Saint Sevalal article

SAINT SEWALAL: THE GREAT REVOLUTIONARY &

SOCIAL RFORMER

 

                                                                    -- Dr. Dinesh  Sewa Rathod  

(VASANTKAR)

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The Banjara community is spread all over the world and considered as one of the oldest inhabitants as well as native sons of India. The roots of Gor Banjara are reflected in the Indus culture and their folk literature contains the glorious characteristics of their history, culture and traditions

The following folksong proves this… 

                                    “Sindhu Nadire Palem , Sat Nadire Ralem..  

                                   Aariya Damdiya Dhaman Lagagere Sena Nayak”  

 Here, addressed to Banjara Sena Naik, in the premises of the Indus River and in the province of seven rivers, the Aryan had tied their cattle in a long queue and Sena Nayak was Banjara. The ‘Banjara’ is a common term used for travelers in general and trader nomads in particular. They are mainly known as ‘Banjara, Lamana, Laban, and Lambadi’ and by many other names in India and Roma Gypsy in Europe and America. Gor-Banjaras are indigenous or first native peoples belong to Gor ethnic group. They are a colorful people, occupying the southern, central and western parts of India, originally a nomadic tribe. They settled down in various parts of India in settlements known as ‘Tanda’ becoming one with the neighboring village communities, very well adjusted to the language and culture of the folks around, but always managing to retain their distinctive modes of language, speech, dress, song and dance, rituals as well as their moral and social codes and quotes put by Saint Sevalal who born in Gor-Banjara community: The Great Gor-Banjara Social Reformer And Cultural Hero Par Excellence, the revered community leader and at large extent he was the great revolutionary leader and social reformer of Gor Banjara community. Hence, Gor-Banjara are continuing their journey with commitment and dedication and ethical message in the light of ideals set by Saint Sevalal. It is impossible to write about Sevalal in few words. Here I have focused on his all versatile personality. Let us see about this great personality. 

 

Saint Sevalal  Maharaj was born  to parents, ‘Dharmani Yaadi’ (mother) and ‘Shri Bhima Naik’ on this holy land around 277 years back. For 12 long years of marriage, his father, Bhima had no children. According to a Folk legend, it is believed that Bhima Naik went on a Tapasya in a Zandi Jhol to receive the blessings of Goddess, pleased by Bheema’s rigoruous Tapasya, the Goddess promised to grant him a son, provided the progeny so birth should be dedicated to the goddess as her disciple. Apart from this, many misconceptions about his birth are heard. It is not surprising about definite birthplace, however that historians have claimed Sevalal as belonging to their particular place since such a thing has happened in case of Sevalal and other historical personalities also. So concluded that  the great Sevalal, born on Monday, the 15 th day of February 1739 in Rohini Nakshatra as it is expressed in folksons.   

At that time this location was popularly known as Ramagundam or Ramji Naik Tanda ,Ramji Naik is grandfather of Sevabhaya, who came to the location with 360 families of his Tanda and about 3755 loaded cattles. Ramji Naik was the great businessperson, and his total wealth included almost cows and oxen, used for grain transportation. Ramji Naik Tanda when deserted by century, the local people built a village known as Chennarayanipally. This land now falls in the revenue village of Golaldoddi, Taluka/Mandal- Gooty, Dist.Anandpur, Andhra Pradesh Gooty Taluka was in the then Bellary District of the then Mysore province of British Raj. Sevabhaya lived with his parents at this place up to the age of 12. He bathed in “Kaliya Kund” (transparent clean water of natural spring water pond), worshipped in Chennakesava (Shiva) temple on the top of the Chandrayanagutta (hill) nearby Ramji Naik Tanda and grazed his cattle in “Zandi Zhol” (Forest of Palms). All the relics and monuments are existing even today. Banjaras and non-Banjaras in the locality hold Bhima Naik Katta (platform) in high esteem and reverence. Hence, members of Banjara community celebrate Sevalal’s anniversary on 15th of February every year. 

