The word Dacoity is the anglicized version of the Indian Languages the word dakaitee which comes from Dakoo means "armed robbe

Research Proposal

On

"Birth of Women Dacoits

A Case Study of U.P. and M.P."

Submitted to

The joint director (Research)

Department of Women & Child Development

Ministry of Human Resource Development

Jeevandeep Building, Mezzanine floor,

New Delhi 110001

Submitted by

Krestar Educational and Welfare Society

Registered under Societies Registration act

Reg. No. 6044/2000

Second Floor, Yamunotri Appartment,

96, Nehru Colony, Thatipur, Gwalior (M.P.)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Krester Education and Welfare Society, Gwalior is extremely grateful to Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India to through a light on the issues related to the women dacoits by awarding the study on :"Birth of Women Dacoits : A Case Study of U.P. and M.P."

We would like to put on record, our sincere thank to the public, educated professionals & all those who have given us information and their personal views.

In addition, we are also grateful to the women dacoit who have shared their views with us on different issues related to subject matter.

The Team members would like to express their thanks to Mr. Avdesh Singh Yadav who is Director of Krester Education and Welfare Society for his support in the successful conduct of the study.

Finally we appreciate the Krester Education & Welfare Society for providing infrastructural support as and when required.

Team MembersPREFACEA study of the women dacoits of the Chambal valley was undertaken to determine what special circumstances exist which pressurize women to take up dacoity, or whether these outlaws had a psychopathic disposition. The study sample consisted of 30 women dacoits from 8 districts in the state of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, and 100 normals (non-criminals) from each district in the same region. Among the most important factors contributing to their choosing this particular criminal career were: insecure childhood, amenity, psychopathic or wayward tendencies, belonging to a family of outlaws, rejection by society, extremely discordant family conditions, and the influence of operating dacoits.

The purpose of the investigation was to see if special factors or circumstances existed in the lives of these women, which made them choose this particular career, in comparison to normal and other criminals of the same region.VOTE OF THANKS

We are highly grateful to the Joint Director (Research), of women & child Development, Ministry of Human Resource Development, for awarding us this valuable opportunity to undertake research on the root causes for birth of women Dacoits as a case study of U.P. & M.P.

In addition we are also thankful to those superintendent of Police & other police officials, News agencies & Newspaper journalists along with other high officials of all eight districts who have put light on this issue from time to time as & when required by our researchers.

Lastly we would like to congratulate our team members on finishing this research with fruitful result & would also thanks them for giving full time, support and hard work to accomplish this task. Our team members who have put in their efforts are

1.Project coordinatorDr. Shyam Pathak

2.Research coordinator Ms. Kamakshi Maheshwari

3.Asst. Research coordinatorMs. Kiran Pamnani

4.Research OfficerDr. Kiran Yadav

Along with those mentioned above we are also thankful to some field investigators:

Vaishali Yadav

Rita Rajpoot

Seema Khare

Sunil Sharma

Aarti Sharma

S.K. Mishra

Madhu Kushwaha

Aarti Rathore

Mr. Pankaj Singh

Suresh Sachdeva Avdesh Yadav

(Project Director) (Secretary)

A Research Proposal on Birth of Women Dacoit in the States of M.P. and U.P

Contents Page No.1. Brief History of Dacoity System1-7

2. Research Methodology 8-13

3. History of Madhya Pradesh At a Glance with regard to14-35

Gwalior22

Shivpuri25

Morena29

Sheopur30

Bhind

32

4. History of Uttar Pradesh at a Glance with regard to36-44

Kanpur40

Orai

41

Etawah42

5. Chambal Valley : Attraction Forever 45-67

6. Dacoity Situation at Present with the Case Study of:68-92

Phoolen Devi

Seema Parihar

Neelam Gupta and

some other prominent Women Dacoit

7. Basic Reasons for Birth of Women Dacoit93-113

8. Socio Economic Impacts on the Community114-128

9. Remedies to Control birth of Women Dacoits129-145

10. Conclusion146-149

11. News Gallery150-15612. References157

PUTLI BAI

(THE FIRST BANDIT QUEEN OF INDIA

The word Dacoity is the anglicized version of the Indian Languages the word dakaitee which comes from Dakoo means "armed robber".

Dacoity is a form of robbery with violence which is prevalent in various parts of the Indian sub-continent. This kind of crime is usually committed by a gang, armed with all kinds of modern weaponry, practices and methods differ from place to place. A region with special characteristics of its own runs for several hundred kilometers, on both the sides of the Chambal River and its tributaries, on the borders of three states. This area is nearly 250 kms. South and south east of Delhi, and consists of a barren tract, with a maze of ravines, extending to depths of 15-20 kms. On both the sides of river Communications are very poor, villages are difficult to reach on foot and the population is sparse, which gives an added advantage and provides an ideal hiding place for the dacoits infesting the region. The institution of dacoity can be traced to the times of the early Muslim invasions, when the vanquished Rajput princes took refuge in Chambal hide-outs to carry out guerilla activities from there. Since then, the area has always been a refuge for political fugitives. A good first- hand description of Chambal dacoits was given in Mughal times by two priests, Father Aquaviva and Father Monserat, who traveled from Goa to the Mughal courts through the area. During the heyday of the princely states, the dacoits Chiefs had considerable influence, both politically and socially, and were bestowed favors by the ruling princes. Their men were employed in the state army and police, and enjoyed certain privileges. The status-quo was maintained during British rule, with the result that these dacoit chieftains were kept contained in the region. Their economic problems were relieved, and they maintained peace and order in the territory. Subsequent to the granting of independence to India, the ruling princes lost their privileges and power. Their militia was disbanded and little effort was made to understand the problems of the inhabitants of the region, or the enormity of the issues involved. As a result, the whole of the Chambal area went into turmoil, and unrestrained gang activity broke out, with multiplication of the gangs, each working on its own. In spite of the deployment of a large police force, the gang activities were little affected. For centuries, Chambal's dacoits have captured the public imagination: the royal baaghi (rebel), who helped the helpless; the long-suffering farmer who took up arms against the rich feudal lord; the poor goatherd who could find no other escape from state atrocities; the woman who swore blood-revenge against her rapists. Despite all their atrocities;the women,the appalling treatment of Phoolan Devi by dacoit gangs is evidence that the outlaws world was just as oppressive as the society it came from.

