The recent remembrance of a chilling incident that took place in Mangarh, Banswada, Rajasthan on 17th November, 1913 brings to mind the plight of Bhil tribals. Often referred to as the Adivasi Jallianwala, the event involved the merciless killing of over 1,500 Bhil tribals. This circumstance has brought about wider discussions and investigations into the historical contexts surrounding the massacre.
What Triggered the Mangarh Massacre?
The Bhils, an indigenous tribal community in India, had been subjected to grave hardships due to the brutalities of rulers from princely states and British colonists. At the brink of the 20th century, most Bhils residing in Rajasthan and Gujarat were reduced to bonded labor. Their conditions worsened after the devastating famine of 1899-1900 across Deccan and the Bombay Presidency, which claimed over six lakh lives.
In response, the Bhils rallied behind social activist Govind Guru, also known as Govindgiri. By 1910, they presented a list of 33 demands before the British. These demands related to forced labor, high taxes imposed on Bhils, and the harassment of Govind Guru’s followers by the British and princely state rulers. Despite the British’s attempts to soothe the situation, the Bhils remained defiant, refusing to abandon Mangarh Hill in a pursuit to proclaim independence from British control. As they failed to honor the British directive to leave the area by 15th November 1913, the event led to the horrific Mangarh massacre on 17th November 1913.
Who is Govind Guru?
Govind Guru was more than just a tribal leader; he was a revolutionary icon among the Bhils and Garasiya tribal communities. He earned immense respect and fame among the tribals for his contribution to India’s renaissance movement and freedom struggle.
Before entering the socio-political arena, Govind Guru was greatly influenced by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, a pivotal figure in North India’s renaissance movement. Together, they initiated a multitude of social transformation initiatives within tribal territories. In 1903, Govind Guru announced his commitment to eradicating social evils, promoting boycotts of foreign goods, banning forced labor, advancing female education, and encouraging dispute resolution among tribes.
The Legacy of Govind Guru’s Movement
Govind Guru’s efforts culminated in the formation of the Sump (Unity) Sabha, held atop Mangarh Hill. This event was significant for it marked Mangarh’s prominence in India’s history as the epicenter of the tribal movement. The Bhagat movement, orchestrated by Govind Guru in 1908, was seen as a threat by the British due to its potential to incite rebellion among the tribals.
Following the Mangarh massacre, Govind Guru was sentenced to death, and his wife was arrested. However, fearing a violent uprising by the Bhils, the British opted to delay the execution and instead sentenced Govind Guru to 20 years of isolation on an island. After his release, princely states joined forces to banish him. His final years were spent in Kamboi, Gujarat, where he passed away on October 30, 1931.
About Bhil Tribe
The Bhils, often referred to as Rajasthan’s bowmen, are one of India’s most widespread tribal communities. As per Census 2011, Bhils represent the largest tribe in India. They are divided into two main categories: Central or Pure Bhils and Eastern or Rajput Bhils.
Central Bhils predominantly reside in the mountainous regions spanning across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. Certain populations also inhabit the northwestern areas of Tripura. In states including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tripura, they are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe.
Historically, Bhils are considered part of the pre-Aryan race. Their name ‘Bhil’ is believed to have been derived from the Dravidian language words ‘villu’ or ‘billu’, translating to ‘Bow’. Ancient Indian epics such as Mahabharata and Ramayana also mention the Bhil tribe.
