Demand for Separate Bhil Pradesh

Source: NDTV
GS I: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India

Overview

Why in the News?

Bhil tribal community has demanded the creation of a new state called Bhil Pradesh.

The request that the state administration has previously turned down.
Thousands of tribe members assemble in the Banswara area to call for Bhil Pradesh, a separate state.
Tribal chiefs want their faith, which is different from Hinduism, to be recognized.
At the gathering, which took place at Mangarh Dham in Banswara, tribal people from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra joined those from Rajasthan.

The creation of a new state including 49 districts from Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh has been sought by the tribal population.
In addition, there is a desire for 12 of Rajasthan’s previous 33 districts to be included in the new state.
Thirteen districts of MP and twelve districts of Rajasthan are part of the demand for Bhil Pradesh.

Why was the demand rejected?

Demand for Separate Bhil Pradesh

The Bhil tribe is one of the largest and most significant indigenous communities in India.
Known for their rich cultural heritage and historical significance, the Bhils have a unique place in the country’s social fabric.

Population and Distribution

Population: The Bhil tribe has an estimated population of around 17 million people.
Geographical Spread: They are predominantly found in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. Smaller populations also exist in Karnataka, Tripura, and Andhra Pradesh.

Historical Background

Etymology: The name “Bhil” is believed to be derived from the Dravidian word “billu” or “billa,” meaning bow, highlighting their traditional use of the bow and arrow.
Historical Significance: Historically, the Bhils controlled large parts of Gujarat from the 11th to 15th centuries before the Rajputs conquered these territories. They have a history of resistance against various rulers, including the Mughals and British colonial authorities.

Culture and Lifestyle

Language: Bhils speak various languages of Indo-Aryan origin, collectively referred to as Bhil languages. Many also speak the dominant regional languages such as Marathi, Gujarati, and Hindi.
Occupation: The primary occupation of the Bhils is agriculture, with many practising slash-and-burn (jhum) cultivation. They also engage in plough agriculture, herding, and wage labour.
Social Structure: Bhils follow traditional practices for family ties, marriage, and divorce, influenced by the customs of the regions they inhabit. They are divided into various endogamous territorial divisions, each with its own clans and lineages.

Religion and Festivals

Religion: Bhils primarily practice animism, worshipping local deities and nature spirits. Some segments have adopted Hinduism and Islam.
Festivals: They celebrate various communal festivals and engage in traditional dances and festivities, reflecting their vibrant cultural heritage.

Challenges and Issues

Economic Deprivation: Bhils are among the most economically deprived communities in India, with many living in poverty and lacking access to basic amenities.
Education: Low literacy rates and limited access to quality education are significant challenges.
Healthcare: Inadequate healthcare facilities and high infant mortality rates are prevalent issues.

Government Initiatives

Scheduled Tribe Status: Bhils are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in several states, which entitles them to various benefits and reservations in education, employment, and political representation.
Development Programs: Various government schemes aim to improve the socio-economic conditions of the Bhils, including initiatives for education, healthcare, and livelihood support.

The Bhil tribe, with its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, continues to play a vital role in India’s diverse social fabric.
Addressing the challenges they face through targeted development programs and inclusive policies is crucial for their upliftment and integration into mainstream society.

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