A member of a large tribal group native to central and western India, with their own distinct language and cultural traditions.
From Hindi भील (bhīl), the name of the tribal people themselves. The origin of the term likely comes from proto-Dravidian or proto-Austro-Asiatic roots, reflecting the ancient ancestry of the Bhil people in India.
The Bhil are one of India's largest tribal groups, historically known as skilled archers—the term 'bhil' actually appears in ancient Indian texts describing warriors with expertise in archery. Today, the Bhil struggle for land rights and recognition, making them a focal point in discussions about indigenous peoples' rights in contemporary India.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.