A dispute in Rajasthan’s Udaipur district over hoisting of a flag on the statue of Rana Punja Bhil, has triggered tensions between Adivasi groups and BJP members.
Who was Rana Punja Bhil?
Punja Bhil was a contemporary of 16th century ruler of Mewar, Maharana Pratap.
Punja is considered to be a significant character who bolstered the strength of Pratap during his battles with Mughal emperor Akbar.
When Maharana Pratap was readying for the battle with Akbar, the tribal Bhil community voluntarily came to his assistance and at the time the Bhil army was commanded by Punja.
The Bhil community-classified as a scheduled tribe in Rajasthan-, is a forest dweller group has exercised significant influence in the Mewar region and throughout the past.
The Rajput rulers of the region have forged alliances with the tribal group.
