Bhils: The bow men of Rajasthan

The bow men of Rajasthan
The Bhils form an important group, which inhabits mainly the southern districts of Rajasthan and the surrounding regions of Udaipur and Chittaurgarh. The generic term, which describes their tribe apparently, derives its name from bil, meaning bow, which describes their original talent and strength.

History
History corroborates the legends, which tells about their superiority in archery. From the Mahabharata emerges Eklavya, a Bhil who surpassed the skill of Arjuna only to be repressed by the command of his guru. The Ramayana tells of Vail, the Bhil bandit who reformed with the blessings of the Saraswati, the goddess of learning, to become Valmiki, the renowned poet sage.

Even today, the accepted head of all the Rajput clan of Rajasthan, the Maharana of Udaipur is crowned by anointing his forehead with blood drawn from the palm of a Bhil chieftain, affirming the alliance and loyalty of his tribe.

The Bhils gained in strength by intermingling with rebellious, outcast Rajputs who sought shelter with them. Rajput rulers came to value the guerilla tactics of the Bhils, particularly since they were at ease in the hilly terrain. Various fierce invasions could not be repelled without their active support. Leading a camouflaged existence, the Bhils were unable to update their material techniques and this became the main cause of their relegation to the past where they stood as brave symbol rather than a real threat to an enemy.

Lifestyle and social customs

Bhil women wearing borla on their foreheads.

The Bhil inhabitation called Pal, normally sprawls over scattered settlements without a distinct boundary. In the plains, the settlements rate more compact than in the hills, where riverbeds decide the space for the habitat. The headman, called Mukhi, has the final word in all matters- social, legal, financial- receiving customary tribute for his role. The usual arbitration arises over thefts and cases of abduction.

The Bhils practice endogamy, marrying with a narrow kinship. Their Gods like Pantha and Vina, hold a special sway over their minds.Their other deities honor the primeval needs of the pastoral society. Nandevro is worshipped as the presiding deity of corn, while Gwali is the goddess of milk. The god of agriculture is Heer Kulyo.

The Baneshwar fair of the Bhils that is celebrated each year in January-February is the best known. Thousands of Bhils congregate to worship, sing and dance near the confluence of Mahi and Som rivers in Dungarpur district.

Bhils | Minas | Lohars | Garasias | Sahariyas