The Bhil community does not need any particular introduction. It has prevailed in existence since the time of the Ramayana. Lord Rama ate the fruits tasted by a devoted Bhil woman named Shabari. Innumerable poems and stories are woven with the reference of the Bhil community.
        The Bhils are the oldest community living in forests. Many scientists have lost their importance and status with the passage of time. The response towards the Bhil community has also undergone a big change. The Bhils are living a life or tribals with bows and arrows. They are also linked with crinimal acts like theft and robbery. Bows and arrows are their traditional weapons.
        The Panchmahal district has large population of the Bhils. They have come out of the forests and now they can be seen near the village areas. Some Bhils have entered the field of agriculture both as land-owners and labourers. However, by and large they have remained tribals. Their expertise in bow and arrow is still unchallenged.
        There are some minor differences among the Bhils. Most Bhils are black in complexion as they reside in jungles. But some Bhils are found wheatish too. They call themselves ‘Pateliya’. The Bhils are basically a gentle community. Rana Pratap was also helped by the Bhils when he was in and around Aravalli mountains.
        Bhils are basically charming with an average height of five and a half foot. They differ from other tribals with their big forehead pointed nose and thin lips. The Bhils women are charming, attractive and symetrical. The Bhils men and women are not timid in nature like some other tribals. They sing their folk songs of bravery and spirit.
        Living in hills and forests has brought considerable poverty to them. the Bhils use roots, maize, and other similar type of corns in their food. Some Bhils live on chicken and duck too. When the drought hit the community severely, many Bhils resorted to robbery some years ago. The terror of Bhills still prevails to an extent in the areas of panchmahals, Chhotaudepur and Rajpipla. Rest of the community looks after the family of those who are arrested and sent to jail by the authorities. There are 29 tribals communitites in Gujarat. The Bhils are the largest of them all. Their language is based on Gujarati.
        The Bhils are very much fond of ornaments. They are made of metal, silver, clay or even flowers. The women load themselvesf with different ornaments in hand, fingers, neck and ear.
        Holi, Diwali, and Akha Trij are the main festivals of the Bhils community. They are the devotees of Lord Rama. They place the idols of different goddesses at the outskirts of the town or at the top of a hill. They are a very superstitious people and believe in evil-spirit. They pray particular Gods and deities to shed the effect of evil spirit.
        Thakkarbapa established the Bhils Seva mandal, an institution devoted to the upliftment of the Bhil community in 1922. The activities of education clean life and development have born fruits. Some more institutions like Anand Niketan Ashram at Rangpur near Chhotaudepur, Pachhat Seva Mandal at vadodara and tribal centres of Bhiloda and Meghraj are also active in the field.