The trends are chaning but still the presence of women continues with dacoits in one form or the other.A few gangs that claim to be `dacoits' in the traditional sense still exist. There are the Gadaraiyas, for example, who shot into national headlines when they killed 13 Gujjars in Bhanwarpura, in October 2004. Or Jagjivan Parihar, who operates near Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. But the truth is that dacoit gangs have metamorphosed into something quite different: closer in spirit and technique to the mafia don than to the social bandit or caste and class rebel. The worst era of dacoity in Chambal was in the 1970s and 1980s, when the region faced severe drought. Most dacoits came from farming families and, when they surrendered, went back to farming. However, the rebels - or robbers, thugs and kidnappers - are closely bound to their original clans and are divided sharply along caste lines. A gang comprised of "upper-caste" Thakurs, for instance, would attract other Thakurs.

Dacoity in Chambal, is not new but trace back to nearly year 1857. In ancient times, during the Harshvardhan era, the Chinese traveller Huen Tsang was robbed near present-day Dhaulpur. Records show a flourishing tradition of dacoity during the Rajput era, with gangs led by members of the Tomar caste and made up of individuals of royal blood who had rebelled against the throne of Prithvi Raj Chauhan. The Mughal emperor Babur mentioned dacoits in his memoirs Baburnama, recording that the empire's army had to be committed to battle them. By this time, the Chambal's baaghis were from the Jat and Gujjar castes.After this, when british came into force they ordered that thugs should be hang in his own village to be proved as a lesson to others.

It was around 20th century, that the dacoit-duo that was to give a definitive shape to Chambal's modern dacoit traditions, took to the forest. The brothers `Dongar-Baturi', following the long-standing tradition of kinsmen forming the nucleus of gangs, started out by avenging the murder of their father. "Dongar-Baturi created the first really organized gang," They began by looting treasure from the Scindia government when it was transported through forests on bullock carts. For the sake of safety and clout, they increased the size of the gang. They were also known for cutting off the noses and ears of their enemies.

During The 1950s Era major gangs who were operating in Chambal Region were-

Lakhan Singhs Gang which had about 20 strong members

Panas Gang which had about 7-8 strong members.

Bahudras Gang which had about 14-15 strong members.

Remnant of Roopa s Gang

Devi lal Shikaris Gang

Remnants of Kalla & Shirpal gang

Gabbar singh had a membership of 28 people.

Kalla-Putli has a membership of 15 people.

Tantia singh.

Apart from these, there were numerous local gangs who were operating at their levels. The special anti-dacoity operations were started in the month of March 1953 and were directed towards the liquidation of major gangs mentioned above.

Women were also not behind. During the era of 1950s we can trace the first woman dacoit of Chambal Puti Bai. Life story of almost all the dacoits follows same pattern. There would be a minor land dispute in the village, tempers would flare and someone would get killed. Faced with the option of surrendering to the police, and facing a lifetime in prison, most of them would choose to run away to the forests and join an already-established dacoit gangs. In time, the more enterprising within a gang would set up their own group, after their leader left his life of crime or was killed.

One of the major facts that should be noticed is that early dacoits had some code of conduct. They touched only the, and wouldnt hurt a woman even if she were loaded with gold. Time to time, different moral code of the time was to that of todays gangs. Todays gangs are only driven by greed .these are gonads. They will take money from anyone, anyhow. They use to insult and abuse good men. They want wine and women.

Earlier, gangs would not make impossible demands for ransom. If they took one rupee from a man, was for to keep him safe. If a village supported us, we'd even offer to bring back their stolen buffaloes. Now there's too much bribery everywhere. They touched only rich persons of society and never touched poor persons but they distributed money to the locals, to create permanent allies. The Robin Hood image is a false one. If they wanted to help the poor, they'd give away 90 per cent of what they make. Clearly, that isn't happening. They give to the poor as a survival tactic, not for altruistic motives.

We have traced remnants of women dacoits in the Era of 1950s till now. Though earlier people talked about respect for women but none paid them in reality. As a result PUTLI BAI, the first woman dacoit of Chambal region was born and this was continued till the birth of Manorama the last bandit queen of Chambal who has recently been arrested. But the most highlighted woman dacoit was Phoolan Devi The Bandit Queen. Hence started with Putli Bai, there was uncountable increase in birth of woman dacoit. This was not because women was interested in dacoity but because of domination and bad treatment by Male dacoits. For example, Nirbhay Gujar had four wives, three of whom he had kidnapped &they had run away at first opportunity.

Despite all their talk of respect for women, the appalling treatment of Phoolan Devi by dacoit gangs is evidence that the outlaws' world was just as oppressive as the society it came from. However, the Gadariyas are known for treating women with a degree of respect that far exceeds any that might have been exhibited in the past. Its leader Rambabu Gadariya is rumored to touch their feet and give little presents of money every time he meets women. If something has changed, it is the economic character of Chambal - which in turn has transformed the life and structure of the region's dacoits.

Now we can see changing modes of dacoit activity closely. "Kidnapping is the most profitable activity today, rather than looting," he notes. But that is changing too. Often, other locals, who get a cut on the deal, deliver the kidnap victim into the hands of the gang. Sometimes, a small gang does the kidnapping, but hands over charge of the victim to a bigger gang. There is also a major protection racket going on. Many quarries in the region producing stones for export are illegal. The quarry-owners who operate in the wilderness and are exposed to danger pay protection money to the dacoits. "Dig deep enough," says Rana candidly, "and you'll find that the who's who of Madhya Pradesh is involved, including politicians. There are vested interests in dacoit-gangs."

Since from the very beginning, various measures have been instituted to tackle the dacoit menace. A novel experiment of the Change of Heart movement by Acharya Vinoba Bhave resulted in the voluntary surrender of large number of dacoits, in whom dormant feeling of self remorse was kindled. This paradox provided an opportunity for psycho-social study of this unusual breed of men - the names of some of them were legends. The life histories of some infamous dacoits of the past indicated that they were made of a strange mettle, their activities ranging from extreme compunction and pity to unrestrained fury and sadistic cruelty, thus creating an atmosphere of awe and respect in the region.

