Tracing Bhil Cultural Roots

ADIVASI EMPOWERMENT CENTRE,

To Restore Their Vulnerable Identity

NAME: Muzakkirah M Shekh

EN.NO: 201703101710006
GUIDED BY: Ar.Kruti Joshi SUB: Thesis 2021-22
 INTRODUCTION
A Tribe is an Indigenous group of people which possess certain qualities and characteristics that make it a unique cultural, social, political
entity.
A considerable portion of India lives in its tribes. These tribes are a living example of how life was in the earlier days, before the advent of
machines and technology.
India has a diverse and rich cultural heritage. Culture plays an important role in defining the architecture of a place or people with time.
Indigenous practices, Agricultural occupations, and several ancient Tribal Handicrafts which define these unique cultures are slowly being
erased by the advent of modern technology. Thus, our cities have been tangled in a web of concrete, with most new-age structures
ignoring the vernacular, climatic, and environmental imperatives in Design.
In order to protect and conserve our rich tribal culture and architectural heritage, these rapidly disappearing vernacular elements should be
incorporated in contemporary planning and architecture.
With the Adivasi's edging the vulnerable zones, this project aims at revival of tribal art and culture through a Tribal Empowerment and
Research Centre.

TRIBAL DISTRICT & THE HIGHEST FOREST : DANGI BHIL (Dhanush- Purush of India)
Population: 16,909,000 (now a day)
District: 313
Primary language: Hindi
Primary religion: Hinduism
• In Gujarat the population of Bhil tribe 4,215,603.
• They are 46% of total tribal population of the state.
• The population includes people of sub tribes like Bhil, Bhil Taviyad, Bhil Garasia, Dholi Bhil, Dungri Bhil, Dungri Garasia, Mewasi Bhil,
Malivad bhil, Rawal Bhil, Tadvi Bhil, Bhagalia, Bhilala, Pawra, Valvi, Vasava, Vasave,Katara, Bhabhor.
• Dang District has a total of 311 Villages which are distributed among, 3 Taluka Panchayats, Which further divided among, 70 Village
Panchayats.
• According to various FSI reports South Gujarat has far more dense forests than open forests. The Dangs recorded the highest forest
cover of about 1,368 sq. km.
• As per the Planning Commission, Dang is one of the most economically distressed district out of 640 districts in India. The main language
spoken in this district is Konkani and 98% of the population belongs to one of the scheduled tribes.
• The district is mainly covered by forests, which are rich sources of timber, honey, wax and lac.
• The people of the Bhil tribe are the most widely distributed tribal groups in India/ Gujarat/ Dang.

TRACING BHIL CULTURAL ROOTS - CASE OF BHIL TRIBES 1

 CULTURE AND FESTIVAL

Chitra Vichitra no Melo

Month I March,
Location I Gunbhakhri,
Sabarkantha
One of the largest tribal fest in
the state, celebrated by Bhil
and Garasiya tribes.
The fair is an event for ancestral
worship and is marked by
colorful attire, heavy jewelry
and rhythmic drum beat

TRACING BHIL CULTURAL ROOTS - CASE OF BHIL TRIBES 2

 List of Tourism Spots in Dang
1) Don Hill Station, Near Ahwa
2) Saputara Hill Station
3) Devinamal Campsite
4) Shabri Dham, Mokhmal, Dang
5) Anjan Kund (Anjani Parvat)
6) Pampa Sarovar
7) Chimer Waterfall
8) Mahal Eco Campsite, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary
9) Girmal Waterfalls, Girmal
10) Waghai Botanical Gardens
11) Kilad Nature Education Campsite
12) Vansda National Park, Vansda
13) Gira Falls, Wanarchod, Waghai – Saputara
14) Purna Wildlife Sanctuary

OTHER RELATIVELY LESS POPULAR PLACES. AS THEY AREN’T SO POPULAR

1) Pandava Caves
2) Hatgad Fort, Maharashtra Near Saputara
3) Barda Waterfalls, Chankhal
4) Roopgadh Fort, Kalibel, Dang

FOLLOWING PLACES ARE NOT EXACTLY IN DANG DISTRICT. THEY ARE NEARBY DANG
1) Janki Van, Bhinar, Vansda
2) Padam Dungari Eco Tourism Campsite
3) Ajmal Gadh, Vansda

