Mangarh Massacre

The Mangarh Massacre was a tragic and defining event in India’s colonial history that took place on 17 November 1913 at Mangarh Hill, situated on the border of present-day Rajasthan and Gujarat. Often referred to as the “Adivasi Jallianwala”, it witnessed the brutal killing of hundreds of tribal men, women, and children by British forces and the armies of local princely states. The massacre occurred during a peaceful tribal congregation led by the social and spiritual reformer Govind Guru, who had mobilised the Bhil and other tribal communities against oppression, exploitation, and social injustice.

Background

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the tribal populations of the Vagad region—which includes parts of southern Rajasthan, Gujarat, and western Madhya Pradesh—faced immense social and economic exploitation. The British colonial administration and local princely rulers imposed heavy taxes, extracted forced labour known as begar, and deprived the tribal people of forest rights. Poverty, indebtedness, and oppression were widespread among these marginalised communities.
Amid this atmosphere of suffering, Govind Guru, also known as Govindgiri, emerged as a reformer and spiritual leader. Born in 1858 in Dungarpur, he began his social mission among the Bhil and Banjara tribes. He founded the Bhagat movement, a reformist initiative aimed at eradicating superstitions, promoting moral discipline, and encouraging abstinence from alcohol and meat. Govind Guru preached equality, self-respect, and unity among tribal groups and urged them to resist exploitation by landlords, moneylenders, and the feudal system. His growing influence inspired hope but also alarmed the British authorities and the local rulers, who feared an uprising.

The Gathering at Mangarh Hill

By 1913, Govind Guru’s following had expanded across the tribal belts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. To consolidate their movement and discuss grievances, he called for a large gathering at Mangarh Hill, a sacred site for the Bhils, located in the Aravalli ranges. Thousands of followers—men, women, and children—assembled at the hill, where they held meetings, sang devotional songs, and pledged to live by the principles of honesty, temperance, and social equality.
However, the assembly soon came to be perceived as a threat by the British authorities and the local princes of Banswara, Dungarpur, and Sunth. Officials believed that the gathering could turn into a rebellion. Despite repeated warnings from colonial officers to disperse, the people at Mangarh Hill refused to abandon their camp, maintaining that they were peacefully exercising their rights and performing religious duties under the guidance of Govind Guru.

The Massacre of 17 November 1913

On the morning of 17 November 1913, British and princely state troops surrounded Mangarh Hill. The peaceful assembly was declared unlawful, and without significant provocation, the troops opened fire on the crowd. The firing continued for several hours, resulting in a horrific bloodbath.
The exact number of casualties remains uncertain, but contemporary accounts and oral traditions suggest that over 1,500 people were killed. Many others were injured or captured. The massacre left a deep scar on the tribal consciousness of the region. Govind Guru and his close associate Punja Dhiru were arrested soon after. Govind Guru was initially sentenced to death, but his punishment was later commuted to life imprisonment. He was eventually released after several years and continued his work for the welfare of the tribal people until his death in 1931.

The Bhagat Movement and its Ideals

The Bhagat movement, initiated by Govind Guru, had far-reaching implications beyond the tragic events at Mangarh. It sought to uplift the social and moral status of tribal communities and to awaken political awareness among them. The movement’s key tenets included:

• Religious reform: Discouraging animal sacrifice, superstition, and intoxicants.
• Social equality: Promoting unity and brotherhood among different tribal groups.
• Economic justice: Opposing forced labour, excessive taxation, and exploitation by landlords.
• Moral discipline: Encouraging honesty, cleanliness, and simplicity in life.

These principles laid the foundation for a new social consciousness among tribal communities, transforming their sense of identity and resistance. The Bhagat movement can thus be seen as both a spiritual awakening and an early form of socio-political mobilisation among India’s indigenous populations.

Aftermath and Impact

The Mangarh Massacre was a turning point in tribal resistance during British rule. While it did not receive the same national attention as later incidents such as the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919, it marked one of the earliest instances of collective assertion by indigenous communities against colonial oppression. The massacre exposed the ruthless nature of British policies and the indifference of the princely rulers towards the suffering of their subjects.
For the Bhils and other tribal groups, the tragedy became a symbol of martyrdom. Mangarh Hill was transformed into a sacred memorial site known as Mangarh Dham, where annual gatherings and prayers continue to be held in remembrance of the victims. Over time, the event came to represent not only the fight against colonial injustice but also the broader struggle for tribal rights, dignity, and self-determination.

Recognition and Commemoration

In the decades following independence, the memory of the Mangarh Massacre began to receive greater recognition. Tribal leaders and historians campaigned for its inclusion in India’s national narrative. The site of Mangarh Dham is now developed as a memorial and pilgrimage centre, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Statues of Govind Guru and other martyrs have been erected, and the area has been declared a national heritage site.
In recent years, the Indian government and state authorities have made concerted efforts to acknowledge the massacre’s historical importance. Mangarh Hill now symbolises the unity of tribal communities across Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, and stands as a reminder of their contributions to India’s struggle for freedom.

Legacy

The Mangarh Massacre stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by India’s tribal communities in the face of colonial tyranny. It highlights the intersection of social reform, political awakening, and indigenous resistance long before mainstream nationalist movements gained momentum.
Govind Guru’s teachings and the Bhagat movement represent an indigenous response to colonialism—rooted in spirituality, morality, and community solidarity rather than political ambition. His work not only awakened the Bhils to their rights but also laid a foundation for later tribal movements in India.
Mangarh Hill, with its deep historical and emotional significance, continues to echo the voices of those who stood up against injustice. The massacre remains a crucial chapter in India’s freedom struggle—one that reminds the nation that the quest for liberty was fought not only in cities and by elites but also in the remote hills and forests by those whose courage and sacrifice often went unrecorded.