Which tribal freedom fighter from present-day Jharkhand led the Ulgulan movement in the 19th century against the exploitative practices of British landlords and is now celebrated as a national hero?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Birsa Munda.
Explanation:
☛ Birsa Munda was a legendary tribal freedom fighter and folk hero from the Chotanagpur plateau region (present-day Jharkhand).
☛ In the late 19th century (1899–1900), he led a prominent armed tribal uprising known as the 'Ulgulan' (meaning 'The Great Tumult').
☛ The movement was directed against the British colonial authorities, oppressive zamindars, and non-tribal exploitative moneylenders, locally referred to as 'Dikus'.
☛ Birsa Munda aimed to establish a Munda Raj and eliminate external exploitation over tribal ancestral lands.
☛ Due to his visionary spiritual and political leadership, his followers reverently referred to him as 'Dharti Aaba' (Father of the Earth).
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ The British government enacted the Chota Nagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act of 1908 following the rebellion to prohibit the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals.
☛ The Government of India declared his birth anniversary, 15 November, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2021.
☛ Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu: Tribal leaders who spearheaded the famous Santhal Rebellion (Hul) of 1855–1856 against British exploitation.
☛ Tantia Tope: A prominent leader of the Revolt of 1857, renowned for his guerrilla warfare in Kanpur and Gwalior.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ In which year was the Chota Nagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act enacted? → 1908
☛ Which tribal uprising is famously called the 'Santhal Hul'? → Santhal Rebellion (1855–1856)
☛ In which jail did Birsa Munda pass away under British custody? → Ranchi Jail (9 June 1900)
☛ Which religious faith/sect was founded by Birsa Munda in 1895? → Birsait
☛ Which Indian state was formed on Birsa Munda's birth anniversary in the year 2000? → Jharkhand