Under the twelfth series of its online exhibition by Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), on Thursday introduced an exhibition from Gallery No.4 of Veethi Sankul (Indoor Gallery) called ‘Mandwa – Gohari’, a display projecting the socio-religious life of the Bhil and Rathwa tribe of India. Exhibition of IGRMS has been presented online with its basic information and photographs and videos.
About this exhibition, Praveen Kumar Mishra, Director, IGRMS said that, The indoor museum building Veethi Sankul houses 12 galleries depicting the diverse facets of human cultures. Under the online exhibition series of IGRMS, this time, we introduce an exhibition from Gallery No.4 of Veethi Sankul (Indoor Gallery) called ‘Mandwa – Gohari’, a display projecting the socio-religious life of the Bhil and Rathwa tribe of India.
The gallery showcases the traditional life-style, tangible and intangible cultures of the Bhils, a prominent tribe living mainly in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan Maharashtra. Despite the influence of various social changes, the Bhils of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are still known for their efficient agricultural practices, profound fairs and festivals, beautiful wood carving and painting traditions.
The exhibition displayed in this gallery shows their rich culture and traditions that they have maintained for centuries. Officer in charge of exhibition Rajendra Jharia further informed that it depicts various aspects of rituals related to the marriage ceremony and festivals performed by the community members on various occasions. In particular, the gallery showcases the beautiful art of Wall-reliefs depicting the scenes of Mandwa Gohri, Gol Gadhedo, Gathela Ancestor Puja, Bhil- Rathwa wedding pavilions, Shrine of Baba Dugar Devta, Ind Pooja and Pithora, etc.
The gallery’s impressive collection includes photographs taken by renowned photographer late Anandi Lal Pareek on the Jhabua Bhils about 60-70 years ago. These rare black and white photographs were collected by the museum in the year 2005. The photographs depict various aspects of traditional Bhil life-ways, and it also provides a scintillating view of their dress, jewelry, and tattooing tradition. About 280 exhibits and 40 black and white photographs can be seen in this gallery.