Research Methodology

The study is an exploratory study having both quantitative as well as qualitative base. It is an evaluation study based on the observation of what has already happened. It is not experimentation. The explorative study approach has been adopted to analyze the broad spectrum of cause and remedies of Birth of Women dacoits in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh & its Impact on the society.

Data collection

Data has collected from both

(1) Primary Data

(2) Secondary data.

Primary Data

Primary data has been collected by interviewing prominent women dacoits of all districts. General public opinions have also been taken for detail study.

Secondary data

For augmenting the secondary data desk study was conducted & existing literature was extensively reviewed, various published book, articles, documents & reports were browsed through data & case study of women dacoit.

Interview Schedules

An interview schedule has been designed in order to collect data from the sampling universe. The schedule consisted of background information like, age, education, qualification & nature of work, family background & occupation, reason for taking up dacoity along with the appropriate research question.

Personal interaction & structured questionnaires were used for collecting the information. The questionnaires were designed for dacoit & general public categories. All the sections of society has been covered to have information through common format.

Scope of Data

The study will bring into light the initiatives taken by the government to Curb & eliminate the problems of dacoits in the Chambal valley region & some nearby places which all are & jointed by the Chambal region. Its socio-economic impact on the population of these regions & psychological problem of young girls, behavioral problems caused by fear of dacoits & proposed remedy on the initiative of the government creates the overall scope of study.

This study give us idea to understand the problems of young women, their views about life & the effective recommendation, which will be useful to the policy makers to help curbing this lasting problem of dacoits.

SAMPLING

Sample Frame:As per the terms of reference of the study 5 districts from the Madhya Pradesh and the 3 districts from the Uttar Pradesh has been selected. From each district the100 respondents has selected for detailed study.

Sample UniverseThe universe of the study will consist of several sections of society including young girls of Bhind, Morena, Sheopur, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Etawah, Kanpur, Orai, all these border districts of M.P. & U.P. whose predecessors have taken a lead in the history of women dacoit born in Chambal Valley.

The universe will also include the women dacoits imprisoned in the recent past who have been associates of Seema Parihar, lovely Pandey, Sulekha Parvati Babli etc. these districts have been especially selected for the study keeping in view their background with substatiancy large number of women dacoits hailed from these districts learnt from secondary sources.

Selection of District

The districts were selected in consultation with the executives of the krestar educational and welfare society. Mrigpura village in Morena is being gobbled up by the ravines, nayakpura, rubara, Ajitpura, khadoli, Jaghona, Rithona, Mahuwa sarsani, gauspura are among the innumerable ravine, affected villages in this region. The ravines have spread along the main rivers of the region which includes chambal, Quari, Asan, Seep, Vaishali, Kuno, Parvati, Sanka and Sindh. The district of Bhind, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Morena, Sheopur in Madhya Pradesh and Etawah, Kanpur, Orai in Uttar Pradesh are highly affected with the problems of dacoity, due to ever escalating problem of dacoits in these districts, atmosphere is changing every where all the district area will be identified for the purpose of the study with this problem the young women & girls are affected by the day to day in the region.

In Selection of sample size convenience method of sampling was used to start the research with Dacoits & the general public. However, proper care was taken to ensure representation of different sections of society.

Sample Size

The sample size of universe in four district of Madhya Pradesh & in three districts of Uttar Pradesh are-

StateDistrictsSample size

Madhya PradeshGwalior100

Bhind100

Morena100

Shivpuri100

Sheopur100

Uttar PradeshOrai100

Etawah100

Kanpur100

In addition 30 women dacoits were also given personal research in order to have adequacy of information and have first hand knowledge.

Focus:

While collecting & analyzing the information the focus has evaluated on the problems of women & the causes of the birth of women dacoit & their impact on our society.

The focus was on the socio economic, psychological problems of young women & girls caused by persistent problems of dacoits in the region.

Types of abuses caused by dacoits on young women & girls. And various harmful affect & behavioral problems.

To understand the nature & extent of will power of these young women, girls getting into revengeful act & explore the steps to counter their thought process.

The focus was on the steps which are taken by government and analyze the same for being responsible extending the problems for future generation and the measures for permanent settlement of these problems.

Limitation of the Study

In these full details there is also some limitation which is given below:

1. This study consisted of various sections of society and a vast number of samples. And hence due to its vastness it was quite unrealistic to approach all the samples, but care has been taken to cover almost every sector of society.

2. Inability to approach all of the Dacoit & hesitation of those who were approached to provide all the information is also another area of limitation of the study.

3. Unavailability of data from every officials, related to police, press, reporters, etc. But a wide group of officials have been covered.Before understanding depth of study of the reasons of birth of women dacoit in the state of Madhya Pradesh one should know its social, cultural, physical, historical background. For this purpose chapter 3rd and chapter 4th has been included in this research report which deals with History of Madhya Pradesh and History of Uttar Pradesh respectively.

In history of Madhya Pradesh one can find, history of Gwalior, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Bhind &Morena district also.

It was done in order to have a view on the background of different district & their relation to dacoity.

Similarly a detail study of Kanpur, Etawah &Orai district of Uttar Pradesh has been undertaken to have a in depth knowledge of these district.

This study was significant because these districts along with some of the districts of Rajasthan create the Chambal belt along with Chambal valley which is famous for dacoitsMadhya Pradesh at a Glance

Madhya Pradesh, in its present form, came into existence on November 1,2000 following its bifurcation to create a new state of Chhattisgarh. The undivided Madhya Pradesh was founded on November 1, 1956.Madhya Pradesh, because of its central location in India, has remained a crucible of historical currents from North, South, East and West.Madhya Pradesh occupies perhaps the oldest part of the subcontinent. Close to Bhopal at Bhimbetka are the pre-historic caves that preserve some fascinating paintings dating back to Paleolithic times. Experts have concluded that these are at least as old as the specimen at PyrneesThis was perhaps one of the earliest dwellings of human beings. in fact, the excavations here have revealed a cultural sequence right from the late stone age to the early historical period.

