A horrifying tragedy occurred in Mangarh (Banswara, Rajasthan) on 17th November 1913, claiming the lives of over 1,500 Bhil tribals. The Mangarh hillock, situated at the Gujarat-Rajasthan border, is often referred to as the Adivasi Jallianwala Bagh, highlighting its historical significance and the brutality faced by the Bhil community.
What Led to the Mangarh Massacre?
The Bhils, a tribal community, faced severe oppression from both the rulers of the princely states and the British colonial administration. By the end of the 19th century, many Bhils in Rajasthan and Gujarat were reduced to bonded labor. The great famine of 1899-1900, which killed over six lakh people, exacerbated their suffering.
Mobilized and trained by social activist Guru Govindgiri, also known as Govind Guru, the Bhils placed a charter of 33 demands before the British by 1910. These demands primarily related to forced labor, high taxes, and the harassment of Govind Guru’s followers. When the Bhils refused to leave Mangarh Hill, vowing to declare their freedom from British rule, the British set a deadline of 15th November 1913 for their departure. When the Bhils did not comply, the British Indian Army fired indiscriminately on the peaceful protesters on 17th November 1913, resulting in the deaths of over 1,500 people, including women and children.
Who was Govind Guru?
Govind Guru was a revolutionary leader of the tribals in Mangarh, which includes present-day Udaipur, Dungarpur, and Banswara in Rajasthan, Gujarat’s Idar, and Malwa in Madhya Pradesh. A living legend among the Bhil and Garasiya tribal communities, Govind Guru united thousands of tribals with his voice.
Before becoming a leader in India’s freedom struggle, he played a significant role in India’s renaissance movement, impressing Swami Dayanand Saraswati, a central figure in the movement. Together, they initiated a wave of social reforms in the tribal areas, focusing on eradicating social evils, boycotting foreign goods, ending forced labor, educating girls, and resolving mutual disputes among tribes. This led to the creation of a Sump (Unity) Sabha, whose first meeting was held on the hilltop in Mangarh.
The Bhagat movement initiated in 1908 by Govind Guru, where tribals gathered around the fire to reaffirm their oath, was seen by the British as a threat. The consequences of the Mangarh massacre were severe: Govind Guru was sentenced to death, and his wife was arrested. However, fearing that the tribal Bhils’ movement would turn violent, the British commuted his sentence to 20 years of imprisonment on an isolated island. Upon release, all the princely states exiled him, and he lived his last years in Kamboi, Gujarat, where he died on October 30, 1931.
Who Are the Bhils?
The Bhils, commonly referred to as Rajasthan’s bowmen, are one of India’s most widely dispersed tribal communities. According to the 2011 Census, Bhils are India’s largest tribe. They are broadly classified into Central or Pure Bhils and Eastern or Rajput Bhils, residing in the mountain regions of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, and Tripura’s northwestern regions. They are considered a Scheduled Tribe in various states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tripura.
Historical Perspective
The Bhils are members of the pre-Aryan race, with their name derived from the word “villu” or “billu,” meaning bow in the Dravidian language. The Bhils are mentioned in ancient epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
The Blood-Washed Mangarh Hills: A Haunting Reminder of Oppression
The Mangarh Hill Massacre is a stark reminder of the oppression faced by marginalized communities. During the event at Mangarh Dham, thousands of devotees from Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh gathered under the leadership of Govind Guru. The peaceful gathering turned into a tragic loss of approximately 1,500 lives when the British Indian Army opened fire on the unarmed Bhil protesters.
Oral Accounts of the Descendants
Survivors of the massacre, such as Mogaji Bhagat, Dhirabhai Bhagat, and Hirabhai Khant, shared their traumatic experiences, which have been preserved through oral accounts. These stories serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for India’s freedom.
State Efforts to Recognize the Martyrs
Recognizing the significance of the incident, the Rajasthan government has taken steps to preserve the memory of the Mangarh Hill Massacre. A panorama was constructed in 2018 as a tribute to the martyrs. Recently, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the Mangarh Dham memorial a national monument. While PM Modi did not make an official announcement, he suggested that efforts should be made to develop the site of historical importance.
The Mangarh Hill Massacre is a testament to the valour, sacrifice, and resilience of the Bhil community and the legacy of Govind Guru, who continues to inspire millions today.