Jaipur’s Amargarh fort

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Amargarh fort in Jaipur is at the centre of a conflict between the tribal Meena community and local Hindu groups.

A brief note on the dispute

The Meena community argue that the Amargarh Fort was built by a Meena ruler predating Rajput rule in Jaipur, and has been their holy site for centuries.
People from the Meena community used to worship Amba Mata and other deities in the fort.
In June, a group of Hindus vandalised idols and hoisted a saffron flag at the fort.
Meena community members accused Hindu groups of changing the name of Amba Mata to Ambika Bhawani.
Hindu groups have accused Meena community members of tearing the flag.

About Amargarh fort

As per the local historian Rima Hooja, the present form of the Amargarh Fort was given in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, founder of Jaipur.
It has always been believed that there was some construction at the place before Jai Singh II built the fort.
The historian also points out that prior to Rajput rule by the Kachhwaha dynasty, Jaipur and its nearby regions were ruled by Meenas, who had political control.
As per a scholar in tribal cultures, the fort was built by a Meena Sardar from the Nadla gotra, now known as Badgoti Meenas.
Sardars from the Meena community ruled large parts of Rajasthan till around 1100 AD.

Meena tribe

The Meena is a tribe found mainly in the Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh regions of India.
The Meena’s claim connection to the Matsya avatar of Vishnu, and the ancient Matsya Kingdom.
They also claim to be descendants of the people of the Matsya Kingdom, which flourished in the 6th century B.C.
The Meena fall into the Scheduled Tribe category in the state of Rajasthan.
Of the 25 Assembly seats (out of 200) reserved for Scheduled Tribes, most are represented by Meena MLA in Rajasthan.