 

 It is in this context, we remember with gratitude and legitimate pride the contribution of Saint Sevalal a historically known as a philosopher and social worker who is recognized as having an exceptional degree of greatness. After this brief sketch of the travels of Saint Sevalal, an assessment of his contributions is in order. As suggested earlier, we can consider him as a cultural hero of the Banjaras. He fostered unity among his followers, sought their advice, gave them the needed leadership, acquainted them with various parts of the land and stood by them in their distress. 

Traveling distant lands Sevalal enabled the Banjaras to become worldwide.

Saint Sevalal’s   Versatile Names:- 

        Todawalo & Motiwalo:- Sewalal is also familiar with the name, Sewabhaya, he used to wear  Tapping on the embroidered hat which cut off on the embroidered hat as used to attach Toda-pearls. Hence, Gor-Banjara community prefers to call him by this honorable name. 

      Gadiwalo:- Sevalal was born in Rathod-Ramawat family. He became the pillars of the poor and the uncommon pillar of the masses.  

      Poriyatara:-First, the astrophysicists were moving towards the direction of a guide marker. According to Banjara, and seeing to Morningstar (Poriyatara)  and the time of decimation was decided and Ladeni and their schedule were determined. So Sewalal was called Poriytara  as the guide of Banjara community.   

       Sevalal’s Uncommon Leadership: -It is said that in his boyhood Sevalal was very smart and active. He and his friends managed to trend as many cattles owned by his father was uncommon man led almost 3755 cattle with 52 Tandas, he traded in whole India. He used to trade on the back of the cows with loaded baggage of grains, which is used to call it ‘Ladeni’. One of the paths of his ‘Ladeni’ way was in Uran taluka of Raigad district of Maharashtra, service is a village named, Sewa. Now this Sewa village where there is still there is the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust. 

                           ‘ Madhaya Bharteti  Nikli , Puran Surter Takak Gadi Rahal Gujrat  

                                               Barhanpurero Chok Dal Lahorero’    

  

 Dharamtar Khadi: Sevalal’s brother name was Dharma. Therefore Dharamkadi is  in Pen Taluka of Raigad district. Bhaucha Dhakka is also in Mumbai harbor was formerly known as Sevbhaya Dam. When Portuguese's ship was trapped in the sea, the Portuguese king gave the pearl as a reward to Sevalal Maharaja as a reward for the service, when Saint Sevalal and his colleagues pulled out the ship with relentless efforts. Therefore, he started to be called Motivallo. At Pen Gogade in Raygad district, we find a business center where Sevalal’ temple have been built. Historian suggest that Sevalal’s men were again on the move, from Sooragondanakoppa to Bellary where again they settled down for some years, but they were on their move again crossing over to the Andhra region. He moved once again along with the members of his family, Bheela Karbhari, Roopa Nayak, Soma Bhangi, Kesa Jangi, Natya Vadtya, Lakhma, Sakya- Patya and others accompanied by thousands of cattle. Hyderabad was his destination where he entered into transport contracts with the officials of the Nizam government. His contact with the Nizam family is also established by the fact that a portrait of Sevalal is found in the family possessions. The portrait was later brought to the Banjara collections by Chandrabhan Rathod of Nizamabad. Banjara songs also narrate how the Nizam considered Sevalal as an ordinary Sadhu belonging to a nomadic tribe initially. Nevertheless, when he came to know that Sevalal was a ‘Pavada Purusha’ (Miracle Man), he rushed his men to invite him to his palace. The songs describe his visit to the palace riding a horse named Tolaram. After staying there for some years, he and his men along with the cattle moved towards Nanded in Maharastra crossing river Painganga. The journey was tedious, especially due to continuous rains.  Goddess Mariyamma,  

 

