Alliance Against Local Feudalism and British Imperialism
The first resistance against the alliance between local feudalism and British imperialism in Rajasthan came from the Mer, Meena, and Bhil tribes.
Reasons for Tribal Movements
- Misunderstanding of New Administrative Systems: The tribes, unfamiliar with the new British administrative structure, faced severe exploitation under this system.
- Loss of Forest Rights: The traditional rights of tribes over forest areas were abolished, severely impacting their livelihoods.
- Interference with Social Traditions: The colonial and local administrations interfered with traditional practices of the tribes. For instance, in 1853 AD, Maharana Swaroop Singh of Mewar banned the Dakan Pratha (a local tradition).
- Abolishment of Traditional Taxes: After the treaty between Mewar and the British in 1818 AD, Colonel James Todd, the Political Agent of Mewar, abolished the Bolai tax (highway tax) and the guarding tax, traditionally collected by the Bhil Gametis (chiefs).
- Unemployment Among Bhil Soldiers: As local kings ceded protection responsibilities to the British, the Bhil soldiers who served in royal armies were left without jobs.
- Destruction of Traditional Agricultural Practices: The introduction of new agricultural policies led to the collapse of traditional farming systems practiced by the tribes.
- Ban on Bhils’ Mahua Liquor: The new excise policy prohibited the brewing and consumption of Mahua liquor, a significant cultural aspect of Bhil society.
- Increased Taxes: The British imposed higher taxes on products like opium, tobacco, and salt, putting additional financial strain on the tribes.
- Forced Labor (Begar): The feudal lords and kings subjected the tribes to begar (forced, unpaid labor), worsening their living conditions.
- Discontent During 1881 Census: The Bhils were particularly resentful during the 1881 AD census, fearing that it would lead to conscription of their youth for the Afghan war and additional taxation.
- Militarization in Tribal Areas: In 1822 AD, the Merwada Battalion (Beawar) and in 1841 AD, the Mewar Bhil Corps (Khairwada) were established in tribal regions, with the financial burden for these forces falling on the tribes.
BHAGAT MOVEMENT / LASADIA MOVEMENT
Origin: This movement emerged among the Bhil tribe in the Vagad region, led by Govind Guru and Surji Bhagat.
Govind Guru: Born into a Banjara family in Vedasa village (Dungarpur), he set up his dhuni (sacred fire) and nishan (flag) in Basian village.
- He advocated for the moral and spiritual upliftment of the Bhils, stressing the importance of monotheism and encouraging them to give up negative practices such as theft and alcohol.
- He established Panchayats to resolve disputes and emphasized using indigenous goods.
Influence of Dayanand Saraswati: Govind Guru, influenced by the teachings of Guru Dayanand Saraswati, sought to keep the tribals connected to Hinduism through the Bhagat sect.
Formation of Samp Sabha:
- In 1883 AD, he founded the Samp Sabha to promote unity among the Bhils.
- Its first session was held on Mangarh Hill (Banswara) in 1903 AD.
- In 1910 AD, the Sabha presented 33 demands to the government, but these grievances went unresolved.
Public Awareness Campaigns: In 1908 AD, Govind Guru moved to Idhar, spreading awareness among the Bhils, resulting in a treaty between the Jagirdar of Palpatta and the Bhils on 24 February 1910 AD with 21 conditions.
Activities in Vedasa: Returning to Vedasa in 1911, Govind Guru set up dhunis and started giving modern sermons to the Bhils. This place became a hub for Bhils from Ider, Sunth, Banswara, Dungarpur, Panchmahal, and Kheda.
Struggle for Freedom: Govind Guru organized the Bhils against feudal and colonial exploitation, establishing a parallel system with Kotwals (local chiefs) managing both religious and regional matters.
MANGARH MASSACRE (17 NOVEMBER 1913 AD)
The British police opened fire on a gathering of the Samp Sabha, resulting in the death of over 1500 Bhils, making it known as the “Jallianwala Bagh” of Rajasthan.
Arrest and Imprisonment: Govind Guru and his associate Poonja Dheerji were arrested. Due to his popularity, Govind Guru’s life sentence was commuted to ten years, and he was released after seven years on the condition that he would not enter certain tribal regions.
He spent his later years peacefully in Kambia, Gujarat, continuing to lecture Bhils under government supervision. He remained a supporter of non-violence, symbolized by his white flag.
AKI / BHOMAT BHIL MOVEMENT
Origin: Initiated by the Bhil and Garasia tribes in the Gogunda, Jhadol, and Kotda areas, influenced by the Bijoliya peasant movement.
Leader: Motilal Tejawat, born in an Oswal Jain family in Koliari village, left his job to champion the cause of the Bhils and Garasias. He received support from Jat farmers under Gokulji Jat’s leadership.