Madhya Pradesh is the richest state in the country in respect of painted rock-shelters, the majority of which have been found in the districts of Sehore, Bhopal, Raisen, Morena, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Hoshangabad and Sagar. During the ascendancy of the Guptas the whole region came under the domain of the imperial Guptas and subsequently formed part of Harshvardhan's empire. With the decline in imperial power the province was broken up into small principalities contending forever to establish their supremacy over one another. Chandels were one such dynasty claiming descent from the moon, who carved out a strong prosperous kingdom for themselves after the decline of the great empire. There was a short spell of inspired construction activity under the Chandels in the 10th to 11th centuries. They are the ones who have left behind the cluster of matchless temples at Khajuraho. Chandels were followed by Pratihara and Gaharwar in bundelkhand, in Chambal Kachwaha, Parmar, Tomar, Bhadoria, Sengar, Jat and some other local Rajput dynasties claiming mythical origins relating their scions to the gods or heroes in the epics. They lived and died by a difficult code of chivalry, wasted away scarce resources in an expensive feudal life style and could not ultimately keep at bay the expanding Muslim power. Rulers of Malwa fought a running battle with the subedars of Gujarat or the commanders of the Sultan of Delhi throughout the sultanate period. The grand Moghul Akbar succeeded in subduing most of them and his sterner grandson Aurangzeb broke through the last pockets of resistance in this region.

Many of the smaller kingdoms trace their origins to the lands granted by the emperor at Delhi to those who had served him well.Bir Singh Deo of Orchcha was for instance installed on his throne by Jehangir who felt obliged to the Bundela chieftain for having removed a painful thorn - Abul Fazal, from his side. Abul Fazal one of the nine jewels of Akbar's court, was murdered at his behest near Gwalior. Some other principalities came into being with branching of families, internecine quarrels and the munificence of the Marathas who were indomitable with - the decline of the Moghuls. Rulers of Ratlam, Sailana and Sitamau claim close relationship with the ruling house of Jodhpur in Rajasthan.

Madhya Pradesh consisted the region called Malwa, Vindhya, Mahakaushal, Nimar, Gwalior and Bundelkhand area. The Malwa region was occupied by the predecessors of the Bhils, Gonds and other tribes who had to confront the Aryans. The Aryans who were stronger pushed the tribal inhabitants to the south of the Vindhyas. The Malwa region is also found to have evidences of a civilization contemporary to the Indus Valley Civilization. This region excelled in art and architecture during the period of Buddhism when this area witnessed the rule of Mauryan empire till 327 B.C. The Sungas also established their influence over this region. The rule of Vikramaditya lasted from 78AD to 388AD and after this Chandragupta II ruled from 388 to 401AD. A After the decline of the Guptas, by the 10th century Malwa was under King Bhoja II of the Paramaras. Internal rivalry between the tribes and the Rajputs made it easy for the Muslims to establish their rule which lasted till 1401AD. The area of Gwalior, Chambal and Malwa was the Khiljis under Mahmud Khilji ruled from 1435-1459. The invasion of Babar paved the way for establishment of a strong Muslim rule from 1526 to 1530. The Sur dynasty under Sher Shah also had its influence on it. In 1562 Akbar made it a part of the Mughal empire and it remained a part of Mughal empire till the 18th century. The tribal, Gonds gained control of Malwa after the decline of the Mughals followed by the Marathas from 1690.Though this area too fell under the British jurisdiction it was administered by the Marathas who ceded it to the British completely by 1817. In 1948 after independence this region of Central India was joined with regions of Gwalior, Indore and Bhopal as Madhya Bharat. In 1956 it was organised into the present Madhya Pradesh.

Area : 443,446 sq.km

Capital: Bhopal

Districts : 45

Population Male Female: 66,181,170 : 34,232,048 : 31,949,122

Literacy: 43.45%

Language : Hindi

A part of Madhya Pradesh has been separated and formed into a new state Chattisgarh from November 1, 2000. The details given here are before the separation. Click on Chattisgarh for more information.

Madhya Pradesh situated in the centre of India, is surrounded by Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh in the south, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan in the north, Bihar and Orissa in the east and Gujarat in the west. The state of Madhya Pradesh came into existence on November 1, 1956.

Except for the valleys of the Narmada and the Tapti, Madhya Pradesh consists of a plateau with mean elevation of 1600 ft above sea level, interspersed with the mountains of the Vindhya and the Satpura ranges. The main river systems are the Chambal, Betwa, Sindh, Narmada, Tapti, Mahanadi and Indravati. Nearly a third of the state's area is covered with tropical forests ranging between the rivers Chambal in the north and Godavari in the south. To the east of Chambal, the area has rocky surface and thick forest. Farther north, the topography of the plains stretches up to the ravines of Chambal.

The highlands of Malwa present an appearance of waving fields of grain and the green luxuriance among the shades of mango and tamarind trees clustering round the rural habitations. The inhabitants of this plateau are mostly agriculturists. The low lying area in the north of Malwa which touches the tract around Gwalior has a different appeal. Its north-east side gradually extends to the Bundelkhand and meets the Kaimur Hills in Baghelkhand. Here the people are more sturdy and of lesser height as compared to the peasants of Malwa. The hilly regions fall mainly on the Vindhya and Satpura ranges where Bhils, Gonds, Korkus and other tribes of mixed descent practice agriculture. The river Narmada which rises from Amarkantak begins to run through a rocky bed near Jabalpur and Mandla. It emerges near Mandhata and widens its flow near Maheshwar in Nimad. During the rainy season a rich growth of vegetation is visible all around. The black soil of Madhya Pradesh bears magnificent crops.

The climate is extreme in the north of Madhya Pradesh. It is cool and breezy in the central parts and humid in the eastern and southern regions.

