Mevad Ka Ek Jain Bhil Neta Motilal Tejavat

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mevad ka Ek Jain Bhil Neta Motilal Tejavat" by Shobhalal Gupt:

The article, "Mevad ka Ek Jain Bhil Neta Motilal Tejavat" (A Jain Bhil Leader of Mewar, Motilal Tejavat) by Shobhalal Gupt, highlights the significant contribution of Motilal Tejavat, a Jain householder, to the welfare and liberation of the Bhil community in Mewar and surrounding regions. It emphasizes that Jain individuals have not only demonstrated religious devotion but also patriotic fervor, leaving an indelible mark on the political and social landscape of India.

The author draws a parallel between Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and the inherent Jain principle of Ahimsa (non-violence). Jainism, having Ahimsa as a fundamental tenet, naturally attracted its followers to Gandhi's non-violent freedom struggle. Tejavat, despite lacking formal higher education, earned immense love and trust from the Bhil population in the forests and hills, becoming their "messiah."

Born into the Oswal Jain community in a village in former Mewar state, Tejavat's life took a turn when he witnessed the brutal exploitation of peasants. He resigned from his job after seeing the oppressive Begar (forced labor) system, where villagers were forced to work without pay and subjected to physical abuse by state officials and feudal lords.

Tejavat then focused on the plight of the Bhil community, who faced severe deprivation. He organized them into an "Eki" (unity) movement, encouraging them to resist exploitative taxes and the Begar system. This movement spread beyond Mewar to regions like Sirohi, Jodhpur, and parts of Gujarat, uniting the oppressed tribal populations.

The article details the harsh response from the ruling powers. In the Bhomat region of Mewar, the army opened fire on the Bhils, resulting in the death of approximately 1200 people. Tejavat himself was wounded but was hidden by his loyal followers. This marked the beginning of his eight-year period of being a fugitive. During this time, the Bhils protected him with unwavering loyalty, much like they had supported Maharana Pratap.

The text also mentions Tejavat's interaction with Ramakant Malviya, son of Mahamana Malviya, who sought to quell the Bhil movement. A meeting was arranged, with stringent oath-taking rituals to ensure no betrayal. While some concessions were granted, the movement continued. The article also describes a massacre in Sirohi where Bhil villages were burned and property destroyed, drawing widespread condemnation.

Beyond political and feudal exploitation, Tejavat also engaged in social reform among the Bhils, urging them to abandon alcoholism and meat consumption. Many Bhils pledged to lead virtuous lives and cease criminal activities.

When Gandhi learned of Tejavat's reformist work, he supported his efforts. After the Bhil movement subsided, and with Gandhi's advice, Tejavat surrendered to the police in Khedbrahma village, Idar state. Although no other state pressed charges, Mewar state took custody of him. Fearing Tejavat, Mewar imprisoned him for nearly seven years, preventing him from carrying out further social reform. He was eventually released but placed under house arrest in Udaipur. Even when the Bhomat region faced famine, Tejavat defied his restrictions to help, only to be re-arrested and detained.

Tejavat also participated in the Prajamandal movement in Mewar, advocating for the state's independence. This led to his arrest and detention for three years during the Quit India movement (1942-1945). He was released under the same restrictions as before, only gaining full freedom with India's independence in 1947.

In conclusion, the article portrays Motilal Tejavat's life as one of continuous struggle, dedicating nearly thirty years to fleeing, imprisonment, and detention. His unwavering commitment was to free the poor from exploitation and oppression and enable them to live humanely. He is described as a "living martyr" whose life of sacrifice and resilience should be written in golden letters in the history of India's freedom struggle. Tejavat's humility, discipline, and ability to inspire millions of Bhils are highlighted, stating that he will forever serve as an inspiration for future generations. The article ends with a quote about the importance of utilizing time effectively.