Q50
Indian National MovementPeasant, Tribal & Labour Movements
Which tribal leader was regarded as an incarnation of God (Dharti Aba)?
- a.Kanu Santhal
- b.Rupa Naik
- c.Birsa Munda
- d.Joria Bhagat
Answer: (C) Birsa Munda
Birsa Munda (born 15 November 1875 at Ulihatu, Khunti) proclaimed himself a prophet, founded the Birsait faith and was revered by the Mundas as 'Dharti Aba' (Father of the Earth) and Bhagwan. He led the Ulgulan ('Great Tumult') of 1899-1900 in Chotanagpur against landlords, moneylenders, missionaries and the British, and died in Ranchi jail on 9 June 1900; the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908 followed. His birthday is observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and is also Jharkhand's foundation day. Kanhu Murmu (A) led the Santhal Hul of 1855-56 with his brother Sidhu, while Rupa (Rup Singh) Naik and Joria Bhagat (B, D) were leaders of the Naikda tribal movement in Gujarat in 1868.