Why In News?

The Union Ministry of Culture formally clarified in the Lok Sabha that Mangarh Dham fails to meet the statutory requirements for declaration as a centrally protected monument of national importance.  

About Mangarh Dham 

Mangarh Dham is a hillock situated in the Aravalli range right on the border of Banswara district in Rajasthan and Panchmahal district in Gujarat.

Historical Background: The site marks a powerful tribal resistance movement against British colonial forest laws, land revenue policies, and local princely state oppression.

Mangarh Massacre (November 17, 1913):

  • The assembly: Over 1.5 lakh Bhil tribals gathered peacefully on Mangarh Hill to celebrate Govind Guru's birthday and discuss socio-economic grievances.

  • The attack: The British Indian Army, including the Mewar Bhil Corps, Wellesley's Rifles, and Rajput regiments, encircled the hill and opened fire on the unarmed crowd.

  • The casualties: British forces brutally killed over 1,500 unarmed tribal men, women, and children.

  • Historical nickname: This tragic event is widely known as the "Adivasi Jallianwala Bagh" or the "Jallianwala Bagh of Rajasthan/Wagad".

Govind Guru:

  • Birth: Born in 1858 in Bansia village, Dungarpur, to a Banjara family.

  • Socio-religious reform: He founded the Samp Sabha in 1883 to unite the Bhils and led the Bhagat Movement to encourage vegetarianism, ban alcohol, and fight against bonded labor (begar).

  • Arrest and death: He survived the 1913 massacre, served 7 years in jail, and passed away on October 30, 1931, in Gujarat.

What is a National Monument?

Under Section 2(a) of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR) Act, 1958, an ancient monument refers to any historical structure, monolith, or place of interment which has been in existence for not less than 100 years and possesses historical, archaeological, or artistic interest.

Criteria: The Central Government declares a site of national importance based on its unique historical associations, architectural brilliance, and archaeological value.

The Role of ASI: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) holds sole administrative custody of centrally protected monuments, managing only 3,693 monuments out of 4 lakh+ estimated historical structures in India.

Source: INDIANEXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Bhagat Movement and Govind Guru:

  1. Govind Guru established the 'Samp Sabha' in 1883 in Sirohi to unite the Bhil community.

  2. The movement aimed to socio-religiously uplift the Bhils by promoting monotheism, vegetarianism, and fighting against bonded labor.

  3. Govind Guru was deeply influenced by the teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:

Govind Guru, born in a Banjara family in Dungarpur, was influenced by Swami Dayanand Saraswati. He established the Samp Sabha in 1883 in Sirohi to unite and uplift the Bhil and Garasia tribes, advocating for moral reforms, monotheism, vegetarianism, and fighting against oppressive feudal taxes and bonded labor (begar).