Demands: Motilal presented 21 demands, known as the Pukar of Mewar, but they were not addressed, leading to the movement spreading across Mewar, Vagad, Sirohi, Idhr, and Vijayanagar (Gujarat).
NEEMADA MASSACRE (6 MARCH 1922 AD)
Major Sutton led an assault, killing over 1200 Bhils. Motilal Tejawat managed to escape but later surrendered in 1929 at Gandhiji’s insistence.
He was released in 1936 after agreeing not to engage in any further agitation and was provided an allowance by the Udaipur state.
SIROHI BHIL MOVEMENT
Activities in Sirohi: In January 1922, Motilal Tejawat rallied the Bhils and Garasias to resist the state’s oppression. They refused to pay taxes and disrupted traditional administrative functions.
Siava Massacre (12 April 1922 AD): Three Garasians were killed, and many houses were destroyed.
Balolia and Bhula Massacre (5-6 May 1922 AD): Major Pritchard’s forces killed 50 people and injured 150.
Investigation: Rajasthan Seva Sangh dispatched representatives to investigate the incident, publishing their findings in the Tarun Rajasthan newspaper.
MEENA MOVEMENT
Criminal Tribes Act: In 1924 AD, the Meena tribe was classified as a criminal tribe under this Act, leading to increased surveillance.
Meena Opposition: Chhotulal Jharwal, Mahadev Ram Pabdi, and Jawahar Ram formed the Meena Caste Reform Committee, and in 1933 AD, the Meena Regional General Assembly was established.
- Key Conferences:
- Neem Ka Thana (1944): Jain saint Magan Sagar organized this conference and wrote Meen Purana, inspiring the Meena community to reconnect with their heritage.
- Bagwas Conference (28 December 1946 AD): 26,000 Meena watchmen resigned, marking it as Liberation Day. In 1952 AD, with efforts from Hiralal Shastri and Tikaram Paliwal, the Jayaram Peshha Act was abolished.
NEEM KA THANA
Organized by: Jain saint Magan Sagar.
Significance: This conference was a significant moment for the Meena community as Magan Sagar used it as a platform to reconnect the community with their heritage.
- He wrote a book titled Meen Purana, which highlighted the rich and glorious history of the Meenas, helping to foster a sense of pride and identity among them.
Formation of Meena Reform Committee: During the conference in 1994 (Sikar), the Meena Reform Committee was established to address the issues faced by the community and to work towards their socio-economic upliftment.
Key Leaders: The leadership of the Meena Reform Committee included prominent figures like Banshidhar Sharma, Laxminarayan Jaharwal, and Rajendra Kumar Ajay, who played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of the Meena community.
BAGWAS CONFERENCE
Significance: The Bagwas Conference (28 December 1946, Jaipur) marked a major turning point for the Meena community’s fight against colonial and feudal exploitation.
- During the conference, 26,000 watchman Meenas collectively resigned from their posts in protest against the oppressive policies and conditions imposed on them. This mass resignation was a symbolic act of defiance and was celebrated as Liberation Day within the community.
Abolition of the Jayaram Peshha Act: In 1952 AD, after persistent efforts by prominent leaders like Hiralal Shastri and Tikaram Paliwal, the Jayaram Peshha Act was finally abolished. This act had imposed restrictive conditions on the Meena community, making their lives challenging. Its abolition was a significant victory for the Meenas.
Role of Thakkar Bapa: Thakkar Bapa, a well-known tribal leader and social reformer, played an important role in advocating for the rights of the Meena community.
- Recognizing the struggles faced by the Meenas, he actively worked to improve their situation and brought their grievances to the attention of influential authorities.
- He even wrote a letter to the Prime Minister of Jaipur, Mirza Ismail, highlighting the issues faced by the Meenas and urging for reforms to improve their condition.
The tribal movements in Rajasthan, including the Bhagat Movement, Aki/Bhomat Bhil Movement, and the resistance led by the Meena community, were pivotal in challenging the socio-economic oppression brought by both colonial and feudal systems. These movements emerged as a response to the exploitation and erosion of traditional rights and practices, driven by the new administrative policies of the British and the local rulers. Leaders like Govind Guru and Motilal Tejawat played crucial roles in uniting the tribes and instilling a sense of identity, pride, and resistance among them. Despite facing harsh reprisals like the Mangarh and Neemada massacres, these movements highlighted the resilience and courage of Rajasthan’s tribal communities. They not only resisted the imposition of colonial policies but also sought to preserve their cultural and social integrity in the face of external pressures. Ultimately, these tribal uprisings contributed significantly to the broader narrative of resistance against colonial rule in India, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of the marginalized communities of Rajasthan in their fight for justice and autonomy.