BHIL PRADESH - POLITY

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.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-politics/bhil-pradesh-tribals-rajasthan-9463871/