Monday Special

 Monday Special  

Part - 6

Menial to Minister: An Adventurous Odyssey of Dr Kuber Dindor

A biography by Shri Ishwar Prajapati

Into English by Pallavi Gupta)

The emotions on Dr. Kuberbhai Dindor's face while narrating Mangadh's tragic history and the tears in his eyes clearly indicate the deep reverence he holds for this place.

Mangadh, a revered site for the tribal communities of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, has gained significant national attention following a visit by the contemporary President of India, Shri Draupadi Murmu on this 4th October. Situated at the tri-junction of these states, Mangadh is a testament to the sacrifices made by indigenous people during India's struggle for independence.

The site has historically been a focal point for tribal communities, but its full significance was largely unknown until recent decades. Thanks to the efforts of local leaders, particularly to Gujarat Education Minister Dr Kuber Dindor, Mangadh has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now recognized nationally and internationally. Dr Dindor's vision and the subsequent support of the former Chief Minister Mr Narendra Modi have elevated Mangadh to a prominent position on the national historical map.

On this September 20th, I was fortunate enough to visit the historic site of Mangadh in the company of Gujarat's accomplished Education Minister, Dr Kuber Dindor. As Dr Dindor eloquently recounted the century-old movement that unfolded in this region, I was left astounded. The depth of emotion and the glistening in his eyes as he spoke of Mangadh's history were a testament to the profound place this tribal sanctuary holds in his heart.

At the dawn of the second decade of the 20th century, the Indian independence movement was gaining momentum. Under the leadership of Govind Guruji, the indigenous tribal communities were actively participating not only in the freedom struggle but also in a parallel social revolution.

On the full moon night of Magshar, (Magshar is a month in the Hindu lunar calendar), tribal leaders from across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh would gather at the hills near Santrampur. These assemblies, known as 'Samp Sabha' (i.e. Compromising Committee), were attended by thousands of tribal people. Crucial decisions regarding the independence movement and social reform were made at these gatherings.

The success of these assemblies was catalyzing a profound revolution within the tribal society. Govind Guruji's efforts to enlighten the superstitious and illiterate tribal population were a thorn in the side of the British. The rapid transformation of the tribal society was a source of great anxiety for the colonial rulers.

On November 17, 1913, the full moon night of Magshar, tribal men, women and children from across the nation had gathered at the hills near Santrampur for the Samp Sabha. Unbeknownst to the peaceful assembly, British troops had already stationed themselves on the surrounding hills, armed and ready. As the night progressed and the Samp Sabha commenced, the troops opened fire, unleashing a barrage of bullets upon the unsuspecting crowd. The wails of the innocent tribal people filled the air as hundreds of bodies lay lifeless, bathed in blood. For reasons unknown, the heroic saga of these martyred tribal souls has been largely omitted from the pages of history.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, where British General Dyer ordered his troops to fire upon a peaceful gathering, is a well-documented tragedy in Indian history. However, the brutal massacre that occurred at Mangadh Hills near Santrampur in Mahisagar district, Gujarat, has been largely overlooked by history. Even today, as one traverses the Mangadh hills, the echoes of the past reverberate through the valleys, a haunting testament to the atrocities committed. The heart-wrenching cries and screams of the indigenous people, slaughtered on these very hills, seem to linger in the wind, yet the blood-soaked narrative of Mangadh remains largely obscured.

Nestled at the tri-junction of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, the Mangadh region has been home to tribal communities for generations. Exploited by local feudal lords, princes, and the British colonial regime, these indigenous people were often taken advantage of due to their illiteracy, simplicity, and poverty. To eradicate the prevalent social ills and superstitions, a significant socio-spiritual movement, led by Govind Guru, was initiated. Known as the 'Bhagat Movement', it aimed to uplift the tribal communities.

Born in 1858 in Dungarpur, Govind Guru was deeply moved by the plight of the Bhil tribes during a severe famine. He dedicated his life to social service and began preaching religious teachings. In 1903, he established the 'Samp Sabha', an organization focused on fostering unity, eradicating vices, promoting education, and encouraging moral values among the tribal population. The 'Samp Sabha' also advocated for boycotting foreign goods and striving for independence, which drew the ire of the British authorities. Mangadh Hill served as the epicenter of the Samp Sabha's activities.

On November 17, 1913, during a gathering of followers at a ‘Samp Sabha’ led by the tribal saint Govind Guru, the British, under the command of Colonel Sharpe, launched a surprise attack on the tribal gathering at Mangadh Hill. While Guru Govind was addressing his followers, British forces surrounded the hill and opened fire with cannons and machine guns, massacring a large number of unarmed tribal people. With the support of local princes, the British political agent had encircled the Mangadh Hill and indiscriminately fired upon the gathering, killing approximately 1507 innocent tribals. This figure of 1507 was recorded by the British themselves, but the actual number of casualties is believed to be much higher.

The tragic tale of the Mangadh Massacre, a blood-soaked chapter in India's freedom struggle that unfolded nearly 110 years ago, is heart-wrenching even for the most hardened of souls. Govind Guru, the leader of this movement, was captured and imprisoned by the British for many years. His memorial is located in a hall atop Mangarh Hill. Upon entering, one is immediately drawn to the 'Amar Jyoti Stambh' (Immortal Flame Monument). The hall's walls are adorned with marble plaques that chronicle Govind Guru's life, the activities of the 'Samp Sabha', and the brutal atrocities committed by the British. Reading these accounts, one is filled with a sense of outrage at the cruelty inflicted upon our freedom fighters by a foreign power. In this hall, devotees pay their respects at Govind Guru's samadhi, offering incense, flowers, and hymns. Pilgrims from surrounding villages continue to visit the samadhi, paying homage to this great leader.

Dr Kuber Dindor has been deeply invested in the development of Mangadh. Over the past decade, the Gujarat government has undertaken significant initiatives to develop Mangadh, creating new employment opportunities for the tribal community in the region. A paved road has been constructed to the hilltop, and a beautiful temple dedicated to mother India has been built. A children's park has also been developed to provide a recreational space. To accommodate visitors, accommodation and dining facilities have been established, attracting tourists from far and wide. Today, hundreds of tourists visit Mangadh. Dr Kuber Dindor often serves as a guide, proudly sharing the history of Mangadh with visitors.

The day of the massacre, November 17, 1913, coincided with the full moon night of Magshar. To pay homage to the martyred heroes, Dr Kuber Dindor initiated an annual pilgrimage around Mangadh Hill, starting on every Magshar full moon night. Thousands of tribal people from far and wide gather to participate in this pilgrimage, marked by devotional singing and communal meals. Dr Dindor himself actively participates in these events.

Whether one is a historian, a researcher, or simply a nature lover, a visit to Mangadh is an unforgettable experience. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom.

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