Daily News Analysis

Mangarh Dham

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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.


 

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