On reaching Bhivandi Kalyan the Banjara troop could procure a large stock of corn and pulses cheaply which they sold for a huge profit, while Journeying through Surat Sevalal’s men had to fight with the Moghul and  where they killed a goat which  for their meal. After defeating the king of Surat they moved from Surat in different directions in search of trade. Sevalal travelled all over India, from South to North, always serving honestly and he visited the kings and rulers of the lands. In his declining age he passed through Akola, Pusad, Manora, Digras on his way to Ruigad. Grazing cattles in the hill area of Ruigad, he settled down over Pohara Devi and there he formed a Tanda. He was also eminent in trade, social revival and social awareness because if we study his sayings then we came to know  his innovative and versatile thinking  As in the post sixteenth century this greatest sage and foreteller Sevalal born and it is said that he  traveled through twenty one regions in continent for trade and to preach with non violence, pity, mercy and secularism. By visiting the Tanda to Tanda settlements Sevalal engaged himself in preaching Gor-Banjara the importance of unity, social reform, selfless service, charity to uplift his community. The folk songs found to describe his achievements and ‘Povadas’ (miracles) gloriously. Saint Sevalal  is not only remembered fondly, but also praised and worshipped as ‘Kulaguru’ of the  Banjara tribe because of the volumes of his greatness and social work. In accordance with the traditional policy of association, warriors were created to protect self-sufficiency and grains. Keeping that in mind, Sevlal made an organization of 7 organizational leaders, including Self-Service. Sewalal, his three brothers, Hapa Badu, Pura and Dharmi, Dhaka, Ramsung. This organization was later adopted by organisations and leaders. In this way 13 people formed a federation? Which led 700 shells, which included Central India, South India. Merchants from Madhyabrata Bhagwandas Vadtiya (2 million bulls of wealthy) and merchant Jangi of South India, Bhangi Bhukiya (Total 2 million bulls) were included in the union of Sevlal.  

According to the state of the 17th century, we can say that the effect and strength of the English power was increasing day by day and the system of Indian kings was becoming weak. The pressure of the British rule on the Gor-Banjara merchant was to increase the supply of logistic resources to the kings. In addition, in the British-affected areas, the tax was collected from Gor-Banjara merchants, which was against the trade rules of Gor- Banjara. With the proposal against this tax recovery, Sevalal went to meet Nizam with all his union heroes. In view of the fear of the British rule, Nizam rejected this proposal, Sevalal announced the war against the Nizam. Then there was a war in Hyderabad (Banjara Hill) and as a result, Nizam sanctioned all the conditions of the service tax and advised to meet Emperor, Gulam Khan of Delhi for taxation of other states of India. Sevalal accepted the advice of Nizam and accepted the honor given by the Nizam. In honor of Nizam, he gave copper, sword and gift. These gifts are still present in the Pohargad Temple (Maharashtra State). Emperor, Gulam Khan of Delhi rejected this proposal, because of which Sevalal announced the war, and 2500 soldiers of Gulam Khan were confronted by 900 warriors of the Sevlal. The heavily defeated historians of Gulam Khan never mentioned this war. Gulam Khan sanctioned the forgiveness of the tax system. It was a very big political victory for the business outlook. Because of this victory, the name of the service Sevalal became famous throughout India. 

Gor-Banjara (Traders) of Lahore honored Sevlal. On the call of the Banjara merchant of Jaipur (Rajasthan) and the Bahujan people, Sevalal beheaded Bhumiya, the horrified person and gave Rajasthan the freedom to land. Even today, this is the symbol of Sewalal's temple in Sawai Mansingh Hospital in Jaipur. The Delhi-based Raisina Hill  Lakhisha Banjara, a umbrella made in the welcome of Sevalal is present in Nehru Planetarium, New Delhi. Likewise, in the Sevanakamak village near Mumbai, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust was used to be the Sevlal Port in the 17th Century. In the same way, the port name of Dharmat (Seva Lal's associate) is present near Pen in Raigad district. In the same way, without a push of a Mumbai-based harbour it is a push of service. At this place, the ship of Portuguese was foiled, it was taken by the Sevalal, which resulted in he was awarded  by  Pearl (Italian Pearls), by  which he is also known as Sevlal Motivallo. There was a business center of Sevlal in village Gagade near Pen, in Raigad district, but still there is a temple named after him. 

