Recalling martyrs of Dombari Buru

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.

- DR. PRADIP VERMA

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 struggle, deserves not just remembrance but national recognition.

Dombari 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.