Church Missionary Society in the Heartland of Bhils

Abstract

The paper is an attempt to look at the life of Bhils in Mewar during the famine of 1899-1900, which affected the almost whole of North India. The colonial government wants to impose their rule in every part of the Indian subcontinent, but it was very difficult for them in the forest region. Forest regions of the country were the homeland of the different tribal communities and Bhils are among one of those communities. Forest region of southern Rajasthan was the natural habitat of Bhils, who were the most primitive and indigenous tribal community of the region. But during the famine they are dying because of hunger and insufficient food, Bhils are unable to get any assistance from the Maharana of Mewar. At that time the Church Missionary Societies steps in the region of Mewar with the purpose of conversion. Initially, it was very difficult for them even to interact with the tribal’s because they are afraid of any strangers. But at the time of famine initially, the volunteer of Societies attracted them by providing foods and medicine. The member of Missionary societies tells them they are there to help them, and civilize them, by the means of education. By providing education, medical facilities, and food at the time of famine they made a great impact on the Bhils in Mewar region, but they were unable in conversion at large scale. Behind all the welfare policies the Missionary Societies looking to serve the hidden agenda of the colonial government. And the hidden agenda of the British government was to control Bhils and also control resources of the Forest, which were essentials for the development of the British Raj.