2024 - Bhagwan Birsa Munda Ji | Commemorative Coin

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

Birsa Munda remains one of the most revered tribal leaders in India, a symbol of courage, resistance, and indigenous pride. Born on 15 November 1875 in Ulihatu village in the present-day Khunti district of Jharkhand, he emerged during a time when tribal communities faced severe hardships under British colonial rule and exploitative local systems. His early life was shaped by the rich cultural traditions of the Munda tribe and the everyday struggles of a people whose land, identity, and way of life were increasingly under threat. Despite limited resources, Birsa received formal education in mission schools, which exposed him to new ideas while strengthening his resolve to fight for his community.

As colonial oppression deepened, with land alienation, forced labour, religious interference, and heavy taxation becoming widespread, Birsa Munda began to awaken political consciousness among the Adivasis. His message blended social reform, spiritual guidance, and resistance. He encouraged the Mundas to abandon superstitions, resist conversion pressures, and unite against injustice. Over time, he came to be revered as “Dharti Abba,” meaning the Father of the Earth, a spiritual leader who connected the community to their ancestral traditions and the sanctity of their land.

Birsa’s movement culminated in the Ulgulan, or the Great Tumult, a powerful uprising against the British administration and oppressive landlords in the late 1890s. The revolt was not just a spontaneous outburst but a well-organized struggle to reclaim tribal rights to land and forests. His followers, known as Birsaites, rallied around the vision of a free and just society where the Adivasis could live with dignity. The movement shook the colonial establishment and compelled the British to introduce reforms, including the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act of 1908, which offered significant protection to tribal land rights. Though Birsa Munda did not live to see these reforms—he died in British custody on 9 June 1900 at the young age of 25—his legacy profoundly shaped tribal movements in the decades that followed.

Birsa Munda’s life continues to inspire millions, particularly in central and eastern India. His struggle is remembered as a fight not merely for land but for identity, culture, and the survival of indigenous communities. Today, his birthday is observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, celebrating the heritage, bravery, and contributions of Adivasi communities. Monuments, institutions, and cultural programs across the country honour his memory, but his greatest legacy remains the spirit of resistance and resilience he instilled in his people.

Birsa Munda is not just a historical figure; he is a timeless icon of tribal empowerment and a reminder of India’s diverse struggles for freedom. His story stands as a powerful testament to how one individual, armed with conviction and courage, can spark a movement that echoes through generations.

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