RAS question
The Bhil agitation centred on Dungarpur and Banswara, remembered with the Mangarh context, was led by which leader?
Correct answer: (B) Govind Guru.
Govind Guru led the Bhil agitation associated with Mangarh in the Dungarpur-Banswara belt.
Explanation
Govind Guru, also recorded as Govind Giri, led the Bhil agitation associated with Mangarh and the Dungarpur-Banswara belt. According to the Department of Higher Education, Government of Rajasthan, Mangarh Hill in southern Banswara was the site of a valiant tribal movement against British rule under his leadership. Mangarh represents sacrifice, social awakening and tribal communities' struggle for justice. Govind Guru opposed the British government's exploitation and repression of tribal society, while his Samp Sabha and Bhagat followers also formed part of this movement. These links establish option B as the correct answer. Motilal Tejawat, by contrast, was associated with the later Eki movement.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Motilal Tejawat is associated with the later Eki movement, whereas Govind Guru led the Mangarh-linked Bhil agitation in the Dungarpur-Banswara belt.
- (C) Mangarh is associated with Govind Guru's struggles, thoughts and ideals, along with his Samp Sabha and Bhagat followers, not with Bhogilal Pandya.
- (D) Manikyalal Verma is not the leader associated with the Mangarh tribal struggle; that association belongs to Govind Guru.
Concept
This question tests Rajasthan's tribal movements within the history and culture syllabus, especially the link between a leader, a region and an agitation. Mangarh is frequently tested in RAS, and candidates may mistakenly choose another reformer or tribal leader instead of Govind Guru.