The Union government is making several efforts to “reclaim” the lost stories of Adivasi resistance movements in order to build a nationalistic tribal identity.
Believing that the Adivasi identity is being appropriated by the Sangh Parivar, the indigenous communities of Rajasthan and Jharkhand are attempting to counter these narratives
The Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP), which rose out of the demand for a separate Bhil State for the Bhil Adivasi people, is on a mission to “take control” of the narrative around Adivasi identity
Its emergence was partly a response to the histories of Adivasi communities coming under attack from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram and its federated outfits for decades
Now, narratives on Adivasi identity created by the Sangh Parivar are increasingly merging with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government’s efforts to reclaim the lost stories of Adivasi resistance movements in order to build a nationalistic Adivasi identity
Rana Punja Bhil
He was a contemporary of 16th century ruler of Mewar, Maharana Pratap.
He is considered to be a significant character who bolstered the strength of Pratap during his battles with Mughal emperor Akbar.
When Maharana Pratap was readying for the battle with Akbar, the tribal Bhil community voluntarily came to his assistance and at the time the Bhil army was commanded by Punja.
Owing to his status as a commander, he was bestowed the title of Rana
Bhil community
The Bhil are one of the largest tribal groups, living in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.
They are the biggest tribe in Rajasthan.
They are classified as scheduled tribes in Rajasthan.
The name is derived from the word ‘billu’, which means bow.
The Bhil are known to be excellent archers coupled with deep knowledge about their local geography.
Traditionally, experts in guerrilla warfare, most of them today are farmers and agricultural labourers.
They are also skilled sculptors.
They have exercised significant influence in the Mewar region and throughout the past, the Rajput rulers of the region have forged alliances with the tribal group
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