Birth of Dacoits in Madhya PradeshThe problem of Dacoits has not cropped up in a day or two. History has seen it rising every day. The main reason for it is the Geographical, Social and Economic conditions of the District. Natives of the district are filled with strange feeling of revenge. The folk lures of Ala Udal and many lullaby germinates the seed of such feelings. These are filled with the moral that "A life is an abuse for the one whose enemy is living". As they are fed on the milk of such moral minor disputes and rivalry makes them outlaws and they find their way to the ravines. Those who can not dare to go there and take their revenge, help the law flaunting fugitives and in return fetch their aid to solve their rivalries.

Beginning of Dacoit Problem in Madhya Pradesh

The most important problem which the new State of Madhya Pradesh had to face was the growing menace of Dacoity in the northern districts of Chambal ravines and the north eastern districts of Chambal ravines and the north eastern districts of Bundelkhand.

The problem of dacoity in these areas was rooted in the history of its people, the nature of terrain and the primitive life of vendetta. When the new State of Madhya Pradesh came into being, these areas were swarming with formidable dacoit gangs. As a result, the fabric of law and order in that area was steadily weakening. Under the stewardship of Shri Rustamji, a scheme was drawn up for strengthening the Police force and improving wireless network in that area. The implementation of the scheme, coupled with the grit shown by officers and men, paid rich dividends and leading dacoit gangs: namely, Mansingh, Amritlal, Malkhan Singh, Putli Bai, the Bandit Queen Phoolan Devi, Roopa, Gabbar, Kalla and Lakhan Singh which were synonymous with terror passed into the bowels of history.

Similar success was achieved in Budelkhand area where dreaded gang of Moorat Singh and Chaliraja were liquidated.The good work done by the State Police was recognized and complimented by the president of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad on the occasion of the ceremonial parade held at Gwalior to honor the Police Units taking part in these operations. The dacoity menace was not completely eradicated, but the backbone of the problem was broken and in about a decade time, the police was on the ascendancy. This demoralized the dacoit gangs completely and they were forced to seek an honorable surrender. In 1972, therefore with the efforts of the peace mission headed by Shri Jayprakash Narayan, nearly 550 dacoits surrendered, peace and prosperity returned to the area after centuries.

The dacoity problem, however, cropped up again in the eighties with the formation of the gangs of Malkhan Singh, Mohar Singh and Ramesh Sikarwar. The State Government had to enact a Special Law in 1981, the Madhya Pradesh Dakaity Prabhavit Kshektra Adhiniyam, with special powers to police. Armed with these special powers the police again moved into action and eliminated most of the notorious gangs in encounters. Later, Malkhan Singh, Ramesh Sikhawar and Phoolan Devi surrendered before the Chief Minister, Shri Arjun Singh and again peace was restored. The special law was repealed thereafter.The dacoit problem has not been completely eradicated and a lasting solution lies largely in terms of socio-economic remedy. Today, the problem does exist, but within manageable limits.

Details of Major Areas Captured By Dacoits along with their history

GWALIOR

Gwalior City is a District in Madhya Pradesh State near gra. The new section of the city called Lashkar. Lashkar is few miles South from the old city. It is the site of factories producing cotton, yarn, paint, ceramics, chemicals, and leather products. The nucleus of Gwalior is a citadel crowning an isolated rock about 91 m (300 ft) high, 3.2 km (2 mi) long, and 823 m (2700 ft) wide. The rock is said to have been a strong hold for more than Ten Centuries and Old city is located in the Eastern base of the rock. The old city is covered with white sandstone Mosque, Palaces, rock temples and statues of archaeological and architectural interest. Gwalior City was the Capital of the princely State of Gwalior until 1948 and the summer Capital of Madhya Bharat State from 1948 to 1956. When Madhya Bharat became part of Madhya Pradesh, it becomes separate District. According to Census 1991, population of the District was 692,982.

Gwalior's history is traced back to a legend in 8th century AD when a chief tain known as Suraj Sen was struck by a deadly disease and cured by a hermit-saint Gwalipa. As a gratitude for that incidence, he founded this city by his name. The new city of Gwalior became existance over the centuries. The cradle of great dynasties ruled the city Gwalior. With different Dynasty, the city gained a new dimension from the warrior kings, poets, musicians, and saints who contributed to making it renowned throughout the country. The city is also the setting for the memorials of freedom fighters such as Tatya Tope and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi Laxmi Bai. Today the old settings stand side by side with the trappings of modernity.

Total Area Details

Total Area 5214.00 sq.kms.

Forest Area1091.79 sq kms

Net sown area 2601.42 sq.kms

No. of Households 209.12 thousands

Net irrigated area911.93 sq.kms

Population Details

Total Population 1412.61 thousandsTotal Literates 661.59 thousands.

Total Males 770.85 thousandsTotal Females 641.76 thousands.

Urban Population 830.45 thousandsRural Population 582.16 thousands

Total Workers 436.73 thousandsMain Workers 403.58 thousands

SHIVPURI

The district derives its name from God "Shiva". It was known earlier by the name 'Sipri'. The Shivpuri place first found a mention during Mughal times in 1564 when Emperor Akbar is stated to have halted at this place. During that period it formed a part of Narwar Sarkar. Narwar or Narbar is a tahsil with a population of 6745 persons as per 1991 census, located at a distance of 43 kms from Shivpuri, the district head quarters. It has a very big ancient fort and a wealth of history behind. The district was known as Narwar district during the times of Gwalior State, although its Headquarter was at Shivpuri. Shivpuri remained with the Kachhawaha Rajputs upto 1804 when it was taken over by Scindia's. It was captured by the English in 1817 but returned to Scindia's next year and it continued to be a part of Gwalior state since then. In 1859 it is said that the great Indian leader Tatya Tope was hanged near the present Collectorate. Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia paid much attention towards the development of Shivpuri. He constructed a big palace and also developed the city. It was the summer capital of Gwalior State and government offices were shifted here in summer months. Shivpuri was constituted as a district in erstwhile Madhya Bharat and continues as such with practically no change since1951.

The district is bounded on the North by Morena, Gwalior and Datia districts, on the East by Jhansi district of U.P, on the West by Kota district of Rajasthan and on the South by Guna district. The district headquarter Shivpuri is located on NH-3 (Agra-Bombay National Highway) at a 113 Km from Gwalior and 98 Km from Guna. The district is mostly laid out over small hill tops covered with deciduous forests where the slope is gentle with verdant vegetation and good forests round about, the landscape is generally pleasing.

