“Ulgulan” or the Great Tumult

Munda Rebellion is one of the prominent 19th century tribal rebellions in the subcontinent. Birsa Munda led this movement in the region of south Ranchi in 1899-1900. Aimed at establishing Munda Raj or Munda rule in this region, revolt came to be known as The Ulgulan or “the Great Tumult”. 

Reason of revolt: In 1874, the British replaced the traditional Khuntkari system of Munda tribals by the zamindari system. The introduction of zamindari system created the classes of zamindars (landlords) and ryots (tenants). Following the monetisation of economy, the tribals had to depend on cash for paying the rent and for meeting their daily needs. This made them dependent on the money-lenders.