Dr. Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to participate in the National Tribal Pride Day festivities in Jamui, Bihar on November 15. Additionally, the PM will virtually inaugurate 2 tribal freedom fighter museums located in Madhya Pradesh during the event. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Badal Bhoi Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum in Chhindwara and the Raja Shankar Shah and Raghunath Shah Freedom Fighter Museum in Jabalpur for the nation.
Badal Bhoi situated in Chhindwara city, the Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum was built at a cost of Rs. The Public Works Department has completed curation work at a cost of 40 crore 69 lakh in this forest area under the Tribal Affairs, constructed by the institute. There is a museum for the old tribe that was constructed on the tribal land itself. The place is Pench, situated on Pachmarhi road. The museum is surrounded by numerous scenic and indigenous locations, as well as important sites connected to the struggle for freedom.
In addition to 6 exhibition spaces, a workshop area and a library, this museum structure also includes sufficient room for a workspace. Additionally, there is a craft market (Shilpgram), an open air theatre with seating for 800 people, and a tribal cafeteria that have been built in the area. The tribal museum in the complex, which is old, has also been updated and it displays different exhibits related to tribal culture.
In this museum, a live reenactment of 9 key tribal liberation movements and 16 tribal freedom warriors from the state has been staged. The initial exhibit focuses on Rani Durgavati, showcasing her life, governance, and resistance against foreign attackers. Gallery-2 depicts the resistance of Gond kings against British control of Gond states during the British rule.
In 1927, the British government put into effect the Indian Forest Act, which is portrayed in Gallery-3 as the tribal society’s resistance known as “Jungle Satyagraha.” The fourth gallery showcases the Bhil-Bhilala tribe’s resistance to the British government, highlighting their expertise in guerilla warfare. The gallery showcases the bravery and challenges faced by heroes such as Bhima Nayak, Khajya Nayak, and Tantya Bhil. Gallery-5 and 6 will be used for displaying painting and photo exhibitions occasionally.
To commemorate Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah, who are known for their unmatched bravery and unwavering courage, a museum was constructed in Jabalpur in 2021 with the help of the state government and the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Its name is the Raja Shankar Shah and Raghunath Shah Museum dedicated to freedom fighters. The museum structure, situated on a one-acre plot, underwent refurbishment and curation by the Indian Cultural Fund (INTACH, New Delhi) at a cost of Rs 14 crore 26 lakh.
It is of historical significance, as this museum complex is where Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah were detained four days prior to their sacrifice. Using traditional conservation methods, this historically important building has been restored to its original form, ensuring that it continues to serve as a symbol of the sacrifice of Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah, inspiring and instilling pride in future generations.
The initial exhibit at the museum showcases the culture of the Gond tribal community. The second gallery honors the tribal freedom fighters of Madhya Pradesh who were a part of the 1857 freedom struggle. In the third gallery, the Darbar Hall of Raja Shankar Shah is showcased, where a film portraying the sacrifice of Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah is displayed.
Following the deaths of the King and the Prince, the revolt of their Queens and the 52nd Regiment is shown in the adjacent gallery.
3D holograms in the latest exhibit honor the king and prince in the gallery. Their statues have been placed in the prison building where the king and prince were held captive. The tribal community views this place as holy and visits often to honor it.