CONTEXT

• Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary was renamed after Raja Bhabhut Singh, a tribal freedom fighter by Madhya Pradesh government

CONCEPT

• Raja Bhabhut Singh belonged to the Gond tribe and hailed from the Jagirdar family of Harrakot Raikheri.
• He was a descendant of Thakur Ajit Singh ji, owner of the historic Pachmarhi Jagir.
• His grandfather Thakur Mohan Singh allied with Peshwa Appa Saheb Bhonsle during the 1819–20 anti-British resistance.
• His kingdom included parts of Jabalpur and the Satpura Hills, a tribal-dominated forest region.
• Played a crucial role in the Revolt of 1857, leveraging guerilla warfare tactics effectively.
• Used deep knowledge of Satpura terrain and forest paths to launch surprise attacks on British forces.
• Closely associated with Tatya Tope, sharing revolutionary goals and strategies.
• Bhabhut Singh’s resistance lasted till 1860, making him a long-standing threat to British control.
• The British had to bring in the Madras Infantry specifically to neutralize him, underscoring his impact.
• His military strategies earned him the title “Shivaji of Narmadachal”.
• Executed by the British, he became a folk hero and martyr in Korku tribal traditions.

CURRENT RELEVANCE

• Recognizing tribal freedom fighters aligns with inclusive history and tribal empowerment policies.
• Renaming the sanctuary enhances the visibility of Adivasi contributions to India’s freedom struggle.
• Symbolic move underlines the state’s intent to integrate regional icons into national consciousness.
• Promotes cultural pride and inspires local youth in tribal-dominated districts.
• Supports the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” initiative to celebrate unsung heroes.
• Boosts heritage tourism around Pachmarhi through a focus on tribal resistance narratives.
• Reinforces Madhya Pradesh’s position as the “heartland of tribal heritage”.