Birsa Munda's Ulgulan

The Munda people's 'great tumult' against outsiders who took their land.

Key points for UPSC

• Birsa Munda led the Ulgulan (great tumult) around Khunti and Ranchi, starting at the end of 1899, against landlords, moneylenders and forced labour.
• He was captured in 1900 and died in Ranchi jail on 9 June 1900, aged about 25.
• The Chotanagpur Tenancy Act of 1908 protected tribal land; his birth anniversary, 15 November, is Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.

Who was involved

• Birsa Munda · leading the Ulgulan

Test yourself

1. 1. What does 'Ulgulan' mean?

   • (a) Great tumult
   • (b) Truth-force
   • (c) Self-rule
   • (d) Do or die
   Show answer

   (a) Great tumult. Ulgulan means the great tumult or uprising.

2. 2. Which law followed Birsa's movement to protect tribal land?

   • (a) Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908
   • (b) Forest Rights Act, 2006
   • (c) Permanent Settlement, 1793
   • (d) Government of India Act, 1919
   Show answer

   (a) Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908. The 1908 Act restricted transfer of tribal land.

3. 3. 15 November, Birsa Munda's birth anniversary, is observed as:

   • (a) Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
   • (b) Shaheed Diwas
   • (c) Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
   • (d) National Unity Day
   Show answer

   (a) Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. It honours tribal freedom fighters.