Question

Which measures did the British adopt for rehabilitation of Bhil community? (Answer in 40 to 50 words)

Answer 1

Bhil identifies various ethnic communities inhabiting the hills and forests of southern Rajasthan and neighboring areas of western India. Some scholars argue that "Bhil" comes from the Dravidian word for bow (billa or billu) and reflects the popularity of the bow and arrow as a weapon among these groups. The term is also used in a broader sense to refer to the aboriginal peoples of this region. Bhils are divided into numerous tribes and subtribes, including the Barela, Bhilala, Garasia, Gameta, Mina, Tadvi, and Vasave. Many of these groups, however, see themselves as quite distinct from the Bhil community.

The Bhils are mostly tribal in nature. In the past, they acquired a reputation for a fierce sense of independence. Isolated from the rest of Indian society by their rugged environment, Bhil groups have managed to preserve many of their ancient tribal customs. At the same time, close social and economic ties with their neighbors have exposed them to Hindu cultural influences.

Though little is known of their origins, the Bhils appear to be the oldest inhabitants of the area. They are generally dark complexioned and small of stature. Their racial affinities are uncertain, although they have been identified with both the Dravidian and pre-Dravidian peoples of South Asia. Some writers suggest that the wild, hill peoples of the region mentioned in the ancient Sanskrit literature were, in fact, the Bhils. A Sanskrit text dating to the very end of the 6th century AD mentions a Bhil chieftain, mounted on an elephant, opposing the passage of another king through the Vindhya Mountains. By the 7th century, various Rajput clans began to settle in western India and subdue the local peoples of the area. Some Bhils resisted the invaders and fled into the interior to preserve their independence. Other Bhil groups seem to have accepted this conquest peacefully, even intermarrying with the newcomers. One finds other ties linking the Bhils and the Rajputs. Bhils, for example, played a role in Rajput coronations. In some Rajput states, it was customary for a Bhil to place a ceremonial mark (tika) made with his own blood on the forehead of a new raja (king). Although no longer followed, the ritual has been seen by historians as a sign of Bhil allegiance to the Rajputs as well as of former Bhil power. The figure of a Bhil chief is included on the emblem of Mewar (Udaipur), an important Rajput state in southern Rajasthan.

Answer 2

Bhil community people were involved in saving their groves. They are the people who live in accident with nature and eco system. They are located in Dahod. They live an ethical way of life. They follow certain laws in the society and maintain a spiritual way of living.  

The sacred areas in Dahod are the place where naturally growing plant species are found and preserved. These trees are conserved as it occupies a large expanse of lands and there is no serious biological hazard to this plant species.  

During British raj, the British took control over the Bhils and rehabilitated in safe communities wherein the safety off the tribal people were ensured.