Question

Sort the following events in chronological order, in the context of the Birsa Munda Rebellion.

• A. Birsa converts to Christianity
• B. Exposed to Hindusim
• C. Demands for forest tax exemption denied
• D. Abua Desh Mai Abua Raj
• E. Declares war on the British

Answer 1

• Birsa munda was sent away by his parents to a maternal uncle, where he was exposed to Christianity and changed his name to Birsa David. It was during this time that he developed an understanding of racism.
• Later, he was exposed to Vaishnava devotee Ananda Pandey, from whom he learnt about Hinduism. This developed in him a sense of rebellion against the British. He understood that the laws made by the colonial administrators were oppressive.
• In 1895, the tribals demanded for a forest tax exemption, which was promptly denied by the British. It was then that Birsa started a rebellion against the British with the slogan ‘Abua Desh Mai Abua Raj’ which meant "our state, our rule".
• The resistance against the British grew and hundreds of tribals were killed.
• Birsa declared war on the British on 14 December, 1899. The war spread like a wildfire. A bounty was placed on Birsa by the British.