Based on like a legion of army, Sevalal formed army troop to make Gor-Banjara community self-reliant and taught people seif defence lesson. In fight against injustice and atrocities, Sevalal freed Gor-Banjara community from the oppressive and brutal rule of Emperior, Gulab Khan (Delhi) and Nizam Shaha (Hydrabad) He is really one of the Revolutionary leaders. He faught against Nawab Gulab Khan,with the help of Hapa Pura, Lakhu Khetawat, Bhila Karbhari and other thirteen Shiladar in collaboration and he won. Moreover, to prepare the manifesto of India's independence, Savalal had done a great job along with Umaji Naik, Dhurandhar Senapati, (commander)   

 Saint Sevalal was a very big businessman, warrior, organizer, economist, but at large extent he was a great social reformer. The power and knowledge of the services can be traced from the fact that whatever the prophecies were about the social and economic and natural status of the country. Like French astrologer and prophet ‘Nostredame’, has been credited with accurately predicting, Saint Sewalal’s prophecy of the future is still becoming true today. Sewalal Maharaj’s social work is an ethical, educational and professional mode that saught to improve the standard of living of Gor Banjara people and groups through community work and other methods. He improved the capacities of individuals by encouraging interaction between Gor-Banjara people and their social environment through positive and active intervention. Therefore, Gor Banjara could reduce their sufferings by meeting their own needs. At that time, in this process, his social work fulfilled the aspirations of the Gor-Banjara people and met the criteria of cultural perspectives and moral values. After this brief sketch of the journey of Saint Sevalal, an assessment of his contributions is in order, certainly, we can consider him as a cultural hero and social leader of the Banjaras. He fostered unity among his followers, sought their advice, gave them the needed leadership, acquainted them with various parts of the land and stood by them in their distress. Traveling distant lands, due to Sevalal’s effort the Gor-Banjara Banjara’s history and culture became worldwide. 

Tanda  System is unique social and demotratic living system is the gift given by Saint Sevalal to Gor-Banjara community as it proved him as great social reformer. ‘Tanda’ means residency of Gor-Banjara community that is defined as primitive concept, which gives speeds, motivation, and continuity to the creativity to the natural factors. The composition of self governing community is named as Gor-Panchyat as a political organization of Banjara tribe was headed by the Naik/Chief for the disciplinary and juridical matters of the community and it governs at three levels ,such as- ‘Nasab, Hasab and Malav’. The leadership of the Banjara commununity is provided by the group of adult name is called ‘Tanda’s Naik’ who is the head of the Tanda and there is also ‘Karbhari’ who is the vice president of the Tanda. There is an independent and democratic arrangement of the living system in Tanda’s administration. All members of Tanda establish a jury Board in order to maintain good relation and well-being. This democratic administration is adopted by the ruler of India and Englad. As this, democratic arrangement once in vogue in Tanda system and method has been accepted in Indian democracy  and the world over.   

Through this, like a trustee, Saint Sevalal was able to solve community problems generated in the current social situations at that time through ‘Tanda Panchyayat’ His social service was very different from all other because his social service was implemented in its perspective by reflecting all those social, economic and psychological factors of Gor-Banjara community which affect the individual and its environment friendy and community. Though Gor-Banjara community was illiterate and in ignorance, after social, economic and cultural powers and ideology of Sevalal, the individual biological, emotional and psychological elements serve society by only adopting the dynamic interaction because Sevalal was entirely aware of Gor-Banjara’s  social situation and their environment,    

Most of the knowledge of Sevalal’s social work has been naturally seen in sociological principles, but his studies express the theoretical side of community and human relations for social concept. According to Sevalal’s prediction it shows that he was great thinker and he used to say,’ ‘we should look at every aspect of life with humanity and truthfulness which is our  true religion’, only then one can be blessed and succeed. He also emancipated the tribes and communities specially Gor-Banjara from superstitions, illiteracy, greedy, envy, and narrow considerations.’The Gor Banjara  describe Sevalal variously as a great saint, a  a thinker, a philosopher, a revolutionary leader and a social reformer. These descriptions really reflect his versatile personality. He travelled far and wide, covered many country. Therefore, we can consider him the great philosopher and sociologist. He put many moral principles and talks before Banjara community and his 51 talks/quotes are mostly famous and are becoming still true. After studying the emergence of the natural and social conditions and the growing population, the estimation and explanation that they have taken, is still true today. Sevalal nurtured Gor-Banjara community by teaching many traits, which shaped the social principles of community. Sewalal would say.. 

