Born in Khunti district of Jharkhand, most of the people of Birsa Munda’s family had accepted Christianity. It was started by his uncle Kanu Paulus, but Birsa started a new religion.
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Birsa Munda is counted among those personalities who fought against the British rule for the tribals and did not compromise on their rights. This is the reason why he is remembered even today. Born in Khunti district of Jharkhand Birsa Munda Most of the family members had accepted Christianity. It started with his uncle Kanu Paul. After this, father Sugna and younger brother also accepted Christianity and became a preacher.
A significant part of Birsa’s life was spent in Khatanga village at his aunt’s house. While living here, he came in contact with a preacher of Christianity. He used to criticize the old system of Mudas in his discourses. Birsa did not like this thing. This has been the reason that after doing his early studies in missionary, he returned back to tribal life.
How did the Birsaite religion start?
Kumar Suresh Singh, the author of the book ‘Birsa Munda and his movement’ and an administrative service officer, writes that in 1894 he joined the movement in which the rights of the tribals were being demanded for land and forests. During this, he realized that neither the tribals nor the people of Christianity are giving priority to this movement. From here he started a new religion and named it Birsait. Those who believed in this were called Birsait. In 1895, he gave the responsibility of propagating his religion to his 12 disciples.
Why is it so difficult to follow Birsait Dharma?
It is not so easy to follow the Birsait religion. People who believe in this religion do not even touch meat, liquor, bidi and khaini. Do not eat things made in the market. Do not eat food cooked in someone else’s house. Even plucking of flowers, leaves and teeth is prohibited on Thursday. Light colored cotton cloth is used for wearing.
Why is the number of followers of this religion so small?
In a BBC report, Birendra Kumar Soy Munda, professor of Mundari language at Khunti College, says that if a person goes to the house of a follower of this religion, they do not cook and feed them. Let’s arrange a separate place for them to cook ration and food. If a person following this religion marries in another caste, then it becomes difficult for him to get recognition in the society. This is the reason why the number of people who believe in it is less.
After the death of Birsa Munda in 1901, the effect of his policies and movement remained intact, but the people who followed the Birsait religion remained very few. There are three sects regarding this religion as well. People of one sect perform puja on Wednesday. Second on Sunday and third on Thursday. However, in these, the number of supporters who worship on Sunday is more.
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