Birsa Munda

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

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.