UPSC Prelims 2020 Q35: Modern History – Peasant, Tribal & Labour Movements
- (a) The Revolt of 1857
- (b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921
- (c) The Indigo Revolt of 1859 - 60
- (d) Birsa Munda's Revolt of 1899 - 1900
Answer: (d) Birsa Munda's Revolt of 1899 - 1900
Explanation
'Ulgulan' (Great Tumult): Historical Event
| Event | Is it Ulgulan? |
|---|---|
| Revolt of 1857 | No - primarily Hindu + Muslim soldiers, not tribal |
| Mappila Rebellion 1921 | No - Kerala Muslim uprising |
| Indigo Revolt 1859-60 | No - Bengali peasants, not tribal |
| Birsa Munda's Revolt 1899-1900 | YES |
Ulgulan (Mundari: , Great Tumult/Upheaval) = Birsa Munda's Revolt (1899-1900) in Jharkhand (then Bihar).
Birsa Munda (1875-1901): Tribal leader who launched anti-colonial, anti-zamindari uprising. Demanded:
- Return of tribal lands
- Religious reformation (Birsaism - blend of Hinduism + tribal beliefs)
- Independence from colonial rule
Rebellion suppressed; Birsa died in jail 1901. But Ulgulan inspired later tribal movements.
Answer: (d) Birsa Munda's Revolt of 1899-1900.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. 1857 Revolt was primarily military/sepoy mutiny, not tribal uprising (though some tribal participation).
- (b) Incorrect. Mappila Rebellion was Kerala Muslim rebellion, not tribal Ulgulan.
- (c) Incorrect. Indigo Revolt (1859-60) was Bengali peasant uprising, different from Ulgulan.
- (d) CORRECT. Ulgulan refers to Birsa Munda's tribal revolt (1899-1900) in Jharkhand against colonial + zamindari oppression.
Key point
Birsa Munda (1875-1901): Jharkhand tribal leader. 'Ulgulan' = his anti-colonial uprising 1899-1900. Demanded tribal rights + religious reform (Birsaism). Captured, died in jail 1901. Became tribal freedom icon in India.
Remember
In the history of India, 'Ulgulan' or the Great Tumult is the description of Birsa Munda's Revolt of 1899-1900, a tribal uprising against colonial rule and zamindari oppression in Jharkhand (then Bihar), combining anti-colonial resistance with tribal religious reformation.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Birsa Munda with other tribal leaders (Santhal Rebellion 1855-56, Kol Uprising 1831-32). Ulgulan was specifically Birsa's movement.
- Assuming tribal uprisings were limited to 19th century. They continued into 20th century (post-1900).
- Missing religious dimension of Ulgulan - Birsa blended Hinduism + tribal animism to mobilize religious nationalism.
Exam tip
Tribal Movements progression: Santhal Rebellion (1855-56) -> Kol Uprising (1831-32) -> Bhil Rebellion (1817-31) -> Birsa Munda's Ulgulan (1899-1900) -> post-1947 adivasi rights movements. Each generation learned from previous.
Sources
- Ranajit Guha - The Prose of Counter-Insurgency
- Suresh Chandra Ghosh - Birsa Munda and His Movement