Identity Formation and Status in a Tribe: Case of the Bhilalas of Western Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

The Bhil, Bhilala, Barela and Patelia form the second largest tribal group in India after the Gonds, which is consisted of 45 sub-groups, according to the 2011 Census (Census of India 2011). The Bhil tribe has itself various sub-groups besides these three other tribal groups which have been clubbed with the Bhil tribe in Madhya Pradesh. The Bhil and the related tribes have their major concentration in the adjoining states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra which form the Malwa region. Malwa covers the whole of Bhil country, excepting some adjoining portions of Gujarat, which has a considerably large population of Bhil and related tribes. The population of the Bhil, Bhilala, Barela and Patelia in Madhya Pradesh is 59,93,921. The districts which were having more than one lakh Bhil population are Dhar (1200502), Barwani (952940), Jhabua (889582), West Nimar (713640), Alirajpur (647653), Ratlam (410992), East Nimar (230857), Indore (195663), Burhanpur (142179), Dewas (136289), and Guna (116239). The focus of the study is on the Bhilala tribe who inhabit largely in the districts of Dhar and Barwani. Although, they have been clubbed with the Bhil tribe, they have their own identity and there is a process of Rajputization among them. The Bhilala assume superiority than other groups in the local milieu of the tribes living there and claim to be the Rajputs. Hence, understanding of this tribal group can be made in the local perspective and their historical background in the present day situation. It is one of the progressive tribes of India.