With reference to the history of India, "Ulgulan" or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events?
- (a) The Revolt of 1857
- (b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921
- (c) The Indigo Revolt of 1859 – 60
- (d) Birsa Munda's Revolt of 1899 – 1900 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• 'Ulgulan' (Great Tumult) is the Munda name for Birsa Munda's uprising of 1899–1900 in the Ranchi region against dikus (outsiders), zamindars, missionaries and the colonial State — option (d).
• Birsa proclaimed himself a prophet, urged Mundas to restore their khuntkatti land system, and attacked police stations and churches before his capture and death in 1900.
• The revolt led to the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908 protecting tribal land.
• The 1857 Revolt (a), Mappila (b) and Indigo (c) rebellions have other names.
• Hence option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) The Revolt of 1857
- 1857 is not called Ulgulan.
- (b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921
- The Mappila rebellion is a Malabar event with no such name.
- (c) The Indigo Revolt of 1859 – 60
- The Indigo Revolt is known as Nil Bidroha.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.