‘Criminal Tribes’ and their Settlement in Raj Marwar: A Historical Narrative

Abstract

Marwar was one of the largest princely states in British times. It was the home of tribes like Minas, Bhils, Baories, Sansis, etc. Following the policy in British India, the Government here designated some of them as 'criminal.' Thereafter restrictions were placed on them. They were deprived of their arms, etc. But this by itself would not have been sufficient to end the crime. The Government was conscious that they had to be led to a settled life and that this alone was the solution. The obvious choice was to settle them in agricultural pursuits. It gave them agricultural land, loans, etc. They were also employed as chowkidars. The policy was successful though it had some limitations. For instance, a large part of the state was under the jagirdars. They refused to give land to these tribals. On its own part also, what the Government annually spent on their settlement was often less than what it had provided for in the budget. When independence was round the corner, these tribals became aware of their civil rights. They asked for the removal of the restrictions put on them. In free and democratic India, these restrictions were an anachronism. Naturally then, they came to an end.