UPSC Prelims 2020 · Question 15 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2020 question on Ulgulan Birsa Munda
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2020
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectModern History
- TopicPeasant and Tribal Movements
- DifficultyEasy
- TypeDirect
With reference to the history of India, 'Ulgulan' or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events?
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Answer: D. Birsa Munda's Revolt of 1899–1900
Munda Rebellion is one of the most prominent 19th century tribal rebellions in the subcontinent. Birsa Munda led this movement in the region south of Ranchi in 1899-1900.
The ulgulan, meaning 'Great Tumult', sought to establish Munda Raj and independence. The Mundas traditionally enjoyed a preferential rent rate as the khuntkattidar or the original clearer of the forest.
The Ulgulan began as a religious movement and soon acquired an agrarian and political connotation. The leader of the movement encouraged the killing of Jagirdars and Rajas and declared that Satyug would be established in place of the present-day Kalyug.
The Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act of 1908 provided some recognition to their khuntkatti rights and banned both begari. Chhotanagpur tribals won a degree of legal protection for their land rights.
Hence option (d) — Birsa Munda's Revolt of 1899–1900 — is the correct answer.