RAS question
The 'Eki Movement' (Bhil Movement) in southern Rajasthan was led by:
Correct answer: (D) Motilal Tejawat.
Motilal Tejawat led the Eki Movement among the Bhils of Mewar in the 1920s.
Explanation
The Eki Movement, also called the Unity Movement, was led by Motilal Tejawat among the Bhils of Mewar in the 1920s. The point of the movement was organisation: Tejawat brought Bhil communities together against begar, excessive taxation and feudal oppression. Leadership is the central recall point for this movement. The name Eki itself points to unity, specifically Tejawat's mobilisation in southern Rajasthan. His association with the Bhils was strong enough for him to be remembered as the "Bhils' Gandhi". Motilal Tejawat's role connects the Eki Movement with tribal mobilisation, anti-begar protest, resistance to excessive taxation and opposition to feudal oppression.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Vijay Singh Pathik led major peasant mobilisation in Rajasthan, especially the Bijolia movement, but Motilal Tejawat led the Eki Movement among the Bhils of Mewar in the 1920s.
- (B) Govind Guru is associated with Bhil social and religious reform and the Mangarh movement, while Motilal Tejawat organised the Eki Movement against begar, taxation and feudal oppression.
- (C) Bhogilal Pandya is associated with social work and tribal welfare in Rajasthan, but the Eki Movement in southern Rajasthan is attributed to Motilal Tejawat.
Concept
Rajasthan's tribal and peasant movements require firm recall of leadership, region and grievance patterns in southern Rajasthan. RAS repeats this area because movements against begar, taxation and feudal oppression connect Rajasthan history with social reform and resistance politics.