Question

Importance+of+bheel+revolt+of+1819

Answer 1

Answer: The Bheels (Bhils) were the rst to raise a movement against princely feudalism and British imperialism in Rajasthan. Majority of  Bheels inhabited the princely states of Mewar (Udaipur), Banswara, Dungarpur,  and Sirohi of Rajputana. Before the British rule,  Bheels were enjoying undisturbed forest rights. In 1818, the States of Mewar, Dungarpur, Banswara concluded treaties with the  British power and new order was established. The Bheels revolted in 1818 against this new order.

Causes of Bheel Movement of 1818

• The Bheels had been employed in the regular and irregular forces of the State and Jagirdars since ages. As a result of treaty of 1818, the native forces of mewar were dissolved and the Bheels became unemployed.

• Immediately after the treaty, the internal administration of the Mewar State was taken over by the British Resident Col. James  Tod and he tried to bring Bheels under his control. The Gametis (Bhil Chief) used to collect watch-tax from the neighbouring  villages of their settlements and a tax called Bolai (Safety tax) on the passage of goods and travellers. In order to establish  strong authority upon Bheels, Col. Tod decided to take over the right of the above taxes from the Bheels. This became the immediate cause of the Bhil revolts.