Why the tribal demand for ‘Bhil Pradesh’?

Context: The Bhil tribal community in Rajasthan demanded a separate state, Bhil Pradesh.

Background of tribal demand for Bhil Pradesh

• Bhil Pradesh is proposed to include 49 districts spanning across four states: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
• The British government had drafted a map for a separate Bhil state in the early 1900s.
• The demand for Bhil Pradesh began in 1913, initiated by Govind Giri Banjara, a tribal activist.
• The push for a separate Bhil state originated from the exploitation of the Bhil community.

About Bhil Tribe

• Bhils are considered one of the oldest tribes in India.
• Etymology: The name ‘Bhil’ is derived from the Dravidian word ‘villu’ or ‘billu’, meaning
• Race: Identified as one of the Dravidian racial tribes of Western India, belonging to the Australoid group.
• Main Groups: Divided into two main groups: the central Bhils and the eastern or Rajput Bhils.
• Language: They speak Bhili, an Indo-Aryan language.
• Art forms: Pithora painting and Ghoomar dance as notable art forms.
• Census (2011):7 crore Bhils in India

Geographical Distribution

• Central Bhils: Found in the mountainous regions of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
• Other Areas: Also found in the northeastern parts of Tripura.

Religious Practices

• Worship local deities like Khandoba, Kanhoba, Bahiroba, and Sitalmata.
• Some worship the Tiger God, ‘Vaghdev’.
• They consult hereditary sorcerers known as Badvas on various occasions.

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