As we approach the 126th anniversary of the tragic events at Dombari Buru on 9 January 1900, it is imperative that we pause to remember the martyrs who laid down their lives in the pursuit of freedom and dignity. The blood-soaked hills of Dombari Buru in Jharkhand stand as an eternal testament to the unyielding spirit of our Adivasi bravehearts. Their sacrifice, often overshadowed in the annals of India’s freedom str ug gle, deser ve s no t just remembrance but national recognition.
Buru hills, nestled in the Khunti district of Jharkhand, are more than a geographical landmark they embody the indomitable spirit of Adivasi courage and valour. This symbolism is deeply rooted in the revolutionary movement led by Bhagwan Birsa Munda in 1899, known as the Ulgulan or “Great Tumult.” Birsa Munda, a visionary tribal leader, rallied his people against the oppressive British colonial regime, which had encroached upon their lands, exploited their resources, and eroded their cultural autonomy through exploitative land policies and missionary influences. The Ulgulan was not merely a rebellion; it was a profound assertion of self-rule, encapsulated in Birsa’s rallying cry: “Abua Raj ete jana, Maharani Raj tundu jana” (Let the queen’s rule end, and our rule begin).
Dombari Buru became the epicentre of this resistance, where thousands of Mundas gathered to strategize and stand firm against imperial might. Today, these hills symbolize the timeless Adivasi ethos of resilience, unity, and defiance against injustice, inspiring generations to uphold their heritage and fight for their rights. The events leading to the Dombari Buru massacre unfolded amid escalating tensions in the late 1890s. Birsa Munda’s movement gained momentum as tribals resisted the British zamindari system and forest laws that deprived them of their ancestral lands. On 5 January 1900, Birsa’s followers clashed with colonial forces, killing two police constables in Etkedih. Two days later, on January 7, they stormed a police station in Khunti, resulting in the death of another constable. Fearing a full-scale uprising, the British mobilized troops under Captain H.H. Dalton.
On January 9, over 400 unarmed Munda tribals – men, women, and children – had assembled peacefully at Dombari Buru for a meeting. Without warning, British forces opened fire, unleashing a hail of bullets that turned the hill into a slaughter ground. Reports describe the nearby Tajna River running red with blood, as hundreds were mowed down in cold blood. This atrocity, which claimed over 400 lives, predated the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919 by nearly two decades and was far bloodier in its brutality against an indigenous population. It is appropriately called the “Jallianwala Bagh of Jharkhand” because, like Amritsar’s tragedy, it exposed the ruthless face of colonialism, targeting defenceless people in a confined space with no escape.
Munda himself evaded capture briefly but was arrested on 3 February 1900, and died in Ranchi jail on 9 June 1900, under suspicious circumstances at the age of 25. As the nation celebrates the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the time could be right to consider Dombari Buru being declared a national memorial, not just for the martyrs of 1900, but as a tribute to all tribal freedom fighters across India. Such a memorial would serve as a sacred site of pilgrimage, educating visitors about the often-forgotten contribution of the Adivasi community to India’s independence. It could include museums, memorials, and cultural centres that highlight tribal histories, fostering national unity by integrating indigenous narratives into the mainstream freedom story.
This recognition would honour the sacrifices made in remote hills and forests, ensuring that the legacy of Adivasi resistance is preserved for posterity. Designating Dombari Buru as a national memorial could be the finest homage to India’s tribal freedom fighters, spanning from Raghunath Mahato’s revolt in 1769 to Jaipal Singh Munda’s advocacy in the 1940s. Raghunath Mahato, a leader from the Jungle Mahals, spearheaded a rebellion against the East India Company’s exploitative policies, mobilizing local communities in a fierce uprising that challenged early colonial dominance. His efforts laid the groundwork for future resistances. On the other end of this timeline, Jaipal Singh Munda, an Oxford-educated tribal icon, Olympic hockey captain, and Constituent Assembly member, fought tirelessly for Adivasi rights through political and legal means in the mid-20th century, including the push for a separate Jharkhand state.
Between them lie countless heroes like Tilka Manjhi, Sidhu-Kanhu, and others who waged guerrilla wars against British rule. A national memorial at Dombari Buru would immortalize this continuum of struggle, reminding us that India’s freedom was won not only in urban centers but also in the heartlands of its indigenous peoples. I must commend the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in bringing long-overdue recognition to the contributions of freedom fighters from Jharkhand and other tribal regions. Under his leadership, November 15 – Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary – has been declared Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, celebrating tribal pride nationwide.
PM Modi has visited Ulihatu, Birsa’s birthplace, and inaugurated the Birsa Munda Memorial Park and Freedom Fighter Museum in Ranchi, honouring tribal legacies. His government has also felicitated descendants of tribal heroes, integrating their stories into national discourse and ensuring they are no longer marginalized. Recognizing Dombari Buru as a national memorial would build on this foundation, inspiring future generations of Adivasi youth. It would instil a sense of pride, encouraging them to embrace paths of selfless sacrifice and nation-building. In an era where youth face modern challenges, such a site could serve as a living classroom, teaching values of resilience, environmental stewardship, and communal harmony – hallmarks of Adivasi culture.
In conclusion, let us commit to transforming Dombari Buru from a site of forgotten sorrow into a national symbol of triumph. By doing so, we not only honour the martyrs of 1900 but also reaffirm India’s inclusive ethos, where every community’s sacrifice is valued. The time for action is now – let the hills echo with the pride of a united nation.
(The writer is a Rajya Sabha MP from Jharkhand)