Birsa Munda (Indian Tribal Independence Activist, and Folk Hero Who Belonged to the Munda Tribe)

During the period 1890-92, most of the tribal people of Chota Nagpur were misled by church priests and converted to Christianity. Birsa Mundas family was among them. However, soon realizing the true nature of the priests, Birsa not only renounced Christianity and returned to Hinduism, but also led other tribal people of the region back to Hinduism. This same Birsa Munda later became a great revolutionary and became known as Dharti-Aba (Father of the World). Birsa Munda taught his community the values of a pure life. In an effort to liberate the country, he ignited the flame of revolution among his community against the oppressive British. Finally, the British government, in panic, resorted to deceit and trickery. It announced a reward of 500 rupees for Birsas capture. Bounties were also announced on several Munda chieftains. Finally, thanks to information provided by traitors, Birsa was captured while sleeping at night. While alive, Birsa Munda had awakened the British government with his heroic deeds, and even after his death, he remained a source of fear. Therefore, his body was secretly cremated by prison staff on the banks of the Suvarnarekha River, in a fire of charcoal. No one even knew about it. Presented here is a readable and inspiring biography of Birsa Munda, a tribal revolutionary, patriot, and social savior.