Mangarh Massacre, Causes, Causes & Consequences - UPSC Notes

The Mangarh Massacre, also known as the Mangarh Dham Massacre, is a poignant and often overlooked event in India's colonial history. On 17 November 1913, British Indian Army and princely state forces brutally cracked down on Mangarh Hill, resulting in the deaths of over 1500 members of the Bhil tribal community. 

This tragic incident, deeply rooted in socio-economic exploitation and a powerful tribal reform movement, holds significant relevance for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, particularly in the Modern Indian History and Tribal Movements sections.

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What was the Mangarh Massacre?

The Mangarh Massacre refers to the horrific event that unfolded on 17 November 1913 at Mangarh Hill, located on the border of present-day Rajasthan and Gujarat. Forces from the British and princely states indiscriminately fired upon a large gathering of Bhil tribals. These Bhils, led by the social reformer Govind Guru, had assembled for a peaceful congregation to advocate for their rights and social reforms. While official records often downplay the casualties, historical accounts and tribal narratives suggest that over 1500 unarmed men, women, and children were killed. This makes it one of the most brutal massacres in India's freedom struggle, often compared to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Read the article on the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre!

The Mangarh Massacre was not an isolated incident. It was the culmination of several underlying factors:

Socio-Economic Exploitation

• Feudal Oppression: Bhil tribals in the region (Banswara, Sunth, Dungarpur, Kushalgarh princely states) faced severe exploitation from local landlords (jagirdars) and princely rulers. They endured high taxes, forced labor (begar), and arbitrary levies.
• Exploitation by Moneylenders and Traders: Non-tribal moneylenders and traders further exploited the Bhils through usurious interest rates and unfair trade practices, leading to widespread indebtedness and land alienation.
• British Policies: British colonial administration's forest laws and land revenue policies severely disrupted the traditional tribal way of life. These policies restricted their access to vital forest resources and pushed them deeper into poverty.

Political Mobilization and Resistance

• Growing Assertiveness: Inspired by the Bhagat Movement, the Bhils began to refuse forced labor, resist unjust taxes, and boycott liquor and foreign goods. These actions directly challenged the authority of the rulers and moneylenders.

British and Princely States' Response

• Perception as Rebellion: The rapid growth and increasing assertiveness of the Bhagat Movement were perceived as a direct rebellion by the princely states and British authorities. They feared a widespread tribal uprising that could destabilize the entire region.
• Military Deployment: Despite Govind Guru's emphasis on peaceful means, the rulers decided to suppress the movement with force. Forces from the princely states of Banswara, Sunth, Dungarpur, and Kushalgarh, along with the British Indian Army (Mewar Bhil Corps and Rajputana Malwa Rifles), were deployed to Mangarh Hill.
• Ultimatum: An ultimatum was issued to the tribals gathered on Mangarh Hill, ordering them to disperse. They refused, believing in Govind Guru's spiritual protection.

Read the article on the History and Evolution of Peasant Movements in India!

Govind Guru and the Bhagat Movement

The emergence of Govind Guru (Govindgiri) was central to the Mangarh incident. A Banjara tribal from Vedsa village, he initiated a powerful socio-religious reform movement among the Bhils around 1900, known as the 'Bhagat Movement' (Bhakti Movement).

• Govind Guru’s Teachings: Govind Guru preached monotheism, vegetarianism, abstinence from alcohol and meat, and adherence to a moral code. He urged the Bhils to abandon traditional practices of plunder and violence, adopt a cleaner lifestyle, and educate their children. This social and religious purification aimed to uplift the Bhil community and restore their dignity.
• Establishment of 'Samp Sabha': In 1903, Govind Guru established the 'Samp Sabha' (Unity Organisation). This organization aimed to unite the Bhils against exploitation and instill a sense of collective identity and self-respect.
• Demand for Bhil Raj: As the movement gained momentum, it acquired political overtones. Govind Guru advocated for a separate Bhil Raj (Bhil Kingdom) where they could live free from external exploitation. This demand heightened apprehension among the princely states and the British.

On the fateful morning of November 17, 1913, thousands of Bhils, including women and children, had gathered on Mangarh Hill for a religious congregation and to discuss their grievances. They found themselves surrounded by the heavily armed forces of the British and the princely states. Despite the Bhils being largely unarmed, the forces opened fire indiscriminately, leading to a brutal bloodbath. The firing continued for several hours, resulting in a massive loss of life. Govind Guru was arrested after the massacre.

Read the article on the Tribal & Peasant Movements in India!

Consequences of the Mangarh Massacre

The Mangarh Massacre had both immediate and long-term consequences:

Immediate Impact

• Heavy Loss of Life: The most devastating immediate consequence was the tragic loss of over 1500 Bhil lives.
• Arrest and Imprisonment of Govind Guru: Govind Guru was arrested, tried for treason, and initially sentenced to death. This sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment and eventually reduced, leading to his release in 1923.
• Temporary Suppression of the Movement: The brutal suppression temporarily quelled the open resistance of the Bhils and the Bhagat Movement.

Long-Term Impact

• Increased Awareness of Tribal Exploitation: The massacre, though largely ignored in mainstream historical narratives for decades, highlighted the severe exploitation faced by tribal communities under colonial and feudal rule.
• Catalyst for Future Tribal Movements: The Mangarh incident served as a stark reminder of the need for tribal rights and inspired subsequent tribal movements for justice and autonomy.
• Mangarh Dham as a Sacred Site: Mangarh Hill, now known as Mangarh Dham, has become a sacred pilgrimage site for the Bhils. It stands as a memorial to their ancestors' sacrifice and a powerful symbol of tribal resistance.
• Legacy of Govind Guru: Govind Guru's efforts in social reform and tribal upliftment continued to inspire the community even after his release. He is revered as a martyr and a visionary leader who fought for the dignity and rights of his people.
• Historical Significance: The Mangarh Massacre is increasingly recognized as a significant event in India's freedom struggle. It demonstrates the widespread nature of resistance against colonial oppression and the immense sacrifices made by marginalized communities.

Read the article on the Deccan Riots 1875!

Conclusion

The Mangarh Massacre of 1913 is a powerful testament to the resilience and sacrifice of the Bhil tribal community in the face of extreme oppression. Led by the visionary Govind Guru, their struggle for dignity, social reform, and freedom from exploitation culminated in a tragic yet historically significant event. Mangarh Dham stands today not just as a site of immense sorrow but as a symbol of tribal identity, resistance, and the enduring spirit of justice in India's rich history.

About the Bhil Tribe

The Bhil tribe is one of the largest tribal communities in India, mainly found in the western and central regions, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and parts of Chhattisgarh. They are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) under the Indian Constitution and are an important topic for UPSC Prelims and Mains (GS‑I: Indian Society, Tribes of India).

Historical Background

The Bhils are considered ancient inhabitants of central India, with references in epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. They were skilled archers and warriors, and some played roles as freedom fighters during the British period, notably in the Bhil Revolt (1818–1831).

Geographical Distribution

• Predominantly in Rajasthan (Mewar, Dungarpur, Banswara), Madhya Pradesh (Jhabua, Dhar), Maharashtra (Nandurbar, Dhule), and Gujarat (Dang, Sabarkantha).
• Also found in smaller numbers in Chhattisgarh and Tripura (Reang Bhils).

UPSC Previous Year Questions related to the Mangarh Massacre

Q1. How did colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression? (GS Paper 1, 2023)

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