TRACING BHIL CULTURAL ROOTS - CASE OF BHIL TRIBES 3

 SAPUTARA LAKE SUNSET POINT GIRA WATERFALLS TABLE POINT

SUNRISE POINT WAGHAI BOTANICAL GARDEN SAPUTARA TRIBAL MUSEUM TOWNVIEW POINT

STEP GARDEN NAGESHWAR TEMPLE MAHAL FOREST FOREST LOG HUT

TRACING BHIL CULTURAL ROOTS - CASE OF BHIL TRIBES 4

 LAKE GARDEN MAHARASHI AHRAM ROSE GARDEN PANDAVA GUFA

GIRMAL FALLS HONEY BEES CENTRE FOREST NURSERY ECHO POINT

ROPEWAY CABLE CAR SAPUTARA ADVENTURE PARK ROOPGARH FORT

TRACING BHIL CULTURAL ROOTS - CASE OF BHIL TRIBES 5

 AIM
• Study the relationship between tribal culture and architecture.
• To reduce the social stigma attached to locally available materials such as bamboo and earth as a ‘poor man's material’.
• Revival of the tribal art and culture of Bhil.
• To complement the Adivasi research and empowerment center by analyzing the need and demand for such a complex and propose
a suitable design for them.
• To create a strong cultural identity for the Dang-Bhil region through architecture.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

• As per the Planning Commission, Dang is one of the most economically distressed district out of 640 districts in India.
• The district is mainly covered by forests, which are rich sources of timber, honey, wax and lac.
• The people of the Bhil tribe are the most widely distributed tribal groups in India/ Gujarat/ Dang.
• Dang is known as the heartland of India and is known for its unique Bhil rituals, tradition, and beautiful tribal art and craft.

Yet, the tribal way of life is extremely difficult due to the increasing population, lack of resources and funds, and mainly lack prepared
awareness of their rights amongst the Adivasi people.

With the advent of modern technology, traditional life is threatened, several new-age structures ignore cultural and environmental
imperatives in design and use.

It is very important to keep the tribal culture of our country alive, not just for its uniqueness but also for the continuum and sustenance of the
ever-growing population of the country.

The project, Adivasi empowerment and research center aims at reviving and facilitating the growth of the tribal populations, aiding them in
the preservation of their unique culture, tradition, language, and art forms. It provides a platform where the Adivasi's can easily procure raw
material for their craft works, training, and education of the tribes.

It also provides a platform for interaction between the tribal craftsman and urban generations to create awareness of the artistic skills and
unique tribal culture. Aids research, field surveys and documentation of tribes etc.

TRACING BHIL CULTURAL ROOTS - CASE OF BHIL TRIBES 6

 PROBLEM STATEMENT
In order to protect the interests of the Scheduled tribes. The provision of "Fifth Schedule" is enshrined in the Constitution under article 244 (2)
which identifies certain areas with predominant tribal population that require special protection and measures for conserving their
population and culture and provides an administrative arrangement to implement development programs in those areas.
• Preponderance of tribal population,
• Compactness and reasonable size of the area,
• Available administrative entity such as district, block or taluka.
• Economic backwardness of the area as compared to neighboring areas.
In Gujarat: Surat, Bharuch, Dang, Valsad, Panchmahal, Sadodra, Sabarkantha are under “Fifth Schedule“.

IMPLICATIONS
If we provide guidance to the people who are residing over there and provide education then they can be aware and develop their skills
and can bring their skills forward and with the help of this they can preserve their culture and community.

SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

The scope of study involves documentation and analysis of work home relationships and cultural reference in tribal architecture of some of
the important tribes of Dang-Bhil.
It also involves the study of various function and space requirements of a tribal research and development center.
The scope of the project involves a proposing some ideas for the center which facilitates the following functions:
• Research and development block
• Academic block
• Administrative block
• Recreational facilities
• Temporary and permanent exhibition spaces
• Workshop areas
• Accommodation facilities
• Staff residence
• Hostel
• Tourism spot

TRACING BHIL CULTURAL ROOTS - CASE OF BHIL TRIBES 7

 CASE STUDY: TEJGADH TRIBAL ACADEMY, BHASHA RESEARCH CENTRE
INTRODUCTION ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGNING
Year: 2008 CONCEPT:
Location: Tejgadh, Gujarat, India
The Adivasi Academy is designed by the eminent
Site Area: 15,000 sq.ft
architect Karan Grover in keeping with the
Adivasi aesthetics and the local surroundings.

The buildings, all created in exposed brick and

brick-jaalis, combining features of local
architecture and historical monuments found in
the area. The buildings on the campus have
been built brick by brick with the support of the
Adivasi community and well wishers of Bhasha.
Tejgadh’s geographical location, either by accident or design, has proved to be
providential for its vision and mission. The village is located about 100 km from the It took nearly four years of continuous
Rajasthan border, about 40 km from the Madhya Pradesh border and about 150 km construction work for the Museum and Library,
from Maharashtra. the first major buildings of the Academy to be
Bhasha’s work areas include promotion of non-scheduled languages, study and completed, so intricate is the craftsmanship
conservation of Adivasi imaginative expressions, education, healthcare and invested in creating the combination of simplicity
empowerment of Adivasi communities, protection of human rights of the Denotified and majesty.
and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs), and policy level interventions in the interest of diversity,
rights and empowerment.