Brief Profile of the District Shivpuri (As per 2001 census)

Area10298 Sq. Kilometers

Forest Area18139 Hectare

Cultivated land Area409264 Sq. Kilometers

Latitude24.6 - 25.6 degrees

Longitude77.0-78.4 degrees

Sea level Height521.5

Tehsil07

Block08

Gram Panchayats605

Municipal Bodies07

Habitations1459

Population1441950

Rural Population1202277

Urban Population239673

Male Population776190

Female Population665760

Caste wise Population Ratio.

General70.03%

SC18.78%

ST11.19%

Population Growth per decade30.84%

Literacy 59.55%

Male Literacy74.78%

Female Literacy41.54%

Sex Ratio858

Road Length 1496 Kilometers

Pucaa Road1256 Kilometers

Kaccha Road240 Kilometers

No. Of Electrified Villages1280

Physical Aspects The district can be bifurcated into three main divisions based on its geology

1. The Bundelkhand trap: It comprises mostly Pre-Dharwarian granites, which consists of sparsely cultivated uplands and shallow valley. It covers eastern half of the district with an area of 1,539 Sq. miles (3985.99 Sq. Kms.) approximately.

2. The Upper Vindhyas: Sandstone's of Kaimur Rewa and Bhander are commonly found in this region. The dips are very shallow and this suggests that there has been a very little disturbance since Vindhyan period. This region occupies the western half of the district.

3. The Deacon Trap: It mainly constitutes undulating plains and flat topped ranges of the hill. It covers an area of 426 sq. miles (1103.34 Sq. Kms.) towards the southern parts of the district viz.- towards Bhadarwas, Barokra Laterite and Aluminum are also found in the region and cover an area of 374.80 Sq. miles (968.66 sq. kms).

AgricultureShivpuri is mainly an agricultural district and so cultivation is the main occupation of the people .The dependence on cultivation can be viewed from the fact that 83.38 percent of the total workers of district are engaged in agriculture either as cultivators (70.40%) or as agriculture laborers (12.98%). Rice, Jowar, Bajra, Maize, Wheat and Barley are the main cereal crops. Gram & Tur (Arhar) are the main pulses grown in the district, Sugarcane, condiments and spices; sesamum (til) and linseed are other crops of the district.

MORENAIt is a district of Madhya Pradesh state in central India The district is part of Chambal Division . The town of Morena is the district and divisional headquarters. The district has a widely dispersed population of about 150,0000 as of 2001. The town is mostly farmland, and trains are a popular form of transportation, although they connect only about 15% of the villages within Morena. Morena is famous for its mustard production.

Most of present-day Morena District formed Tonwarghar District of the erstwhile princely state of Gwalior. After India's independence in 1947, the princely states acceded to the Government of India , and Morena District acquired its present boundaries with the addition of the small princely estate of Pahargarh in the south of the district. Morena District became part of the new state of Madhya Bharat , which was merged into Madhya Pradesh in 1956. SHEOPURSheopur is located at northern part of Madhya Pradesh. The district is well connected by Road & Railways network. Some of the main locations are Vijaypur, Karahal and Baroda. Major tourist attraction is Palpur (kuno) wildlife sanctuary. The well-known Kaketa reservoir is located in this district. The art of woodcarving has flourished in district Sheopur and the beautifully embellished wooden ceilings, doors and lintels with finely carved designs are silent testimonials of its glory. The wood carvers of Sheopur, with great sensitivity and skill transform different varieties of wood. The crafts persons of Sheopur make pipes, masks, toys, doors, stands, windows, wooden memorials, flower vases, bedposts and cradle posts etc.

The important rivers like Chambal, Seep and Kuno drain the district. The Chambal, which originates in the Indore district, forms the northwestern boundary of Madhaya Pradesh with Rajstahan.

Rail and road transport are common means of communication. Rail or bus routes connect about 15 percent of villages. Roads connect all the tehsil headquarters. Sheopur lies on main trunk Nero gauge railway route of central railway joining Gwalior.

General

HeadquartersSheopurTotal area6,66,081 Sqkm

Forest Area2,82,818 SqkmNet Irri. Area1,03,295 Sqkm

Total Population5,59,715Total Population (0-6 yrs.)1,10,469

Total Males2,95,630Total Females2,64,085

Police Stations16Police Chowkis4

Legislative assembly2

Gram Panchayats219Total Villages533

BHINDBhind district has 4459 Sq Kms. of area surrounded by districts of Uttar Pradesh, Agra, Etawa, Jalon and Jhansi. Long rivers like Chambal, Sindh, Kunwari, Pahuj and Baisali flow across the borders. Near the banks of these rivers quotdeep forest and ravines are situated. There are invisible difficult paths which provide favourable circumstances for and other criminals. Many villages of police stations Ater, Surpura, Phooph, Umri, Nayagaon, Ron , Mihona, Lahar, Aswar, Daboh and Alampur are situated in deep forest and banks of rivers. Due to this dacoits disappear in the ravines after committing crimes. As the district is transference of illegal arms is too much. This also ease dacoits to avail those arms.

All these features encourage the dacoity problem. The district is dominated by the Thakurs and Brahmins. These people fight for various reasons. Almost each and every native leaves no point to down other on either physical or mental ground. This is just a glimpse of the dacoit problem effect on common man life. People of Bhind depends more on agriculture. Hence land disputes, conflicts on irrigation means, agricultural equipments, their attention to earn living through assisting dacoits. As the education level is also low, people are not afraid of committing heinous crimes like murders become dacoits. Police is fighting hard to eradicate the dacoity problem constantly for years together. In the long history of eradication of dacoits police has set a unique example of obedience, courage, high devotion to be followed. The whole operation Dacoits elimination has cost lives of many policemen. In last three decades about 500 dacoits were killed even this could not weed out the problem. This is note worthy in the year 1972 and 1982 due to police pressure and constant trials twice the defamed dangerous dacoits have in the Chambal area. Even before this in the year Vinoba Bhave.

