Bhils: A Caste of Indigenous People in Sindh

Bhils (Sindhi: سنڌي ڀيل) are an indigenous caste primarily residing in Sindh for centuries before and after partition and creation of Pakistan. They belong to the broader Bhil Hindu caste, which has a significant presence in South Asia. Despite their historical roots in the region, the Bheels have faced numerous socio-economic challenges over time.

Historical Background

The Bheels are considered one of the oldest castes in South Asia, believed by some scholars to be direct descendants of the Indus Valley Civilization. Historically, they were a dominant caste in the region, with settlements in Sindh and Gandawa (Balochistan), which once served as their provincial headquarters.

During the Partition of India in 1947, many Hindu groups migrated to India, but the Bheels remained in Pakistan, retaining their traditional customs and religious practices.

Culture and Traditions

Bheels have a unique cultural identity, shaped by centuries of traditions and influences from neighboring communities. Some key aspects of their culture include:

  • Religious Practices: Most Sindhi Bheels practice Hinduism, worshipping deities associated with nature and folk traditions. Ritual animal sacrifices to their goddesses were once common but have declined in recent years.
  • Festivals: They celebrate Hindu festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Navratri, along with local Sindhi cultural festivities.
  • Occupational Patterns: Most Bheel work as peasants and laborers, struggling with poverty and lack of resources. Many of them are engaged in agriculture and handicrafts.
  • Traditional Attire: The Bheels wear vibrant, embroidered clothing, with women often donning ghagra-cholis and dupattas, while men wear dhoti-kurtas.

Language and Linguistic Diversity

The Bheels speak a variety of languages, including:

  • Sindhi Bhil – A distinct dialect of Sindhi influenced by Sanskrit.
  • Dhatki – A dialect spoken in Tharparkar and Umerkot.
  • Marwari – Spoken by Bheels who have cultural ties with Rajasthan, India.
  • Sindhi and Saraiki – Commonly spoken by those integrated into urban settlements.

Social Challenges and Struggles

The Human Rights Commission of the United Nations has reported severe marginalization and exploitation of Sindhi Bheel. Some key challenges include:

  • Bonded Labor and Slavery: Despite the abolition of slavery in 1992, many Bheel, along with Meghwars and Kolhis, still work in conditions resembling bonded labor.
  • Forced Conversions: Reports suggest that many Hindu Bheel in Sindh and Balochistan face pressure to convert to Islam.
  • Lack of Education: Due to extreme poverty and limited access to educational facilities, literacy rates among Bhils remain alarmingly low.
  • Land Rights Issues: Many Bheels do not own land and are often exploited as tenant farmers by landlords.
Geographical Distribution

Nearly 95% of Bhils live in rural areas of the Thar Desert, particularly in:

  • Tharparkar
  • Umerkot
  • Badin
  • Thatta
  • Mohrano

A significant population also resides in urban areas such as Mirpur Khas, Hyderabad, and Karachi.

Conclusion

Bhils are a resilient indigenous caste with a rich heritage. Despite facing economic hardship and social discrimination, they have preserved their cultural identity through traditions, language, and faith. Greater government support, education, and social reforms are essential to uplifting this marginalized caste and ensuring their rights and dignity in modern-day Pakistan.