Context

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.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/who-is-rana-punja-bhil-and-why-is-an-amagarh-like-dispute-brewing-in-udaipur-7449049/

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