Dombari Buru, Learn about rich history, tribal culture, and attractive tourist spots of this historical site. the natural beauty & cultural heritage of Khunti.
Preface
This dream of the history of the country’s independence has not been studied properly. There are many such stories in the pages of history which could not see the struggle and rebellion of Jharkhand. Many history books say that the first rebellion for independence in the country took place in 1857.
But the rebellion against the British Sultanate was started from the land of Jharkhand on 30 June 1855. In Bhagnadih village of Barhat block of Sahibganj district of Jharkhand, the name of Sidhu Kanu and his two brothers Chand Bhairav as well as Phool Jaanu is taken proudly along with the Santhal rebellion.
Introduction to Dombari Buru
There is a 110 feet high pillar on the top of Dombari Buru (mountain) situated in Khunti district of Jharkhand state. This pillar was built in Dombari East by late Dr. Ramdayal Munda, a member of Rajya Sabha, international level linguist, sociological tribal intellectual and litterateur.
The 110 feet high pillar tells the story of martyrdom again today. The huge pillars built in the year 1984 – 87 contain the history of Ulgulan. The souls of the martyrs who lit the torch of freedom with every drop of their blood are still present here.
To improve Dombari Buru, Vishwa Munda of the village donated 80 decimal land below Dombari Buru in 1990. Administrative officer JB Tubid along with Padmashree Dr. Ramdayal Munda had assured Vishwa that he would be given compensation in lieu of the land.
History of Birsa Munda and Dombari Buru
Have you read about the massacre of Dombari Buru somewhere? Do we remember Dombari Guru? No, because it is not recorded in history nor is it taught in the curriculum.
Exactly 120 years ago, on 9 January 1899, the British shot the tribals in Tombari East when Lord Birsa Munda was sharing the dream of independence among his people. Tribal youth with revolutionary ideology from dozens of nearby villages were also present in this meeting.
The slogan “Abua Dishom Agua Raj” was raised from here. Which is still heard on political platforms. This slogan had united the whole of Jharkhand. It was named Ulgulan. Meanwhile, “Diko Raj Tundu Jana Abu Raj Entejana” means that Diku Raj i.e. outside rule has ended and our own rule has started.
We have a right over water, forest and land because this is our state and dreams of independence were being seen here. And on the other side, the spies had informed the British police about the gathering of Mundas. The police and army surrounded the hill from all sides.
The British were firing guns and cannons. Birsa Munda and his supporters were fighting with traditional weapons like bows and arrows. It is believed that there was a massacre and the Dombari hill was drenched in blood. The British won this war but they could not get hold of Birsa Munda.
On 3 February 1984, Birsa Munda was arrested by the police from the dense forest of Chaibasa when he was in deep sleep. He was taken to Karachi via Khunti. The case against him was filed in a confidential manner. He was tried in the court of Magistrate W.S. Kutoos.
Barrister Jacqueline had pleaded for Birsa Munda. But this was a sham. He was imprisoned in Ranchi jail and tortured terribly. On 1 June, the British spread the news that he had cholera.
He breathed his last in the jail on the morning of 9 June. His body was thrown near the present distillery pool of Ranchi. Now his tomb has been built at some place.
The Ranchi jail where Birsa Munda died is now developed as Birsa Munda Memorial Museum. Ulihatu Chalkat Bamba Shibua Buru, Rongata Jo Ayubhatu, Salga, Dombari Buru, Budju, Bandgaon, Sarvada, Chaibasa, Khunti, Ranchi, these Arya Sthals are directly connected to Birsa Munda.
Dombari Buru, which is present about 17 km from Khunti, has the pride of freeing not only this area but the whole country from the slavery of the British due to the visionary leadership of Birsa Munda to protect the heritage and self-respect. But a question also arises with these stores, does the mainstream history still avoid Jharkhand?
The first fight against the British started from Jharkhand itself. Dombari Buru is that area, it is a mountain area where it is not easy to go even today. It is completely surrounded by forests and when you go to the top of the mountain, you will find the Birsa Munda Trimurti.
A memorial has been built. The last battle of Birsa Munda with his team and supporters took place at the same place. This happened in January 1900. And just imagine how people would have reached that area where people cannot go now. This is a historical place where the last battle was fought.
At that time there was no path or road at Abu Kila. It was all jungle. The British reached there and surrounded Birsa Munda’s supporters and a fight took place in which many people were killed. Among them three women were also killed.
