On Friday, in a significant announcement, Union Minister of Urban Development Manohar Lal Khattar revealed that the prominent Sarai Kale Khan Chowk in Delhi will now be renamed Birsa Munda Chowk. The decision was made in commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the revered tribal freedom fighter and leader.
While making the announcement, Khattar explained that the new name would serve to honour the life and contributions of Birsa Munda. “This renaming will inspire not only the citizens of Delhi but also the visitors to the nearby ISBT bus stand. By seeing the statue and the name of the chowk, they will be reminded of his inspiring life,” said Khattar.
The renaming of the chowk was part of a broader initiative to celebrate the legacy of Birsa Munda, a prominent figure in India’s tribal freedom struggle. Earlier in the day, a statue of Birsa Munda was unveiled at the site by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Union Minister Khattar and Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, marking the special occasion of his 150th birth anniversary.
Birsa Munda, hailing from the Munda tribe of the Chotanagpur region (covering parts of present-day Bihar and Jharkhand), led a fierce armed resistance against British colonial rule. His rebellion, known as “Ulgulan” (The Rebellion), was driven by his determination to protect tribal land rights and to oppose the exploitation of indigenous communities. Munda’s leadership ignited a widespread movement among the tribal populations, urging them to assert control over their land and resist British policies that sought to turn them into bonded labourers.
Beyond his role as a warrior, Munda was also a spiritual leader who founded the Birsait faith, a blend of animism and indigenous beliefs that promoted the worship of a singular god. He was affectionately called ‘Dharti Aba’ (Father of the Earth) by his followers. Munda’s life was tragically short; he died at the age of 25 on June 9, 1900.
In recognition of his enduring legacy, the Government of India declared November 15, Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (Tribal Pride Day) in 2021. The renaming of the chowk and the installation of his statue are part of ongoing efforts to acknowledge and honor the contributions of tribal leaders to India’s freedom struggle and cultural heritage.
