SAINT SEWALAL: THE GREAT
REVOLUTIONARY &
SOCIAL RFORMER
-- Dr. Dinesh Sewa Rathod
(VASANTKAR)
***********************************************************
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
