On November 1, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi designated Mangarh Dham in Rajasthan’s Banswara District as a National Monument. According to the Prime Minister, India’s past, present, and future are incomplete without the tribal community.
In his address to the ‘Mangarh Dham Ki Gaurav Gatha,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Mangarh Dham is a symbol of tribal tenacity and sacrifice, and that it is the common heritage of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. In the Rajasthan district of Banswara, Prime Minister Modi also paid tribute to Bhil freedom fighter Shri Govind Guru.
What is the significance?
According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mangarh hill holds special importance for the Bhil community and other tribes of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
He went on to say that great freedom fighters like Govind Guru were the embodiments of India’s traditions and ideals. He was not the king of any princely state, but he was regarded as a hero by thousands of tribals. He had lost his family but never lost his courage.
The massacre in Mangarh on November 17, 1913, according to the Prime Minister, was the culmination of British rule’s brutality.
Mangarh Dham: History
During the freedom struggle where Bhils and other tribes engaged in a long stand-off with British officials, when more than 1.5 lakh Bhils rallied at Mangarh Hill on November 17, 1913, under the leadership of Shri Govind Guru. Britishers opened fire at this gathering, leading to Mangarh Massacre where approx. 1500 tribals were martyred.
