Jharkhand Foundation Day & Birsa Munda 150th Jayanti

---

🌿 1. Jharkhand Foundation Day — Key Facts (Prelims Must-Know)

• Formation of State:
  ➝ 15 November 2000 (Carved out from Bihar)

• Reason for this date:
  ➝ Birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda

• Capital: Ranchi

• High Court: Ranchi High Court (separate HC since 2000)

• Official Language: Hindi

• Other major languages: Nagpuri, Khortha, Mundari, Santhali, Ho, Kurukh

• Tribes of Jharkhand (VERY IMPORTANT):

  • Santhal

  • Munda

  • Ho

  • Oraon

  • Kharia

  • Birhor

  • Asur (Especially vulnerable tribal group – PVTG)

  • Korwa (PVTG)

• Dances:

  • Chhau

  • Paika

  • Mundari dance forms

• Major Mineral Resources:
  ➝ Coal, iron ore, mica, copper, uranium → “Mineral State of India”

---

🌿 2. Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas — (Declared in 2021)

• Celebrated on: 15 November every year

• Purpose: To honour tribal freedom fighters

• First Celebrated: 2021

• Why 15 November?
  ➝ Birth anniversary of Birsa Munda (1875–1900)

• Declared by: Government of India (Cabinet decision 2021)

UPSC tends to ask:

• Why introduced? → Recognition of tribal role in the freedom struggle.

---

🌿 3. Bhagwan Birsa Munda — High Value for UPSC 2024–2027

🔸 Born: 15 November 1875

Village: Ulihatu, Khunti (now in Jharkhand)
Tribe: Munda

🔸 Titles:

• “Dharti Aba” (Father of the Earth)

• Tribal icon, freedom fighter, spiritual leader, social reformer

---

A. Role in Indian Freedom Struggle

• Fought against:

  • British land policies

  • Exploitation by dikus (moneylenders, zamindars, missionaries)

• Led the Munda Ulgulan Movement (Great Tumult) (1899–1900)
  → An early tribal resistance movement.

---

B. Munda Ulgulan — UPSC Important

• Objective:

  • Restoration of traditional Khuntkatti land rights

  • “Munda Raj” → Self-rule

  • Ending forced labour (begar)

  • Protection of tradition, culture & land

• His movement forced British to pass:

🔸 Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (CNT), 1908

• Restricted transfer of tribal land to non-tribals

• Landmark in tribal land rights protections

---

C. Arrest & Death

• Arrested: 3 February 1900

• Died: 9 June 1900, Ranchi Jail (at age 25)

Despite short life, left a massive legacy.

---

🌿 4. PM Modi’s Tributes — Why Relevant for UPSC?

Such statements highlight governmental recognition of key historical figures, often used by UPSC to frame:

• Culture/History MCQs

• Tribes & movements

• Constitutional / welfare questions on tribal rights

• Days & commemorations

---

🌿 5. Expected MCQs for UPSC Prelims 2026

Q1. Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is observed every year on:

A. 5 September
B. 31 October
C. 15 November
D. 19 November

Answer: C

---

Q2. Birsa Munda led which of the following movements?

A. Santhal Rebellion
B. Kol Revolt
C. Ulgulan Movement
D. Tana Bhagat Movement

Answer: C

---

Q3. Birsa Munda belonged to which tribal community?

A. Ho
B. Kharia
C. Munda
D. Asur

Answer: C

---

Q4. The Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908) was enacted as a result of:

A. Bhil Revolt
B. Munda Ulgulan
C. Koya Rebellion
D. Santhal Rebellion

Answer: B

---

Q5. Which of the following states was carved out of Bihar on 15 November 2000?

A. Chhattisgarh
B. Jharkhand
C. Uttarakhand
D. Telangana

Answer: B

---

🌿 6. Expected Mains Question (GS-I)

“Discuss the role of Birsa Munda in India’s tribal resistance movements and his contribution to preserving indigenous rights.”