The National Tribal Academy is a complex

of buildings which responds to the site; it
revolves around an age old Mahua tree.
A “sacred” platform that is rocks out-crop
transforms itself into an amphitheater;
visiting tribals are housed in a groove of
trees circling yet another rock out-crop; no
trees have been cut; the beginning of this
very special space.
The introverted inward-looking spaces with
vistas along its axis are dedicated to the life,
spaces, cultures of the tribals; spaces that
help in the regeneration of their spirits.

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CASE STUDY: TEJGADH TRIBAL ACADEMY, BHASHA RESEARCH CENTRE

SECTION AA’ SECTION BB’

TRACING BHIL CULTURAL ROOTS - CASE OF BHIL TRIBES 9

 CASE STUDY: TEJGADH TRIBAL ACADEMY, BHASHA RESEARCH CENTRE

TRACING BHIL CULTURAL ROOTS - CASE OF BHIL TRIBES 10

 GEOMETRY BUILT-UNBUILT CIRCULATION

TRACING BHIL CULTURAL ROOTS - CASE OF BHIL TRIBES 11

 A CASE STUDY OF DIFFERENT HOUSEHOLDS CONNECTED WITH BUSINESS
RELATIONSHIPS

TRACING BHIL CULTURAL ROOTS - CASE OF BHIL TRIBES 12

 THREAD will offer artist residencies
THE SINTHIAN CULTURAL CENTRE alongside a diverse range of
Architects: Toshiko Mori programs that will provide the
Year: 2015 people of Sinthian and the
Photographs: Iwan Baan surrounding region with the
opportunity to discover new forms
of creativity and cultivate their
skills. A venue for markets,
education, performances and
meetings, the center will be a hub
for the local community and a
place where the resident artists
can have a truly meaningful
experience of Sinthian society.
Painters, sculptors, photographers, writers, choreographers, musicians and dancers from
around the world will be invited to live and work at THREAD but the center will
particularly welcome and encourage the participation of local and Senegalese artists.

Located in the remote Senegalese village of

Sinthian, close to the Mali border, the Sinthian
Cultural Centre is a multipurpose complex
designed to serve the needs of the community.

The open-air center is shielded from rain and

heat. It functions as a health and education
facility and a place for gatherings and
cultural exchange between community
members.

TRACING BHIL CULTURAL ROOTS - CASE OF BHIL TRIBES 13

 THE SINTHIAN CULTURAL CENTRE

Built around two courtyards, the Sinthian Cultural

Centre was constructed using locally available
building materials such as bamboo, thatch, and blocks
of rammed earth. Additionally, the design features
openwork walls to regulate the temperature within the
complex.
The geometric roof is the focal point of the cultural
center, with a steep, sloping angle that collects and
retains rainwater during the brief rainy season, creating
a viable source for 40 per cent of the village’s
domestic water needs year round.

TRACING BHIL CULTURAL ROOTS - CASE OF BHIL TRIBES 14

 SITE: ACHHALA VILLAGE NEAR TO TEJGADH AND BHILPUR, GUJARAT
Achhala is a small Village/hamlet in Chhota Udepur Taluka in
Vadodara District of Gujarat State, India. It comes under Achhala
Panchayat. It is located 90 KM towards East from District head
quarters Vadodara.
Achhala Local Language is Gujarati. Achhala Village Total
population is 1982 and number of houses are 396. Female
Population is 48.5%. Village literacy rate is 34.7% and the Female
Literacy rate is 13.3%.

POPULATION
Census Parameter Census Data
Total Population 1982
Total No of Houses 396
Female Population % 48.5 % ( 961)
Total Literacy rate % 34.7 % ( 687)
Female Literacy rate 13.3 % ( 264)
Scheduled Tribes Population % 100.0 % ( 1982)
Scheduled Caste Population % 0.0 % ( 0)
Working Population % 54.2 %
Child(0 -6) Population by 2011 310
Girl Child(0 -6) Population % by 2011 40.6 % ( 126)

This village is famous for Rock painting, Achhala and

Pahadushah Dargah and near to this area there is
Tejgadh tribal academy is located near to the site.

TRACING BHIL CULTURAL ROOTS - CASE OF BHIL TRIBES 15

 SITE: ACHHALA VILLAGE NEAR TO TEJGADH AND BHILPUR, GUJARAT
Particulars Total Male Female

Total No. of Houses 396 - -

Population 1,982 1,021 961

Child (0-6) 310 184 126

Schedule Caste 0 0 0

Schedule Tribe 1,982 1,021 961

Literacy 41.09 % 50.54 % 31.62 %

Total Workers 1,075 543 532

Main Worker 569 - -

Marginal Worker 506 88 418

In Achhala village out of total population, 1075 were

engaged in work activities. 52.93 % of workers describe their
work as Main Work (Employment or Earning more than 6
Months) while 47.07 % were involved in Marginal activity
providing livelihood for less than 6 months. Of 1075 workers
engaged in Main Work, 349 were cultivators (owner or co-
owner) while 213 were Agricultural laborer.

TRACING BHIL CULTURAL ROOTS - CASE OF BHIL TRIBES 16