Bhils of Khandesh: under the British East India company (1818-1858)

Containment of the turbulent Bhils of Khandesh was the most vexatious problem that confronted the British East India Company after it took over these territories from the Peshwas in 1818 AD. Following the failure of the military operations launched against the Bhils, the Company's Court of Directors in London came into the picture stipulating a new set of conciliatory measures to win over the tribals.
Dr Prasad has meticulously brought to light the relevant facts pertaining to the Khandesh Bhils and their relations with the East India Company between 1818 and 1858 for the benefit of students of Modern Indian History. Describing the various aspects of the life-style of the Bhils, the author has also suggested a new functional classification of the tribes of that period as an improvement on the generally accepted one by Enthoven.
The book, which is mainly based on primary source material, goes a long way in bridging the existing gap in Modern Indian History pertaining to the Bhil tribe. It provides useful reference material not only for future researchers in this little explored field but policy makers and administrators whose efforts to integrate the tribals into the national mainstream will remain incomplete without a know ledge of the historical background.