Bhil

Bhil

On May 30, 1981, India Post issued a ₹1 commemorative stamp featuring the Bhil tribe, paying a proud tribute to one of the largest, oldest, and most resilient indigenous communities in India. Spread across a vast geographical belt spanning Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, the Bhils have a rich history that finds mention even in ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The name 'Bhil' is traditionally derived from the Dravidian word billu, meaning "bow," reflecting their legendary skills as expert archers, hunters, and fierce defenders of their ancestral forest lands. The stamp celebrates the vibrant cultural identity and artistic expression of the Bhil people. They are globally celebrated for their spectacular Pithora paintings—intricate, colorful ritualistic wall art dedicated to their local deities—and the energetic Ghoomar dance, a traditional folk dance filled with swirling, multi-hued attire that has become an iconic symbol of western Indian heritage. Living in deep harmony with nature, their daily customs, folklore, and agricultural festivals reflect a profound respect for the ecosystems that sustain them. Released alongside the Dandami Maria stamp as part of a dedicated focus on India's tribal heritage, this issue serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving indigenous voices. For thematic philatelists focusing on anthropology, folklore, and cultural history, this 1981 stamp stands as a classic collectible, honoring the Bhil community's enduring role in safeguarding the country's diverse cultural fabric.

Technical data Notes Condition

Date of issue May 30, 1981

Denomination Rs. 1

Quantity printed 2000000

Printer Security Printing Press, Nashik

Perforation comb 14

Watermark No Watermark

Colours Multicolor

Catalogue codes Michel IN 869 Stamp Number IN 922 Yvert et Tellier IN 671 Stanley Gibbons IN 1004

Themes People, Women

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About this stamp

Indian civilization is a mosaic of many cultures, within which tribal cultures hold great significance, especially in the context of modern man’s search for his roots. According to Census reports, about 6.97% of India’s population are tribals. The numerical strength of tribes varies widely, from about two dozen (e.g., Andamanese) to more than 5 million (e.g., Bhils). These tribes encompass various racial types, including proto-Australoid, Mongoloid, Negrito stocks, with contributions from Palaealpine, Nordic, Mediterranean, and Negroid backgrounds. Their languages belong to all the major language families, though Austric, Dravidian, and Tibeto-Chinese predominate.

Traditionally, the tribals live on agriculture, forestry, and animal husbandry. However, most tribal societies are rapidly adjusting themselves to the changing milieu.

Among the tribals in India, Bhils are the most numerous. They live in compact but isolated villages over a fairly well-defined territory comprising the western districts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The panchayat, consisting of elders, is a feature of their village life. The Bhils till the soil for livelihood and often work as agricultural laborers to supplement their income.

Bhil women do most of the work at home and in the fields. They wear very colorful dresses and deck themselves with a profusion of silver jewelry. They worship many deities, some connected with crops, water, mountains, and forests.

(Consultant for text: B. K. Roy Burman)