**Birsa Munda: A Tribal Leader**

Birsa Munda was a prominent tribal leader and folk hero who played a significant role in the tribal rights movement during the late 19th century in India. He was born on 15th November 1875 in the Chhotanagpur region, which is present-day Jharkhand.

**Belonging to the Munda Tribe**

Birsa Munda belonged to the Munda tribe, one of the largest tribal communities in central India. The Mundas mainly inhabit the regions of Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. They have their unique language, culture, and customs, which are distinct from mainstream society.

**Birsa's Influence and Leadership**

Birsa Munda emerged as a charismatic leader among the Mundas and played a pivotal role in mobilizing his community against the oppressive policies of the British colonial administration and the exploitation by moneylenders and landlords. He advocated for the rights and welfare of the tribal people and fought against the encroachment of their land and resources.

**Tribals, Dikus, and the Vision of a Golden Age**

The chapter "Tribals, Dikus, and the Vision of a Golden Age" discusses the experiences and struggles of tribal communities in colonial India. It delves into the conflicts between the tribals and the 'dikus,' a term used to refer to outsiders or non-tribal people.

The chapter highlights the exploitation faced by the tribals at the hands of the dikus, mainly the moneylenders, traders, and British colonial administration. The tribals were subjected to forced labor, exploitation, and displacement from their ancestral lands.

**Birsa's Resistance Movement**

Birsa Munda emerged as a leader during this period of turmoil. He organized the tribal people, instilling a sense of unity and resistance against the dikus. Birsa's movement aimed to protect the tribal way of life, their land, and their customs. He mobilized the Mundas and led them in armed revolts against the British and the dikus.

Birsa's vision was not just about resisting the dikus but also about creating a utopian society, a 'Golden Age' for the tribals. He envisioned a world where the tribals would live in harmony with nature, free from exploitation and oppression.

**Conclusion**

Birsa Munda was a revered tribal leader who fought for the rights and welfare of the Munda tribe. He led a significant resistance movement against the British colonial administration and the exploitation faced by the tribal communities. Birsa's legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the struggles and aspirations of tribal people in India.

Born on 15 November 1875 in Ulihatu, Jharkhand (then part of the Bengal Presidency), Munda belonged to the Munda tribe of the Chhotanagpur Plateau area. He spent his childhood surrounded by Christian missionaries, whose main mission was to convert as many tribal people into Christians as possible.