NATIONAL SEMINAR

ON

MAHARAJA GANGA SINGH UNIVERSITY

30-31 , 2015MARCH

MARGINAL SOCIETIES IN RAJASTHAN

Organised by :

Bikaner (Rajasthan) 334004, India

Email : msirhistory2015@mgsubikaner.ac.inWebsite: www.mgsubikaner.ac.in

Phone:09828560739, 09461146579

Department of HistoryMaharaja Ganga Singh University

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Ancient Indian society was based on Varnashrama Dharma in which the state laid greater emphasison social, economic and gender equity and justice to all. The Rigvedic society was highly egalitarian in itsoutlook. Men and women enjoyed equal opportunities and the society was also devoid of caste baseddiscriminations and bias. However with the beginning of the process of feudalization of society and a series offoreign invasions starting from ancient to medieval India, gotra, caste and tribes emerged as distinctiveelements in Indian History. The 'Shudra' hill dwellers, nomadic and semi- nomadic tribes came into existenceand gradually got subjugated. People of these communities were made to serve the ruling classes.Untouchability was introduced through religious texts i.e. shashtras whereby lower caste people were madeto accept their status of Khidmati Praja also referred to as Kamins, menials and agricultural laborers. Theywere also denied the right to property, education and material and moral progress by the dominant section ofthe society. The process of the marginalization became more concrete in early medieval Rajasthan with themigration of kshatriya ruling clans in tribal dominated areas where the Kirata-kshatriya tribes such as Bhils,Meenas, Garasias, and other lower caste people were reduced to lowest rung of the society. Superior weaponsystem and agricultural technology deployed by the upper caste migrant communities, the Rajput rulerssucceeded in defeating the local tribal chiefs. Thus, the people belonging to earlier ruling class gotmarginalized referred to as SC's, ST's and OBC's today.

Interestingly even a section of the Rajputs and other higher caste people were also marginalizedduring the Medieval Period. The process of the marginalization of higher castes became more visible andconcrete when the Rajput rulers lost their glories and prestige consequent upon their defeat at the hands ofsuccessive Muslim rulers. As a result of the defeat of Rajputs, their armies got disbanded and dissolved. Theproblem of unemployment and rehabilitation confronted the Rajput community. In this difficult situation manyRajput clans and upper caste people picked up odd professions and jobs such as agriculture, trade and othercrafts. Thus, socially they got degraded and were pushed to the lowest position in Hindu society. Sirwis andKayamkhanis are the best examples of such a process ofmarginalization. Today, a number of SC's and ST's claim that theyoriginated from kshatriya lineage but due to compelling circumstances,they willfully adopted / assumed the status of lower castes or tribesand got merged into the agricultural, artisanal and trading communitiesas per their convenience and created their new identity in the society.Several lower caste communities also came into existence due tointermixing and inter-caste marriages between the persons belongingto higher and lower castes. Human migration was also anotherimportant factor in the process of the marginalization of dominantcastes and communities of an area.

The new ruling classes and the rulers secured legitimacythrough shastras to perpetuate the caste system, enslavement andforms of exploitation aimed at subjugation of the marginals, tribals,nomadic/semi nomadic tribes to safeguard its political, social andeconomic interest. The new ruling class in certain areas accepted local

religious practices and compromised with the subjugated ones to some extent by giving the titles of Thakurand the grant of Jagiradari, Zamindari and Muqatadari rights to the tribals and marginals in the areasdominated by these classes. The marginal societies had their own system of local governance, indigenoussocial and cultural traditions, religious belief system, customs and manners, performing art and folklore andrich oral history. D.D. Koshambi rightly pointed that these marginals and tribal societies must be studied tounearth hidden knowledge of India's past. These societies are living examples of the Indian history andculture dating back to thousands of years.

The Marginals referred to as SC, ST, OBC, Dalits, and Sub-alterns have played a vital role in thehistory of India. They have their rich oral historical literature, and socio-cultural and religious tradition havingmore than one thousand caste and tribes, each having its own ethnographic account. Yet, we cannot afford tooverlook the fact that historians have not paid adequate attention towards documenting the history ofMarginal Societies and tribes. The preoccupation of historians with empires and regional states as units ofstudies and analysis of social structures in terms of caste and classes led to the neglect of studies onmarginal societies in India. Focus was more on empires and dynasties such as Mauryas, Guptas, Mughals,Rajputs, Marathas and the British as if the marginal social groups do not have any history. This bias is sodeeply set that one tends to neglect history of even the erstwhile ruling tribes and castes which came intoexistence owing to socio-economic changes and the degradation of the Kshatriyas. Unfortunately thecontours of these marginal communities and ruling tribes are dimly illuminated. We can look for them throughoral literature, historical accounts written under the patronage of these rulers who sought to subjugate them. Itis worth attempting to work on the basis of various sources of information and construct history of marginalsocieties and people in its entirety.

