Tantya Mama and Bhil Tribe | 30 Jan 2026

Source: IE 

Tantya Mama has been in the news after the Madhya Pradesh government announced plans to install a new metal statue of the revered tribal figure. 

Tatya Mama  

• About: He was a prominent tribal freedom fighter from the Bhil community, which constitutes about 40% of Madhya Pradesh's 1.53 crore tribal population (Tribals form 21% of MP's population, the highest in India). 
• Period of Resistance: Actively resisted British colonial rule between 1878 and 1889, in the backdrop of post-1857 Revolt, revenue oppression and exploitation of tribal communities. 
• Popular Image: Revered as the Indian Robin Hood for his actions of targeting wealthy landowners and British-aligned authorities, then redistributing resources to support the poor and oppressed tribal populations. He is affectionately called “Mama” (maternal uncle). 

Bhil Tribe 

• About: The Bhil are the largest tribal group in India (4.61 million, 37.7% of total ST population per 2011 Census), predominantly inhabiting across Gujarat, MP, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh. 
• Religious Practices: Predominantly Hindu with animistic elements; worship serpent gods, and nature deities. Some groups follow Islam (e.g., Nirdhi, Tadvi Bhils, Maharashtra). 
• History of Colonial Resistance & Exploitation: Declared “Criminal Tribes” under the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871. Key revolts include: 
  • Bhagat Movement (1883) led by Govind Guru, culminating in the Mangarh massacre (1913,Adivasi Jallianwala). 
• Eki Andolan (1920) led by Motilal Tejawat. 
• Rich Cultural Heritage: Renowned for distinct art forms like Pithora paintings (MP) and Bhil art (dotted style), and festivals like Bhagoria (MP) and Gol Gadhedo (Gujarat).