Tribal Movements in Rajasthan

Tribal movements in Rajasthan are an important topic in Rajasthan’s history, studying tribal terminology, the main causes of tribal movements in Rajasthan, and major movements such as the Meena Movement (1924), the Bhil Movement/Bhagat Movement, the Eki Movement/Bhomat Bhil Movement, and the Sirohi Bhil Movement. These movements strengthened social consciousness, organization, and awareness of rights within tribal society.

This post is written for the RAS Prelims examination; click here to read the detailed version for the RAS Mains exam.

Tribal Movements in Rajasthan

• The tribal movements in Rajasthan were a reaction against the alliance between local feudalism and British imperialism.
• The first organized resistance emerged from the Mer, Meena, and Bhil tribes.
• These movements were in opposition to socio-economic exploitation, the violation of traditional rights, and new administrative policies.
• Key leaders of the Bhil movement: Govind Guru (Govind Giri), Surji Bhagat, Motilal Tejawat, Bhurilal Baya, Bhogilal Pandya, Rajkumar Mansingh.

Tribal Terminology

• Bolai: Bhils who provided security on highways.
• Rakhwali: Guarding/watchkeeping of villages.
• Aadha Barad: An annual tax levied on the pals (tribal settlements).
• Rajasthan ranks sixth in India in terms of tribal population.

Key Causes of Tribal Movements in Rajasthan

• Misunderstanding of New Administration: Exploitation of tribes who were unfamiliar with the new British systems.
• Violation of Forest Rights: Termination of traditional forest usage.
• Harsh Land Revenue Policy: Requirement of cash taxes leading to dependency on moneylenders.
• Abolition of Traditional Taxes: Elimination of Bolai (highway security) and Rakhwali (watchkeeping) taxes.
• Burden of Militarization – 
  • Merwara Battalion (1832, Beawar)
  • Mewar Bhil Corps (1841, Kherwara)
• Interference in the traditional justice system – Abolition of Mautana practice.
• Interference in social customs – Ban on Dakan practice in Mewar in 1853 AD.
• Excise Policy – Ban on production and consumption of liquor from Mahua. 
• Increase in taxes – High taxes on opium, tobacco, salt. 
• Forced labor (Begar) – Labor without wages.
• 1881 Census – Apprehension of forced recruitment and tax increase.

Meena Movement (1924 AD) –

• 1924 AD – The Meena tribe was declared criminal under the Criminal Tribes Act. 
• 1930 AD – Jarayam Pesha Law implemented in Jaipur State. 
• Mandatory daily attendance at the police station for Meena men up to 25 years of age. 
• 1933 AD – Establishment of the Meena Regional Mahasabha in Jaipur. 
• Demand – Abolition of the Jarayam Pesha Law.
• Reform Efforts –
  • Meena Jati Sudhar Samiti – 1944 AD, Jaipur.
  • Jain Muni Magan Sagar –
    • Book: Meen Puran (Neem Ka Thana, Sikar)
    • Presentation of Meena history and glory.
  • Neem Ka Thana Conference (1944) – Cultural Renaissance.
• Bagawas Conference –
  • 28 October 1946, Bagawas (Jaipur) 
  • Mass resignation of 26,000 Meena watchmen (Chowkidars). 
  • It was called “Mukti Diwas” (Liberation Day). 
  • After 1946, women and children were exempted from attendance.
• Final Result – 
  • 1952 AD – Complete abolition of the Jarayam Pesha Act through the efforts of Hiralal Shastri and Tikaram Paliwal. 
  • All restrictions imposed on the Meenas were removed.

Bhil Movement / Bhagat Movement –

• Region – Mewar and Wagad
• Tribes – Bhil and Garasia
• Nature – Religious-social reform + Political consciousness
• Leadership –
  • Govind Guru (Govind Giri)
  • Surji Bhagat (Assistant)

Govind Guru –

• Birth – 1858 AD, Bedsa/Bansia (Dungarpur), Banjara family.
• Influenced by – Dayanand Saraswati and Arya Samaj.
• Disciple of – Sadhu Rajgiri of the Kota-Bundi Akhada.
• Samp Sabha / Prem Sabha / Dasnami Sampraday – 1883 AD, Sirohi.
• Objectives –
  • Moral reform
  • Monotheism
  • Renunciation of theft and alcohol
  • Panchayati system
• Major Sessions –
  • 1903 AD – First session, Mangarh Hill.
• 1910 AD – 33-point charter of demands presented before the government.

Mangarh Massacre –

• 17 November 1913, Banswara
• Firing by British officer Major Bailey.
• 1500+ Bhils martyred.
• Nicknames –
• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of Rajasthan/Wagad
• Second Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of Rajasthan

• Govind Guru [sent to] Ahmedabad Jail
• Final Life – Kamboi (Gujarat).
• Supporter of non-violence, White flag – symbol of peace.

Eki Movement / Bhomat Bhil Movement –

• Region – Gogunda, Jhadol, Kotra (Udaipur).
• Tribes – Bhil and Garasia.
• Influence – Bijolia Peasant Movement.
• Leader – Motilal Tejawat
• Birth – 1886-87 AD, Kolyari (Udaipur), Oswal family.
• Nicknames –
  • Bawji
  • Messiah of the Tribals
  • Gandhi of Mewar
• Slogan – “Na Hakim, Na Hukum” (No Ruler, No Order).
• 1921 AD – Movement started from Matrikundiya (Chittorgarh). 21 Point Demands – Mewar ki Pukar (Mewar’s Call).
• Neemda Massacre –
  • 6/7 March 1922, Neemda (Vijayanagar)
  • Firing under the leadership of Major Sutton.
  • 1200+ Bhils martyred.
  • Nickname – Second Jallianwala Bagh of Mewar/Rajasthan.
• Later Events –
  • Motilal Tejawat went absconding.
  • 1929 AD – Surrendered on the advice of Gandhiji.
  • 1936 AD – Released on the condition that he would not lead movements in the future.
• Vanvasi Sangh – Established in 1936 AD.

Sirohi Bhil Movement –

• January 1922 – Bhils and Garasias organized by Motilal Tejawat.
• Call for non-payment of taxes and boycott of administrative work.
• Massacres –
  • Siyawa (12 April 1922) – 3 Garasias killed.
  • Bhula and Baloliya (5-6 May 1922) –
    • 50 people were killed.
    • 150 injured.
    • Investigation –
  • Rajasthan Seva Sangh conducted an investigation and published a report (Tarun Rajasthan Newspaper).