Bheel Movements

The Bheels were the first to raise a movement against princely feudalism and British imperialism in Rajasthan. Majourity of Bheels In Habitate the princely state of Mewar, Banswara, Dungarpur, Sirohi of Rajputana. In 1818, these states concluded treaties with the British power and new order was established. The Bheels revolted in 1818 against this new order.

The gamete (Bheel Cheief) of padona village on the Udaipur kherwara road was summoned by the thanedar of Barapal village to appear as witness ins ome land dispute. The thanedar of Barapal sent sawar (police constable) to summon the gamete, who refused to go. When the sawar tried to use force, he was killed by the Bheels. The thanedar arrested the gamete. He was tortured by police cruelly and put to death.

Consequently, the Bhills attacked the police station and the thanedar was killed. They became violent and burnt down bania shops and police station in the near by areas. In no time, the revolt spread over hilly areas of Mewar state.

The state and British forces were sent to crush the revolt but all in vain due to operational difficulties in the dense forest. The Maharaja's personal secretary Shyamaldas, Who was accompanying the troops, tried to negotiations with the Bhil leaders but eventually failed.

Finally, British representative Col water made settlement of peace with the gametis Bhils at Rishabhdev. The Bhils were sanctioned Concessions in respect of their forest rights and taxes.