Play ‘Robinhood Tantya’ was staged at Shaheed Bhavan on Wednesday. The play, directed by Praveen Chaubey, was satged as a part of ongoing Aadi Vidrohi theatre festival. Directed by Praveen Choubey, the play was presented by Lok Gunjan Natya Sanstha, Maheshwar. The play showcasing the Nimadi Tribal folk art was presented for the first time on the stage. The play is all about Tantya Bheel, popularly known as the Robin Hood of the tribals in Indore, Khandwa and Dhar districts. He is remembered for his contribution in the freedom struggle.

 

As per the legends and British records, Tantya used to run parallel government in these forests with his headquarters in Patalpani. He was the Robin Hood for the tribes as distributed the spoils of the loot among the tribals. There are a number of folk songs sung by tribal community in the region that depicts miracles of Tantya Bheel due to which he is considered a divine figure. He was sentenced to death on December 4, 1874 at Khandwa jail. Tantya Bheel, was a dacoit (bandit) active in British India.

 

Tantya was a member of the Bhil tribe, of the indigenous Adivasi community, and fought against the harsh measures taken by the British following the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Few incidents from his life span were depicted on stage to give a tribute to the legend. Aadi Vidrohi Theatre Festival is being organised started December 14 to December 20 at Shaheed bhavan .The fest is being organised by Swaraj Sansthan Sanchanalaya every year.