Birsa started the faith of Birsait. The religion believed in One God and encouraged tribals who had converted to other religions to revert to their original religious beliefs. 
• In 2021, Government of India had declared that the birth anniversary (15th November) of Bhagwan Birsa Munda will be celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. 

Why in News?

• The Prime Minister paid tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary, commemorated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.
• This day is dedicated to honoring the bravery, sacrifices, and contributions of tribal freedom fighters who played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence