2-day Banswara tribal festival draws to a close
The tribals from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pardesh and Maharashtra gathered in huge numbers at Mangarh Dham in tribal-dominated Banswara district and commemorated the massacre known as Mini Jalinwala Bagh, which claimed hundreds of Bhill tribals in 1913 when they revolted against the then British colonial government. A section of tribal leaders also raised a demand for “Bhill Rajya”.
The two-day tribal conclave (Adivasi Mela) ended on Sunday as the gathering raised slogans for tribal unity and pledged to pursue the issue of development in tribal belt on these states. Former Union minister of state for home Manikrao Gavit said the development was needed to ensure peace in the tribal areas. Mangarh Dham, located on Gujarat and Madhya Pardesh border in Banswara district has been developed as a sacred place during the previous Gehlot government between 1998 and 2003. In 1913 the Bhills revolted under the leadership of social reformer Govind Guru and Punjaji, while the then government suppressed them.
Historians say hundreds of Bhills were shot dead at the Mangarh Hillock where they were holding a peaceful meeting. The place is subsequently regarded as a pilgrim centre where tribals gather to pay homage to the martyrs. “It was a gathering of Congress and supporters of legendary tribal leader and socialist Mama Balelshwar Dayal, but the BJP people were not seen there,” said a local social leader.
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