Govindgiri

Govindgiri Banjara engaged himself in "improving the moral character, habits, and religious practices" of the tribals.[7] He organized the sampa sabha (Hindi: सम्प सभा) with the intent of serving the tribal people.[1][8] Govindgiri preached monotheism, observance of temperance, forsaking crimes, following agriculture, giving up beliefs in superstition, etc.[7] He called upon tribals to adopt the more of the upper castes and "to behave like sahukars" (moneylenders).[9] Drawing on the ritual practices of the Shaivite sect Dashanami Panth, Govindgiri encouraged his followers to tend a dhuni (fire pit) and hoist a nishan (flag) outside their houses.[9][7]

On the matter of women's rights, Govindguru Banjara critiqued upper-caste treatment of women and argued that tribal practices were much better for women.[10] He declared Rajputs and Brahmins inferior in this respect because they degraded women, citing the Rajput custom of female infanticide and the Rajput and Brahmin prohibition against widow remarriage.[7]

Govindguru Banjara teachings were originally aimed at social and religious reform but he gradually "developed a strong critique of hierarchy and exploitation"[9] of the tribals by ruling classes. He advised the tribals that their destitution was caused by princely rulers and jagirdars.[9] Govindguru preached that Bhils, Banjara were the rightful owners of the land and they also the right to rule over it.[9] He envisioned the establishment of a Bhil Raj (Bhil state) in the hills of Sunth and Banswara states, restoring a Bhil kingdom that existed eight hundred years back.[9]

Within a short time, Govindguru Banjara garnered a large following among the tribals in the states of Sunth, Banswara, Dungarpur and the British districts of Panch Mahals.[11] He faced active opposition from the rulers of the states in which he preached.[7] Reasons cited for the opposition include decreased revenues from liquor sales (because of Govindguru forbidding liquor to his disciples) and the subversion of the ruler's authority because of Govindguru growing influence.[7]

Govindgiri's activities after 1907 received opposition from state officials and liquor contractors, and the Dungarpur State arrested him in late-1912 or early-1913.[12] The state accused him of deceiving his followers, confiscated his savings and pressured him to stop his movement by imprisoning his wife and child (or children).[7] However, he was released in April 1913 without being tried and ordered to leave Dungarpur State.[7]

Govindgiiri was imprisoned by the ruler of Dungarpur but, apprehending a commotion among the tribal people, was released in April 1913 and exiled from Dungarpur state.[7] Between then and October 1913, Govindgiri moved from one village to another under harassment by local rulers.[7] After an attempt by the ruler of Idar State to capture Govindgiri while he was in the Idar territory, Govindgiri and his adherents formed a defensive position at Mangadh, a hillock on the borders of the former states of Banswara and Sunth State.[13]

On 31 October 1913, Govindgiri adherents captured a couple of police personnel of the Sunth State who were sent up the hill for reconnaissance.[8] On 1 November 1913, the adherents attempted an unsuccessful attack on the Parbatgadh fort in Sunth State and looted the village of Brahm in Banswara state.[8] Apprehending danger, local rulers sought British assistance, and the Mangadh was besieged by a combined force consisting of Imperial Service Troops and the British Indian Army, including the Mewar Bhil Corps and soldiers from the states of Banswara, Dungarpur, Sunth and Baria.[8][13]

On 17 November 1913, the force attacked Mangarh, an action in which "several Bhils died"[13] and Govindgiri and his lieutenant Dhirji Punja[7] were captured.[14]

Those arrested at Mangadh were tried on 2 February 1914 before a special tribunal consisting of one Major Gough and one Major Allison, I.C.S.[11] Govindgiri was sentenced to be hanged, Punja Pargi (a lieutenant of Govindgiri) sentenced to life imprisonment, and the rest to three years of imprisonment.[11][13] On appeal, Govindgiri's sentence was reduced to life imprisonment, Pargi's sentence was confirmed, and the sentences of the rest of the accused were reduced to six months of imprisonment.[11] Punja Dhirji was sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to the Andaman Cellular Jail where he died after some years.[15]