This shortcoming in our historical research becomes more evident if we consider the size of thepopulation belonging to marginal groups and its concentration in different parts of Rajasthan. The rich oraltradition also raises the question of the continuity and change in social organization of these marginalsocieties, their community bonds and socialinstitutions as a result of historical change whichmight have given certain new dimensions to theexisting structure. Marginal societies were notstatic or unchanging and were capable of attainingupward political and social mobility on their own asis evident from several studies on the tribes andcastes of Central India, Maharashtra andRajasthan.

It is now well understood by the historiansthat they need to provide a healthy correctiveagainst the conventional constructions of history.Hence we need to realize the importance of thehistory of the marginals and tribals to achieve these

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

objectives. Certain existing notions about marginal societies based on distorted and biased accounts need tobe discarded and reconstructed. Given the complexities of the subject, a historian while studying the marginalsocieties needs to adopt an interdisciplinary approach and address these questions from perspectives thatare both theoretical and substantive. With an integrated approach we need to highlight structure andinstitutions that constitute reality of a marginal society as also the interactive nature of relationship betweenthe marginal societies and the dominant ruling class so as to obtain real picture of historical evolution ofsociety as a whole. In this regard, we need to be careful about the European writings on Indian society thatused conceptual categories which were Eurocentric. Some of these also tended to distort history and imputedmeanings to Indian reality in the abstract concepts such as caste, tribe, village community, family and kinshipetc. They were defined as segmented entities, often analogous to their socio-religious and historicalequivalent in European society. Erroneously, the autonomy of tribal and rural settlements found in othersocieties was taken for granted in such studies and was applied to the Indian society without recognizing itscivilizational and institutional linkages developed over several millennia. There was greater emphasis onsegmentation or autonomy rather than being part of an organic whole. In the context of our studies onmarginal societies both macro as well as micro historical cum sociological perspectives is highly relevant.Comparative historical perspective in study of heterogeneous marginal societies is required as this is animportant area of investigation that would highlight the general as well as specific features of the structure ofmarginal societies.

The history of marginals is shrouded in myths, legends and oral tradition. Written references aboutmarginals are also available in shastras, inscriptions, bardic account of Rajput rulers and court chronicles.The vanshavalis, pothis and oral literature of each of the marginal society contest the image of the marginalpeople portrayed in these sources. The oral tradition and myths signify a powerful counter culture portrayingconflict between the state and the marginals. The Rajputs, Sultans of Delhi, the Mughals and the British rulersdeployed brutal force and coercive methods to subjugate and marginalize tribals, menials and lower castepeople. Restoration of law and order, varnashramadharma and food habits, religious rituals and distinctcultural traditions of the marginals was used as a pretext or tool to establish authority of the state on thesecommunities. However, in certain areas the rulers often compromised with the menials, tribals, peasants (Jatsand Gujjars) and nomads by granting them certain concessions. Thus, new traditions were started wherebycaste leaders and tribal chiefs were conferred with the title of Thakur, responsibility of guarding of royalpalaces, prerogative of putting Tika on the forehead of a new ruler, leading army of the state in absence of aruler, recruitment of low caste and tribal people in armies,collection of toll tax from traders and wayfarers and so on.The archival records pertaining to 17 and 18 century giveus information that Bhils, Meenas, Garasias, Jats, Gujjars,Ahirs and other chiefs were designated as Bhomias,Thakurs, Muqatadars and even the village mukhiya/ mukh(headman) etc. The state also obliged to issue patta of landto the fulltime and part time workers belonging to menialcaste men and women working in royal establishment.

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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE SEMINAR

MAJOR THEMES OF THE SEMINAR

VENUE OF THE SEMINAR

The proposed seminar aims at highlighting the history of the Marginal Societies in Rajasthan,identification of sources on this theme, motivating scholars to undertake micro and macro studies on MarginalSocieties, Tribes, Dalits etc., create a network of scholars working on marginals and accelerate the process ofhistorical research focused on tribals, dalits and deprived sections of the society. The data obtained throughthis National Seminar will go a long way in establishing centres of social exclusion, tribal/ dalit studies etc. inRajasthan.

