Daily News Analysis

Mangarh Dham

stylish_lining

A recent congregation of tribals from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat at Mangarh Dham has highlighted the demand for the formation of a separate Bhil Pradesh.

About Mangarh Dham

Mangarh Dham, located in Banswara district, Rajasthan, is an important tribal pilgrimage site and a memorial of great historical significance for the Bhil community.

Location:

  • Mangarh Dham is nestled in the Aravalli mountain range at the border of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Historical Significance:

  • Govind Guru: The site is dedicated to Govind Guru, a revered tribal leader and freedom fighter who led the Bhil rebellion against British colonial rule.

  • Mangarh Rebellion:

    • On November 17, 1913, British forces attacked a gathering of Bhils at Mangarh Hill, leading to a massacre of thousands of Bhil tribals.

    • This event is often referred to as the “Adivasi Jallianwala Bagh” due to its brutality and the large number of lives lost.

  • Freedom Struggle:

    • The Mangarh rebellion is considered a major event in the history of tribal resistance against British rule, especially from the Bhil tribe, who were fighting for their rights and freedom.

Annual Fair and Pilgrimage:

  • Every year, during the November fair, thousands of devotees gather at Mangarh Dham to commemorate the rebellion and honor the sacrifice of the Bhil people.

  • The fair includes religious activities, such as prayers, bhajans (devotional songs), and communal meals, making it an emotionally and culturally significant event for the Bhil community.

Demand for a Separate Bhil Pradesh

The congregation at Mangarh Dham brought forth the demand for a separate Bhil Pradesh, advocating for the creation of a state that reflects the ethnic and cultural identity of the Bhil tribe. The reasons for the demand include:

  1. Historical Legacy: The Mangarh rebellion and the significant sacrifice made by the Bhil people in India’s freedom struggle have largely gone unacknowledged. This new demand seeks to bring more attention to the contributions of the Bhils.

  2. Cultural Identity: The Bhil community believes that their distinct culture, language, and traditions need to be preserved and recognized at a larger scale. The formation of a separate state would ensure better representation and help protect their heritage.

  3. Socio-economic Development: Many tribal areas, particularly in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, face challenges related to poverty, underdevelopment, and lack of access to resources. A Bhil Pradesh could prioritize tribal welfare and create a better environment for development.

  4. Political Representation: The demand also stems from the desire for better political representation and autonomy in managing local issues that are specific to the Bhil community, like land rights, forest conservation, and tribals' socio-economic empowerment.

Conclusion

The demand for a Bhil Pradesh from the tribal communities at Mangarh Dham calls attention to the historical sacrifices and cultural importance of the Bhil tribe in India. The Mangarh rebellion remains a symbol of tribal resistance and determination, and this recent event seeks to amplify the need for political and cultural recognition for the Bhil people.


 

Collegium System of Judicial Appointments in India

The Collegium system refers to India's judicial process for appointing and transferring judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts. While the system plays a crucial role in maintaining judici
Share It

Sea-Level Rise

Coral micro-atolls are essential natural recorders of sea-level rise (SLR), offering valuable insights into past and present oceanic changes. These disk-shaped coral colonies provide a unique meth
Share It

India’s Strategy in the Indian Ocean

Why the Indian Ocean Matters: Strategic Importance: The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean in the world, hosting 1/3rd of the global population and acting as a crucial maritime trade
Share It

ASEAN Centrality

Why in the News? ASEAN’s central role in the Indo-Pacific is increasingly under strain due to rising great-power rivalry, shifting global trade dynamics, and the evolving regional order.
Share It

2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin

The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin, China in 2025 brought together the heads of state of member countries to address a broad spectrum of issues, including secu
Share It

India’s Carbon Emissions Trading System

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has made a significant stride in India’s climate strategy by setting up the National Designated Authority (NDA) to implement a
Share It

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025

The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend various provisions across several central acts with the goal of decriminalizing offences and promoting
Share It

Fair and Representative Global Order

India’s External Affairs Minister recently called for a fair and representative global order during the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival. The statement highlights the growing need for reforms
Share It

India's First EMI-Based Credit Card

Recently, Unity Small Finance Bank and BharatPe launched India's first EMI-driven credit card on the RuPay network. This innovative product allows users to pay for their purchases in full or c
Share It

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

Why in News? Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have gained prominence for their vital role in promoting collective action, protecting rights, and filling gaps in governance. They serve as cata
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS