Birsa Munda and Adivasi Identity (History)
Birsa Munda and Adivasi Identity (History)
Why In News:
Amid the ongoing debate over Adivasi identity, there is a renewed focus on Birsa Munda, the iconic tribal leader who played a pivotal role in shaping their identity.
Who was Birsa Munda?
Birsa Munda (1875-1900): Tribal freedom fighter and religious leader from the Munda community, born in Ulihatu village (present-day Jharkhand).
Revered as 'Dharti Aaba' (Father of the Earth) by the Munda people.
His birth anniversary, November 15, is observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas since 2021.
The Ulgulan Movement
Ulgulan (Great Tumult): The Munda Rebellion of 1899-1900 against British colonial rule and the Zamindari system.
Key demand: Restoration of tribal land rights under the Khuntkatti system (communal tribal land ownership).
Birsa Munda advocated Munda Raj- self-governance for tribal communities.
He was arrested in 1900 and died in Ranchi jail at the age of only 24.
Constitutional and Legal Legacy
Fifth Schedule: It deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas as well as of Scheduled Tribes residing in any State other than the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. Requires Tribes Advisory Councils.
Sixth Schedule: Provides for Autonomous District Councils in northeastern tribal areas.
PESA Act, 1996 (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas): Extends Panchayati Raj to Fifth Schedule areas.
Forest Rights Act, 2006: Grants tribal communities rights over forest land and resources.
India has 705 Scheduled Tribes, comprising approximately 8.6% of the population (Census 2011).