Bhagwan Birsa Munda (1875-1900)

Why in News? Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to tribal icon Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary.
Introduction : Birsa Munda was a great tribal freedom fighter, folk hero and social reformer, fondly called ‘Dharti Aba’ (meaning, Father of the Earth) by his followers.
Early Life : He was born on 15 November, 1875 in Ulihatu, Jharkhand. He opposed the exploitation of tribal culture by Christian missionaries and the British government.
Social and religious movements : He initiated the ‘Birsate’ faith, which emphasized monotheism, morality and social hygiene. He preached to the tribal people to abstain from superstition and alcohol.
Ulgulan (Great Upheaval) : In 1899-1900, he started the ‘Ulgulan’ against the British rule and the landlords. The objective of this rebellion was to protect the land and culture of the tribals.
Martyrdom : He was arrested on 3 February, 1900 and died in Ranchi jail on 9 June,1900.
Significance : Birsa Munda’s martyrdom inspired the tribal community to fight for their rights. He is worshipped as a deity in Jharkhand and other tribal areas.