They were women from the village below Dombari Buru. And one person was Hathiram Munda. He was from the same area or nearby.
The British buried him in the same condition when he was injured. Meaning he was a staunch supporter of Birsa. This is probably the first incident in history in which a person was buried alive in a movement.
There are only six names of martyrs. They are Hathiram Munda, Hadi Munda, Singrai Munda, Bankan Munda’s wife, Majhiya Munda’s wife and Dundung Munda’s wife. Because there is no record. But a large number of people were killed.
This is said and this statement is also mentioned in the government records around 35. Pusti had killed 6 people but by the time the final round was over, around 400 people had gathered. It was believed that more than 50 people were killed. There was a child among them.
This is the most important chapter in the pages of history. This chapter has not been turned till now. Many people do not even know this story. It is our responsibility to convey this story, our struggle, our martyrdom, our stories, our heritage to the people. We can tell how much Jharkhand has lost at that time.
Tourist attractions and facility
A place has been built right below the mountain. There is a huge statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. And the list of the six people who were martyred has been written on a stone plaque. Apart from this, a community building has been built at this place.
People from the tribal community can come and stay here. Every year a grand fair is organized here on the occasion of Birsa Munda’s birthday.
Where lakhs of people from nearby areas participate in this grand fair. It is said that he had successfully tried to cure the people here from cholera in the form of a god. He had relieved all the people from this disease.
Local community and lifestyle
The largest population in the local community here is Munda, Oraon and Ho. The livelihood and economy of all of them is agriculture and animal husbandry. Apart from this, many people make bamboo, wood etc. as handicrafts and trade in the local market.
Special attention is given to its education. Many types of religions are celebrated here in Khunti. In which many festivals and celebrations are organized throughout the year. In which people of each community celebrate in their own way. Dance, music and local art are displayed in the festivals.
Current status and development
Dombari Buru was not developed for the last many years. Earlier, many types of development work was done here. In which a road was built to go to the top of the mountain and the pillar. And many buildings were also constructed below the mountain.
With the passage of time, the old heritage here was seen breaking down day by day. The stairs of this pillar had also become dilapidated. There was a dire need to repair it.
At present, the construction of road to go here, community building for living, garden, PCC road to the top of the mountain has been made possible. Along with this, the most important thing is the repair of the stairs of the pillar and steel angle has also been installed from the side.
In today’s time, many development related works can be seen by coming here. Due to the destruction of a historical place of Jharkhand, the government provides many schemes here. About which people of all communities will be able to get information in the coming time.
Preservation and Promotion
No damage has been done to the environment in the mountains and forests of Dombari Buru. Since this area is a mountain and forest area, no person even causes pollution here. This mountain keeps the environment completely clean and the air is clean.
Due to which there is sufficient rainfall for farming in the surrounding areas. Many trees have been planted in the Ganjar mountains and forests here. Which is beneficial for the environment and our earth.
How to reach Dombari Buru
Dombari Buru is located at a distance of about 20 km from Khunti city. To see the pillar on the top of the mountain, one has to climb 10 feet up. PCC road has been constructed which leads to the pillar. The road to reach here is a little dangerous. That is to say, while climbing the mountain, there is a possibility of falling due to the winding path.
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Some questions related to Dombari Buru
1. What is the historical importance of Dombari Buru?
Birsa Munda led the revolt against the British during the freedom struggle. Birsa Munda’s freedom struggle, struggle, battle of Dombari Buru, folklore, cultural heritage and environmental protection are the importance of Dombari Buru.
2. What are the major tourist places in Khunti district?
Panchghagh Waterfall, Dombari Buru, Angrabari Shiv Temple, Ulihatu, Birsa Mrig Vihar / Dear Park, Perwaghagh Waterfall, Rain Waterfall and GEL Church Sarvda are the major tourist places.
3. What is the cultural heritage of Dombari Buru?
A huge pillar has been built here on Dombari Buru. Where every year a grand fair is organized on the occasion of the birthday of Lord Birsa Munda.
4. What is the cultural heritage of Dombari Buru?
Dombari Buru is a symbol of the culture of the Munda tribe and their traditions. The people here still keep their cultural heritage alive through traditional dance and music.
5. What are the tourist places in Dombari Buru?
In Dombari Buru, tourists can visit the Birsa Munda Memorial, scenic views, and traditional Munda villages.
6. What is the environment and climate of Dombari Buru?
The environment of Dombari Buru is lush green and full of natural beauty. The climate here is temperate, which is suitable for tourism throughout the year.