Bhind is the Northernmost District of Madhya Pradesh,north east of Gwalior, situated at 2634'50" latitude and 7848'05" longitude. The district lies in the valleys of Chambal and the Sind, between the Kunwari and the Pahuj rivers. The district spans from 2554'5'' North to 2647'50'' North and from 7812'45'' East to 798'30'' 798'30'' East.

The shape of the district is semi circular, bulging towards the north east.The greatest length of Bhind district measures about 105 km south east to north west.

The District is bounded by Agra and Etawa districts of Uttar Pradesh in the north and Gwalior and Datia districts in the south. The eastern boundary is closed by the districts of Etawah Auraiya and Jalaun of Uttar Pradesh in the east, where as the western and north western boundaries are common with Morena district. The north western boundary is marked by the Asan and the Kunwari rivers, the northern and eastern boundaries being traversed by the Chambal and the Pahuj.The entire District lies in the Chambal valley. It forms the south western part of Ganga Valley. The Hills are only a few, small and isolated, mostly in the south west.

It is only in the Bhind Tehsil that the rivers flow towards east. The topology of Bhind is the topography of the valley plains. The plains at present are closely cultivated fields devoid of trees, stubbed with shrubby growth only along the moist hollows, and thickly populated.The only divisions of topography are offered by the network of rivers with deep channels and steep bank

The region has long been under the threat of dacoits. Even during Mughal times the mighty and powerful administration failed to curb the menace. The Chambal Rivr, surrounded by yawning chasms and deep gaping beehads (Hindi-, ravi provides an ideal hideout for bandits.

The widest plane of the district lies in the western part around Gohad, Mehgaon and Mau. The ravine lands extend along both sides of the rivers and their tributaries. These ravins were the ideal shelters and bypass routes of dacoits. The ravine areas are mostly unsuitable for cultivation and settlements.History of Uttar Pradesh at a Glance

Uttar Pradesh forms a major area of the Northern fertile plain or the Indo-Gangetic plain. This area is said to have been occupied by the group of people referred to as "Dasas" by the Aryans. Their main occupation of these inhabitants was agriculture. Till BC 2000 the Aryans had not settled in this region. It was through conquest that the Aryans occupied this area and laid the foundations of a Hindu civilization. The regions of Uttar Pradesh was said to have been the ancient Panchala country. The great war of the Mahabharata between the Kauravas and Pandavas was said to have been fought here. Besides the Kurus and Panchalas the Vatsas, the Kosis, Hosalas, Videhas etc formed the early region of Uttar Pradesh. These areas were called Madhyadesa. It was during the Aryan inhabitation that the epics of Mahabharata, Ramayana, the Brahamanas and Puranas were written. During the reign of Ashoka, works for public welfare was taken up. Having rich resources there was active trade within and outside the country. The rule of the Magadha empire brought Buddhism and Jainism into this region. This period witnessed administrative and economic advancement.

The Kushanas exercised their power over this region till 320AD. The territory passed into the hands of the Guptas during whose rule, the Huns invaded this region. After the decline of the Guptas, the Maukharis of Kannauj gained power. During the rule of Harshavardhana, Kannauj was an important city. After his rule political chaso set it. It was amidst this confusion that the Muslims invaded into Utter Pradesh though the society was dominated by the Rajputs, jats and other local chiefs. In 1016AD Mahmud of Ghazni laid his eyes on the wealth of Kannauj. He was followed by Mohammad Ghori. Throughout the rule of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals, the territory progressed. After the Mughals the Jats, the Rohillas, and the Marathas established their rule. By 1803 the British controlled this region and annexed it by 1856. It was in the Uttar Pradesh (The period between 1857-58) that the first struggle for liberation from the British yoke was unleashed. The revolt was suppressed and from then till independence it remained under British dominance. In 1950 the state was organised and named as Uttar Pradesh.

Area:294,441Sq.Km

Capital : Lucknow

Language : Hindi

Districts: 70

Population Males Females:139,112,2877 : 73,745,994 : 65,014,423

Literacy: 41.71%

A part of Uttar Pradesh has been separated and formed into a new state Uttaranchal on November 9th 2000. The details given here are before the separation.

Uttar Pradesh is bounded by Nepal on the North, Himachal Pradesh on the north west, Haryana on the west, Rajasthan on the south west, Madhya Pradesh on the south and south- west and Bihar on the east. Situated between 23o 52'N and 31o 28 N latitudes and 77o 3' and 84o 39'E longitudes, this is the fourth largest state in the country .

Physical Features

Uttar Pradesh can be divided into three distinct hypsographical regions:

The Himalayan region in the North

The Gangetic plain in the centre

The Vindya hills and plateau in the south

The Himalayan region comprises the districts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Tehri-Garhwal, Garhwaland Almora and Nainital tehsil of Nainital district and Chakrata and a part of Dehra Dun tehsil of Dehra Dun district. High mountains formed of sedimentary rocks broken by valleys and deep gorges, characterize the terrain. The perpetual snows in the higher reaches are the source of perennial rivers and rivulets which criss-cross the terrain and ultimately find their two rivers together with their tributaries form a big river system which waters the entire Gangetic plain.

The prominent peaks in the hill region include Banarpunch, Mount Kamety, Trishul, Dunagiri, Nanda Devi, Badrinath and Kedaranath. The hill areas are sparsely populated. Due to the excessively nature of the terrain, soil is subject to heavy erosion. Cultivation is done under intensive soil. Irrigation facilities are deficient and only a small fraction of the total area is under artificial irrigation. The valley area have fertile and rich soil. There is an intensive cultivation on terraced hill slopes. The higher altitudes are suitable for sub-tropical and temperate fruit culture. The Siwalik range which forms the southern foothills of the Himalayas, slopes down in to a boulder bed called 'bhadhar'. The transitional belt running along the entire length of the state is called the terai and bhabhar area. It has rich forests, cutting across it are innumerable streams which swell into raging torrents during the monsoon. The bhabhar tract gives place to the terai area which is covered with tall elephant grass and thick forests interspersed with marshes and swamps. The sluggish rivers of the bhabhar deepen in this area, their course running through a tangled mass of thick under growth. The terai runs parallel to the bhabhar in a thin strip. The main crops are wheat, rice, and sugar cane. Jute also is grown. Tea is grown in the sub mountain area of the Dehra Dun.