2. Origin, Migration of the Marginal caste communities and tribes from earliest time to the present.3. Sources of the history of marginals i.e. dalits, tribals, semi-nomadic tribes, women and peasants. (i)

Dharma Shastras (ii) Epics (iii) Archaeological remains (iv) Archival Records (v) Government Files (vi)Census Records etc.(vii) Rajasthani literature including Vanshavalis, Khyats, Bats, Kahavats, Hindi andSanskrit literature.

4. History of the marginalised societies as reflected in the oral historical tradition, literature, khayats, batsand other categories of dalit literature.

5. Socio-political process of the marginalisation and social exclusion.6. Marginals and the State: From conflict to collaboration and cooperation.7. The status of marginals in rural and urban society, structure and stratification; their role in working of the

village society.8. Society and economy of the marginal castes, communities and tribes.9. Resistance, rebellions and uprisings of marginalised communities.10. Role of marginals in state formation, evolution of the system of governance, polity and administration.11. Growth of socio-economic and political consciousness among the Marginals.12. Depressed Classes Movements, Constitutional Reforms. Legal protection/ Legislations introduced for

protection of the rights of the Dalits and Tribals.13. Women in marginal societies, their property rights, social status, sorrows & sufferings caused by the

feudal exploitation, marriage and morals, crime against women, women's education, women at workand other related gender issues.

14. Prominent women personalities of the Marginal Societies.

Maharaja Ganga Singh University, Bikaner, established by the Government of Rajasthan in 2003through an Act of State Legislature is one of the prominent universities in western Rajasthan located in theheart of the Great Thar desert. The aims and objectives of establishing this new university included promotionand propagation of higher education and cultural amelioration of the people living in the remote and backwardareas of the Thar desert and border area development. The university has got recognition of UGC undersection 2(f) and 12-B of the UGC. The university is located on Jaisalmer road (NH-15) in its sprawling and

1. Theoretical and conceptual debate on marginals and the definition thereof.

state of the art campus of 1127.07 bighas of land, a testimony of desert ecology, flora-fauna and traditionalRajasthani culture.

Department of History was established by the Maharaja Ganga Singh University in 2011-2012. Rightfrom its inception, the department is striving hard to emerge as centre of excellence by exploring new areasand frontiers of research, introduction of innovative student centric teaching and learning system,introduction of semester system at PG level, participation of students in teaching learning process, historicaltours, celebration of the birth anniversaries of prominent freedom fighters and national heroes, debatecompetition, quiz, sports, participation of students in NSS and social services etc. are the important featuresof the curricular and extracurricular activities of the department. Currently, the department is offering M.A.,M.Phil. and Ph.D. study programmes with specialization in Medieval Indian History. In 2014, the departmenthas started an Annual Lecture Series focussed on Maharaja Ganga Singh entitled “Maharaja Ganga SinghMemorial Lecture”. Prof. Ghanshyamlal Devra, eminent scholar and former Vice-Chancellor, VMOU, Kota,delivered the inaugural lecture in 2014. The department has organised several workshops and discussions inwhich Prof. Dilbagh Singh, JNU, Prof. B.L. Bhadani (AMU,Aligarh), Dr. Shashi Devra, Prof. Sunita Zaidi, Prof.Inayat Ali Zaidi (Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi), Prof. S.P. Vyas (JNVU, Jodhpur) and others participated.Thus, the Department of History has earned name and fame in a very short time in academic circles.

Bikaner State is situated in the Thar Desert of north western Rajasthan also referred to as“jangaldesha” in early medieval literature. The Great Indian Epic the Mahabharata gives reference of KuruJangalaha and Madreya Jangalaha. The Rig Veda mentions Saraswati, Drishadvati and Shatadru rivers. Thelegendry river Saraswati (identified with modern Ghaggar) had a large river system in which Drishadvati andhundreds of its tributaries flowed in this region. The Saraswati- Drishadvati river basin was highly rich in termsof archaeology and cultural traditions of the time. The Shakas, Hunas, Greeks, Scythians, Parthians alsocrisscrossed this region. Early medieval period witnessed the emergence of Jats, Johiyas, Bhatis, Sankhlas,Mohils and other agrarian castes and tribes. In the first half of 15 century, the Rathor Rajputs headed by RaoBika laid foundation of Bikaner State. The successors of Rao Bika played a very significant role in history ofthis state. One of the most outstanding ruler of Bikaner was Maharaja Ganga Singh (1880-1943A.D.).

