Birsa Munda
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | November 15, 1988 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 60 p |
| Quantity | 1,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13½ x 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Reddish brown |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1191 Stamp Number IN 1251 Yvert et Tellier IN 1000 Stanley Gibbons IN 1339 |
| Themes | Commemoration | Famous people | Freedom Fighters | Heroes | Men |
Birsa Munda
Birth and Early Life:
- Date and Place: Born on November 15, 1875, at Ulihatu in Ranchi District, Bihar (now Jharkhand).
- Parents: Son of Sugna Munda and Karmi Hatu.
- Education: Studied at Salga, Burju, and the Chaibasa English Middle School.
- Early Thoughts: From a young age, Birsa pondered over the issues facing his society and developed the resolve to challenge the British Government.
Leadership and Revolt:
- Munda Leadership: Provided the Mundas with leadership, a new religion, and a code of life focused on freedom and dignity.
- Famine and Epidemic Relief: In 1894, during a period of famine and epidemic in Chhotanagpur, Birsa devotedly served his people.
- First Leadership Act: On October 1, 1894, led the Mundas to Chaibasa to petition for remission of forest dues.
- Imprisonment: Arrested in 1895 and underwent two years of rigorous imprisonment at Hazaribagh Central Jail.
- Devotion to People: After release, Birsa and his disciples continued to serve the famine-stricken and sick people.
Resistance against British:
- Dharati Aba: Became a legend and was called “Dharati Aba” (father of the earth) and worshipped as “Birsa Bhagwan.”
- Conflict with British: From 1897 to 1900, the Mundas frequently clashed with British forces.
- Khunti Police Station: In August 1897, led an attack on Khunti Police Station with 400 men armed with bows and arrows.
- Tanaga River Battle: In 1898, initially defeated a British force on the banks of the river Tanaga, though subsequent British actions led to arrests of many Mundas.
- Dombari Hill Skirmish: In January 1900, many men, women, and children were killed during a skirmish while being addressed by Birsa Munda.
Final Days:
- Arrest: Finally arrested in Chakradharpur forest on February 3, 1900.
- Death: Breathed his last on June 9, 1900, at Ranchi Jail.
Legacy:
- Continued Reverence: Even today, in areas of Orissa, Bihar, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh, Birsa Bhagwan is remembered as a young leader who challenged the British Raj.
- Slogan: His rallying cry, “Abua Raj ste Jana, Maharani Raj tundu Jana” (Let the kingdom of the queen be ended and our kingdom be established), remains inspirational.
Material Courtesy:
- Shri B.K. Toppo, Secretary, Birsa Munda Statue Committee, Rourkela.