Govindgiri

Govindgiri, also known as Govind Guru Banjara, (1858–1931) was a social and religious reformer in the early 1900s in the tribal border areas of present-day Rajasthan and Gujarat states in India.

[1] He is reported[3] to have been a hali (a 'hali has been described as a worker "not employed at their own convenience but maintained as permanent estate servants, and not regarded to be in a position to resign services).

[1][8] Govindgiri preached monotheism, observance of temperance, forsaking crimes, following agriculture, giving up beliefs in superstition, etc.

[9] Drawing on the ritual practices of the Shaivite sect Dashanami Panth, Govindgiri encouraged his followers to tend a dhuni (fire pit) and hoist a nishan (flag) outside their houses.

[7] Govindguru Banjara teachings were originally aimed at social and religious reform but he gradually "developed a strong critique of hierarchy and exploitation"[9] of the tribals by ruling classes.

[9] Within a short time, Govindguru Banjara garnered a large following among the tribals in the states of Sunth, Banswara, Dungarpur and the British districts of Panch Mahals.

[12] The state accused him of deceiving his followers, confiscated his savings and pressured him to stop his movement by imprisoning his wife and child (or children).

[15] Govindgiri Banjara did not serve the entire terms of life imprisonment, but was released from prison in Hyderabad in 1919 on condition he would not participate in political activities.