2024 - Bhagwan Birsa Munda Ji | Commemorative Coin

The 18th commemorative coin for the year 2024 was released to mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda Ji.

Birsa Munda (15 November 1875 – 9 June 1900) was a revered tribal freedom fighter and folk hero from the Munda tribe in what is now Jharkhand, India. Born in Ulihatu, in the Ranchi district, Birsa grew up witnessing the hardships and oppression faced by his community under British rule, which often exploited tribal lands and imposed harsh taxes. From a young age, he recognized the exploitation of Adivasi (indigenous) communities through forced labor and the influence of Christian missionaries, who sought to convert tribal people and alter their traditional ways of life.

As he matured, Birsa became deeply spiritual and sought to unite his people through the revival of indigenous practices, advocating for cultural integrity. He claimed to have received divine inspiration, encouraging the Mundas to shun British-imposed practices and resist foreign domination. This movement came to be known as the “Ulgulan,” or “The Great Tumult,” in which he inspired his people to rebel against British rule and reclaim their land, culture, and rights. His philosophy promoted a unique blend of spirituality and political awareness, and he was regarded as "Dharti Aba" or "Father of the Earth" for his deep connection to the land and the community.

In the late 1890s, Birsa Munda led a series of daring revolts, mobilizing the Mundas to rise against oppressive landlords and British authorities, boldly challenging the colonial rule and deeply entrenched injustices. Despite his brief life, Birsa’s impact was profound and enduring. Alarmed by his growing influence, the British authorities arrested him in 1900, and he died in prison under suspicious circumstances, a tragic end for a figure who posed a real threat to British control.

Birsa Munda’s legacy, however, only grew stronger after his death, and today he stands as a powerful symbol of Adivasi pride, resilience, and the fight for self-determination. His life and sacrifices are honored every year on November 15, now recognized as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, through tributes, monuments, and institutions dedicated to his memory. His legacy is a testament to the crucial role indigenous communities played and continue to play in challenging exploitation and asserting cultural and political rights in India’s history.

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