Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas to Commemorate Tribal Legacy | 15 Nov 2025

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

India observes Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on 15^th November to honor tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, with 2024–25 marked as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh for his 150th birth anniversary. 

What is Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and Why is It Important for Preserving Tribal History? 

• Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas: The day is observed each year to honor tribals’ contributions in preserving cultural heritage and fostering Indian values such as national pride, valour, and hospitality. It was first celebrated in 2021 as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. 
  • Honouring Tribal Freedom Fighters: Birsa Munda led the Ulgulan (Great Tumult) against British land policies, symbolizing tribal resistance and the demand for self-rule. 
    • Other tribal leaders like Veer Narayan Singh, Badal Bhoi, Raja Shankar Shah, and Kunwar Raghunath Shah are also being commemorated for their anti-colonial efforts. 
• Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh 2025: As part of the celebrations, the government is establishing 11 Tribal Freedom Fighters Museums to highlight tribal valour and anti-colonial struggles often overlooked in mainstream history. 
  • 4 have already been inaugurated in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh.   
• Museums as Memory Keepers:  
  • Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial & Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum (Raipur, Chhattisgarh): It commemorates Narayan Singh of the Binjhwar tribe, who led an armed revolt against British famine policies in 1856–1857 and was executed on 10th December 1857.  
    • The museum chronicles tribal uprisings such as Halba Kranti, Meria Kranti, and Bhumkal Kranti, and highlights women-led protests like Rani Cho-Ris Kranti (1878) as well as tribal participation in Gandhian movements. 
  • Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum (Ranchi, Jharkhand): It commemorates Birsa Munda, leader of the Ulgulan (1899–1900), spiritual reformer, and freedom fighter. 
  • Badal Bhoi State Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum (Chhindwara, MP): It honours Badal Bhoi (1845–1940), leader of tribal protests against British forest laws and oppression. 
  • Raja Shankar Shah & Kunwar Raghunath Shah Museum (Jabalpur, MP): It celebrates poets who resisted British rule during 1857, using literature as a form of non-violent protest. 

Who was Birsa Munda? 

• About: Born on 15th November 1875 in the Chota Nagpur Plateau, he belonged to the Munda tribe.  
  • He grew up witnessing land alienation, forced labour (begar), and the decline of the Khuntkatti land system (joint ownership of land by tribal lineage) under British rule. 
  • He founded the Birsait faith, gaining Munda and Oraon followers who revered him as “Bhagwan” and “Dharti ka Abba.” 
• Role in Tribal Mobilisation: Influenced by the Sardar Agitation (1858–90) during his stay in Chaibasa (1886–1890), he rallied tribal communities to defend land rights, culture, and autonomy, resisting British exploitation and diku domination.  
  • The Sardar Agitation (1858–90) itself had emerged against forced labour and illegal rent hikes in Chotanagpur. 
• Ulgulan or the Great Tumult (1899-1900): He launched the Ulgulan movement, demanding an end to British rule in tribal areas, the expulsion of outsiders, and the establishment of “Birsa Raj.”  
  • The movement used guerrilla tactics, refused colonial rent, and rejected oppressive laws, becoming one of India’s most organised tribal revolts. 
• Arrest & Death: He was arrested in 1900 with his guerrilla group in the Jamkopai forest and died in Ranchi Jail on 9th June 1900 under unclear circumstances at age 25. 
• Legacy: His movement led to protective reforms like the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908, securing tribal land rights. Jharkhand was later created on 15th November 2000—his birth anniversary—as a tribute to his legacy 

What are the Key India’s Initiatives Related to the Promotion of Tribal Culture and Heritage? 

Conclusion 

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and the ongoing Varsh celebrations use museums and digital initiatives to bring the overlooked legacy of tribal freedom fighters like Birsa Munda into the national narrative. This not only honours their sacrifices but also preserves tribal heritage and reinforces the vision of an inclusive India.