Honoring the Martyrs of Dombari Buru: A Massacre Greater than Jallianwala Bagh

Ranchi, Jan 9 (NationPress) The Dombari Buru hill in Jharkhand stands as a solemn reminder of one of the bloodiest massacres during India's freedom struggle. While the Jallianwala Bagh massacre is widely recognized, the tragic events of January 9, 1900, at Dombari Buru were much larger in scale.

On the 125th anniversary of the massacre, hundreds of individuals gathered to pay tribute at the martyrs' pillar located on the hill. This site honors the sacrifices made by Munda tribals who valiantly fought under the leadership of Birsa Munda, a revolutionary tribal leader who proclaimed 'Abua Raj' (self-rule) in defiance of British rule.

The British, alarmed by the uprising, surrounded the hill and began firing on the assembled tribals. Armed solely with bows and arrows, the Mundas mounted a defense but were met with a brutal attack. Scholars studying tribal history estimate that over 400 lives were lost, while British records claim only 12 deaths.

On Thursday, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren paid homage, stating on social media: 'In the struggle for India's independence and rights, countless courageous individuals from Jharkhand have given their lives. Yet, these sacrifices often remain hidden in the annals of history. The Dombari Buru massacre is one such tragic chapter, where hundreds of our valiant warriors laid down their lives to safeguard Jharkhand's identity, rights, and natural resources. Their sacrifices will be forever remembered. Hundreds of salutes to the immortal martyrs of Dombari Buru.'

A study conducted by the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) of the Jharkhand government has illuminated the massacre. While a British report stated there were 12 deaths, a 1957 Bihar government report estimated the fatalities at 200. Local folklore and stone inscriptions in the area preserve the names of martyrs such as Hadi Munda, Majhia Munda, Hopen Manjhi, and others.

These narratives underscore the atrocities, including reports that two of Birsa Munda’s associates, Hathiram Munda and Singrai Munda, were buried alive.

According to the research, British Commissioner A Forbes, Colonel Westmoreland, and HC Straitfield commanded the army that executed the massacre.

The massacre left Dombari hill soaked in blood, with the nearby Tajna river reportedly turning red.

Despite the British seeming victory, Birsa Munda evaded capture for weeks. He was ultimately arrested on February 3, 1900, while resting in the forests of Chaibasa. Later imprisoned in Ranchi, he died under mysterious circumstances on June 9, 1900.

Dombari Buru remains a potent symbol of the resilience and sacrifice of the tribal community in India's quest for freedom.