‘Sat Kar, Pat Kkar, Jager Jat Kar,

Landi  Buchi Par Kar.. Goru Mayi Gour Kar,  

 It means, do true deeds, if you walk on the path of truth, you will be honored. Complete your work in time. Do not lie. You are Gor researcher and thought. Sow proper thought in community. Education is must, without that progress is impossible. In addition, that trait is willingness to work hard. That particular trait is the prime level of the progress the Banjaras have achieved. They are known for their hard work and work is worship. The message that Saint Sevalal gave to us in general, and to the Banjaras in particular he used to preach that, progress is impossible without hard work. He gave true and ethical principle to Banjara community in the form of independence, equality, brotherhood and democratic traits. All Banjaras know Sevalal as “Seva Bhaya” Brother Sevalal. Women generally consider him as their true brother. Thus, love to all living creatures, Gor and Kor (Non-Gor) human and non-human, is Seva Bhayya’s message regarding humanity and always preached humanism. He taught the principles of equality that vividly expressed in his famous quote,

‘Sen Sayi Ves, Koru Gorun Sayi Ves Kidimungin Sayi Ves, Khuta Mungrin Sayi Ves’.

 Sevalal was also a very great businessperson, warrior, organizer, economist, expert in auyrved and spirituality but at large extent, and he was social reformer. According to Sevalal, ‘Life should be seen with the right perspective’. Humankind should walk on the path of non-violence, affection, His power and knowledge can be traced from the fact that whatever the prophecies were about the social, economic and natural status of India, it is being fulfilled today and becoming true after many years. Sevalal predicted and advised the community that there will be empire of Gor in future that is how he says….  

                              “Kariya  Chori  Khaya  Kori,  Gharemundyang   Ekach Mori,  

                           Rapiya  Katoro  Paani  Wak  Jaay,  Baldero  Sing  Sonero  Ve  Jaay,   

Maayen  Beta  Parko  Wiya,  Rapiyar Tera  Chana  Wak  Jaay,

Malker Vat Plkem Jay,Mayen Beta Parko Viya, Landiro Raj Aaya                                  Chhod Mat Penar Dhati  Gor Keshula Nahi Mor Jaay”

  

 It means do not steal, if you so others will take advantages. The son will run away from the responsibilities of caring his parents. The son will become a stranger to mother and will not care parents. Water will get great importance in the world and the water will be sold by rupees (eg. Mineral water) In one Rupee, one handful of grams will be sold. (i.e. today’s dearness). The price of bullocks will be in one lakhs. The cow will sell in the price of gold. ‘Kasaben Gavdi Mat Vecho Halaler Mas Mat Khavo’ because GO means Cow  and RA means protector, do not sell cow to butcher and do not eat meat taken from butcher. When we are able to come out of the myths and miracles which abound the accounts of his life, we see him to believe in concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare and  a humanitarian religion, and  love of all living creatures including animals. As he was always surrounded by hoards of men and animals is proof enough of such love. False and liars will live happily. Though the French Revolution gave the world, the message of freedom, equality and brotherhood  but for thousands of years these global values of Gor-Banjara were alive in Indus culture and followed by Saint Sevalal who has struggled in teaching ethics and morality to community. Thus, the idea of world peace and world-welfare will serve the world, and the ideal of the core society is of peace.  