The beautiful city of Bikaner was founded by Rao Bika in 1486 A.D. Rao Raja Rai Singh is creditedwith the construction ofJunagarh Fort in 1593 which isa fine blend of Mughal Gujaratiand Rajput style. Besides,Junagarh Fort, there is LaxmiNiwas Palace, Sadul SinghMuseum (Lalgarh Palace),Gajner Palace, Jain Templebuilt by Bhandasa Oswal(1468-1514), LaxminathTemple, Ratan Bihari Temple

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ABOUT BIKANER

and Royal Cenotaphs are just to name a few major tourist attractions of Bikaner. The world famous KaraniMata Temple at Deshnok and Kapil MooniAshram of Kolayat are important places of pilgrimage located in theclose proximity of Bikaner. The city is also fortunate to have Rajasthan State Archives, Bikaner which is amajor destination for historians.

Abstracts of original research work should be sent to the Chief Coordinator of the seminar on the email ID onor before 10th March 2015 along with Registration Form. Abstract(s) should not exceed 1 page; containingtitle, name of author(s), name of the institution/organization, keywords (three to five), typed in English TimesNew Roman 12 pt fonts 1.5 space and Hindi Script Krutidev 010 with font size 14 and on A4 size paper in MSWord. The organizing committee reserves the right to select or reject the paper(s) received on the basis ofmerit in each case.Accepted abstracts received on or before March 10, 2015, will be published in the Seminaredition MSIR-2015. All sorts of Research Articles (Papers or Abstracts) must be submitted electronically viaEmail to msirhistory2015@mgsubikaner.ac.in in the format mentioned above. It is mandatory to mention E-mail, name, designation & institution on research article, as all correspondence will be made through it only.The selected papers shall be published in the proceedings of the seminar in due course of time. There is noprovision of TA/DAfor delegates/ participants.

Faculty/ General delegates: INR 600Research scholars/ Students: INR 500Accompanying person: INR 1000Late/ on the spot registration: INR 600

IMPORTANT DATES FOR ABSTRACT/PAPER

SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION FEE:

PAYMENTS:

IMPORTANT DATES :

Registration fees should be paid by Demand Draft drawn in favour of Registrar,Maharaja Ganga Singh University, Bikaner (Rajasthan).

Submission of Registration form andAbstract 22 March 2015Notification ofAcceptance 25 March 2015Last date of submission of full length paper 25 March 2015

ORGANISING COMMITTEE

NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

LOCAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE:

CONTACTS

Prof. Chandrakala Padia

Shri Vishram Meena

Shri B.S.Charan

Dr. Narayan Singh Rao

Dr. Ambika Dhaka

Dr. Meghna Sharma

Chief Patron & Chairperson:Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, MGS University, Bikaner

Patrons:Registrar MGS University, Bikaner

Finance Officer, MGS University, Bikaner

Associate Professor & Head, Department of History

Assistant Professor, Department of History,MGS University, Bikaner

Assistant Professor, Department of History,MGS University, Bikaner

Director & ChiefCoordinator of Seminar:

MGS University, Bikaner

COORDINATORS:

Prof. Dilbagh Sing (Retd., New Delhi) , Prof. Ghanshyamlal Devra (Former VC, VMOU, Kota),Prof. Krishna Gopal Sharma (Jaipur), Prof. S.P.Vyas (Retd., JNVU, Jodhpur),

Prof. Pemaram (Jaipur), Prof. K.S. Gupta (Retd., Udaipur), Prof. S. K. Bhanot (Retd., MGSU, Bikaner),Prof. Meena Gaur(MLSU, Udaipur), Dr. Mahendra Khadagawat (Director, Rajasthan State Archives, Bikaner),

Dr. Sangeeta Sharma ( Jaipur), Dr. Narayan Singh Rao (Head, Department of History, MGSU, Bikaner).

Prof. S. K. Bhanot , Prof. M.M. Saxena, Prof. S.K. Agrawal, Dr. Bela Bhanot, Dr. Anil Kumar Chhangani,Dr. Raja Ram Choyal, Dr. Anil Kumar Dular, Dr. P.D. Charan, Dr. Leela Kaur, Dr. Gautam Meghvanshi,Dr. Dharmesh Harwani, Dr. Abhishek Vashishtha, Dr. Seema Sharma, Dr. Pragati Sobti, Mrs. Santosh

Shekhawat, Mrs. Jyoti Lakhani, Dr. J.S. Kheechad, Dr. Bitthal Bissa, Dr. S.K. Godara.

Chief Coordinator, MSIR-2015

Mobile No.: 09828560739, 09461146579. E-mail: msirhistory2015@mgsubikaner.ac.in

Department of HistoryMaharaja Ganga Singh University, Bikaner 334 004, India