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Difficulty: MediumRevolt of 1857, Peasant Struggles, and Tribal Uprisings

The Munda Ulgulan (Great Tumult) of 1899–1900 was one of the most prominent tribal rebellions against British colonial rule in Chota Nagpur. Which of the following statements regarding this uprising are correct?

  1. It aimed to overthrow colonial rule, moneylenders, and landlords to re-establish tribal control and restore traditional 'Khuntkatti' land rights.Answer
  2. Birsa Munda initiated a socio-religious reform movement, asking his followers to give up alcohol, practice cleanliness, and worship a single god (Singbonga).Answer
  3. C
    The immediate outcome of the uprising was the enactment of the Bengal Tenancy Act of 1885 to prohibit forced agricultural labor.
  4. D
    The movement was organised in response to the introduction of the Permanent Settlement in Bihar in 1793.

Answer

The correct statements are those highlighting the movement's goal to restore the traditional Khuntkatti system against landlords/British rule and Birsa Munda's socio-religious reform advocating monotheism and moral purity.
The Munda Ulgulan led by Birsa Munda fought against the erosion of the traditional Khuntkatti land system by feudal landlords and British officials. Simultaneously, Birsa Munda led a socio-religious reform movement that instructed tribal followers to abandon alcohol, maintain moral code, and worship one God, Singbonga.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the socio-economic objectives of the Munda Revolt
Identified that the revolt aimed at ending the harassment by dikus (outsiders) and restoring the traditional Khuntkatti communal landholding system.
Economic alienation and loss of customary land rights were the core triggers of the Ulgulan.
2
Evaluate Birsa Munda's socio-religious reforms
Confirmed that Birsa Munda preached monotheism (worship of Singbonga), moral cleanliness, and abandonment of superstitions and alcoholism.
Socio-religious reform was used to unite the tribal populace into a cohesive movement.
3
Verify the legislative aftermath of the rebellion
Recognized that the colonial government passed the Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act of 1908, not the 1885 Bengal Tenancy Act.
The Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act was specifically framed to safeguard tribal land rights and restrict land transfers to non-tribals.

Key Concept

Munda Ulgulan (1899–1900) under Birsa Munda: Causes, nature, socio-religious aspects, and legislative consequences.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Revolt of 1857, Peasant Struggles, and Tribal Uprisings

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