 

That is why Sevalal would say ‘Know something before study it, test it, then accept, it then adopt it.’ No one is bigger than anyone, no one is less than anyone, all are equal. Sevalal preached the virtue of service, sacrifice, generosity, equality and brotherhood. He thus opened wide way for his people the doors of knowledge, where he preached the ideal of brotherhood, virtues of pity, forgiveness, importance of education and peace of mind among Gor-Banjaras. He impressed this truth on the minds of Gor-Banjara people and made them reflect within themselves. Gor-Bajara people accepted him as a great social leader and showered praise on him. He created the feeling in the minds of Gor Banjara people that all men are equal and no one is high. Do not chant the name of anybody, do not worship anybody, and do not be afraid of anyone, do hard work instead of wasting time in ritual but believe on hard work. The world will go towards destruction and the existence of human beings will come to an end due to loss of morality. Saint Sevalal said at that time that the world will progress so much that it because of technology, mobile technology and will see the end of the bullock cart era. According to the above saying, we can conclude that Sevalal  was not only the great social worker but also the great thinker. We should look at every aspect of service of his life; only then humanity will develop in Gor community.   

 

In the end, he says,' ‘True religion is only that every Gor-Banjara should live with truth and religion of Gor-culture (Dhati) which is so called Gor-Dharma’. Only then, one can be blessed and life can be successful. In the same way, Sevalal, as a revolutionary leader who gave a new direction to the society, Remaining unmarried (Brahmachari), he devoted his entire life for the betterment for the Banjara community. He spread the message of humanity, saying, ‘You can lit a lamp yourself  in your life’. Do hard work, you are responsible for your own salvation. With loyalty and self-confidence, you can make your life shine by erasing the darkness from your own life. Get yourself illuminated. God has given everything to everyone. Do not worship others God. Do not depend on others but trust on yourself. Strive to live life with confidence and modesty. Make your own identity in life. Therefore, there is a need to develop good thoughts and character. The main thought that he taught seriously about humanity as a Gor-Dharma and practiced accordingly. Try to understand those thoughts and eventually accept the basis of their wisdom. Try to apply this in your life initially. From this, it is clear that Saint Sevalal was the scientific philosopher who has expressed his sermons through his many talks and quotation. The reforms for which Saint Sevalal fought for and his ideals would be ever cherished today and in future. Sevalal Maharaj devoted his life to uplift Banjaras to drive humanity in the right direction and sought to reform them with his sayings and quotes.  

  

Really, Sevalal rendered yeoman's service by carrying out social reforms, taught the philosophy of Karma or action. He was not only a preacher or a saint, but also the great nation-builder and social reformer. He could influence Banjara community with the above message of love and labor. That influence is still potent nearly two centuries of his demise. Lastly, many words are less to compare him and he will retains forever in the heart of Gor-Banjara community, Hence, we would owe an expression of esteem to Sevalal as the great compassionate, humane, unselfish, magnanimous, benevolent, merciful, sympathetic, chaterable, public sprited, socially connected, patron, philanthropist  and social worker. He inspired the community to keep awake and alert by giving the deserving message, ‘Nagarare Ghorem Rijo Gor-Mati’. This great person, Sevalal, permanently took rest at Pohara Devi, His work and teaching will always be alive, cherished, and remembered by Gor-Banjara community  until the world exists.   

JAY SEVALAL ..  JAY GOR…

Bibliography:

v As per folk tales and literature explained by grandfather

v Thurston Edgar , "Banjara Caste and Tribes of South India, Madras Voll-1

v Ferishtha Mohamad Kasim, "History of the Rise of the North Western Power in India til the year AD 1612", trans: John Briggs, Orient Books Reprint Corporation, (1981)

v Tribal and Marginalized Community, Yojana, A development monthly January, 2014.

v Halbar, B. G. (1986), 'LAMANI ECONOMY AND SOCIETY IN CHANGE', Mittal Publications, New Delhi

v Thurston, Edger, (1909), 'CASTES AND TRIBES OF SOUTHERN INDIA', Government press, Madras, Volume IV,

v Online study material, Ancient History of Gor Banjaras