Bhil Pradesh -
polity
News: A significant rally was held at Mangarh Dham,
Rajasthan, and reiterated the demand for an independent 'Bhil state'.
What’s in
the news?
Historical
Context: The demand traces back to 1913
after the Mangarh massacre, where British forces killed hundreds of Bhil
tribals, an event often called the "Adivasi Jallianwala".
Arguments
for Bhil Pradesh
- Cultural and Historical
Basis: Bhil social reformer Govind
Guru first raised the demand for a separate state for tribals. The idea is
that tribal regions, historically a single entity, were divided
post-Independence to prevent tribal unification.
- Demographic and Regional
Focus: The demand includes carving
out 49 districts from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Tribals make up nearly 14% of Rajasthan’s population, primarily in the
Vagad region (Pratapgarh, Banswara, Dungarpur, and parts of Udaipur).
BHIL COMMUNITY
·
The Bhil
are one of the largest tribal groups, living in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat,
Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.
·
The name
is derived from the word ‘billu’, which means bow.
·
The Bhil
are known to be excellent archers coupled with deep knowledge about their local
geography.
·
Traditionally,
experts in guerrilla warfare, most of them today are farmers and agricultural
labourers. They are also skilled sculptors.
·
Bhil
women wear traditional saris while men are dressed in long frocks and pyjamas.
The woman put on heavy ornaments made of silver, brass along with rosaries of
beads and silver coins and earrings.