The most important area for the economy of the state is the Gangetic plain which stretches across the entire length of the state from east to west. The entire alluvial plain can be divide into three sub-regions. The first in the eastern tract consisting of 14 districts which are subject to periodical floods and droughts and have been classified as scarcity areas. These districts have the highest density of population which gives the lowest per capita land. The other two regions, the central and the western are comparatively better with a well-developed irrigation system. They suffer from water logging and large-scale user tracts.

The Gangetic plain is watered by the Jamuna, the Ganga and its major tributaries, the Ramganga, the Gomati, the Ghaghra and Gandak. The whole plain is alluvial and very fertile. The chief crops cultivated here are rice, wheat, millets, gram, barley Sugar cane is the chief cash crop of the region. The Southern fringe of the Gangetic is demarcated by the Vindhya hills and plateau. It comprises the four districts of Jhansi, Jalaun, Banda, and Hamirpur in Bundelkhand division, Meja and Karchhana tehsils of Allahabad district, the whole of Mirzapur district south of Ganga and Chakia tehsil of Varanasi district. The ground is strong with low hills. The Betwa and Ken rivers join the Jamuna from the south -west in this region. It has four distinct kinds of soil, two of which are agriculturally difficult to manage. They are black cotton soil. Rainfall is scanty and erratic and water -resources are scare. Dry farming is practical on a large scale.

Major Area Captured By Dacoits in Uttar Pradesh

KANPUR

Nestled on the banks of the eternal Ganga, Kanpur stands as one of North India's major industrial centres with its owhistorical, religious and commercial importance. Believed to be founded by king Hindu Singh of the erstwhile state of Sachendi, Kanpur was originally known as `Kanhpur'. Historically, Jajmau on the eastern outskirts of present day Kanpur is regarded as one of the most archaic tounships of Kanpur district.Upto the 1st half of the 18th century Kanpur continued to survive as an insignificant village. Its fate, however, took a new turn soon after. In May 1765, Shuja-ud-daula, the Nawab Wazir of Awadh, was defeated by the British near Jajmau. It was probably at this time that strategic importance of the site of Kanpur was realised by the British. European businessmen had by this time gradually started establishing themselves in Kanpur. In order to ensure protection to their lives and property the `Awadh local forces' were shifted here in 1778. Kanpur passed into British hands under the treaty of 1801 with Nawab Saadat Ali Khan of Awadh. This forms a turning point in the history of Kanpur. Soon Kanpur became one of the most important military stations of British India. ORAIThe city of Orai was named after the sage Rishi Uddhalak and was earlier known as Uddhalak Nagari.Orai is located midway between kanpur and jhansi and lies on National Highway 25 which is soon going to be a part of East-West corridor of the NHAI Project.Its exact position is defined by 26 degree north latitude and 79 degree east longitudeIt is at the Altitude of 429 feet above sea level.Climate of this place has a composite climate (very hot during summers and very cold during winters). Relative humidity remains about 40-50%.

Orai is well connected by road and rail. Several express and super fast trains running from Kanpur and Lucknow towards the southern, central and western parts of the country pass through Orai. A large number of government and private buses connect the city to the major towns and cities of UP as well as those of other neighboring states. Chakeri is the nearest airport connecting Delhi and Lucknow.

ETAWAHEtawah is a city on the Yamuna River in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. It is the administrative headquarters of Etawah District. The city was an important center for the Revolt of 1857 (Allan Octavian Hume, the founder of Indian National Congress was district collector then). Also is the place of sangam or confluence between Yamuna and Chambal. It is also the site of the remains of the Great Hedge of India. HistoryEtawah was a town and district of British India, in the Agra division of the United Provinces. The town is situated on the left bank of the Jumna, and has a station on the Indian Railway (Northern Zone), 206 m. from Allahabad. Deep fissures intersect the various quarters of the town, over which broad roads connect the higher portions by bridges and embankments. The Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) is the chief architectural ornament of Etawah. Several fine Hindu temples also stand about the mound on which are the ruins of the ancient fort. Etawah is now only the civil headquarters of the district, the military cantonment having been abandoned in 1861. Considerable trade is carried on by rail and river. The manufactures include cotton cloth, skin-bottles, combs and horn-ware and sweetmeats.

The District Of Etawah has an area of 1691 sq. M. It forms a purely artificial administrative division, stretching across the level plain of the Doab, and beyond the valley of the Jumna, to the gorges of the Chambal, and the last rocky outliers of the Vindhyan range. The district exhibits a striking variety of surface and scenery. The greater portion lies within the Doab or level alluvial plain between the Ganges and the Jumna. This part falls naturally into two sections, divided by the deep and fissured valley of the river Sengar. The tract to the north-east of that stream is rich and fertile, being watered by the Kanpur and Etawah branches of the Ganges canal, and other important works. The south-western region has the same natural advantages, but possesses no great irrigation system, and is consequently less fruitful than the opposite slopes. Near the banks of the Jamuna, the plain descends into the river valley by a series of wild ravines and terraces, inhabited only by a scattered race of hereditary herdsmen. Beyond the Jamuna, a strip of land extends along the tangled gorges of the Chambal and the Kuari Nadi, far into the borders of the Gwalior state. This outlying tract embraces a series of rocky glens and mountain torrents, crowned by the ruins of native strongholds, and interspersed with narrow ledges of cultivable alluvium. The climate, once hot and sultry, has now become comparatively moist and equable under the influence of irrigation and the planting of trees.

Etawah was marked out by its physical features as a secure retreat for the turbulent tribes of the Upper Doab, and it was not till the 12th century that any of the existing castes settled on the soil. After the Mussulman conquests of Delhi and the surrounding country, the Hindus of Etawah appear to have held their own for many generations against the Mahommedan power; but in the 16th century Baber conquered the district, with the rest of the Doab, and it remained in the hands of the Moguls until the decay of their empire. After passing through the usual vicissitudes of Mahratta and Jat conquests during the long anarchy which preceded the British rule, Etawah was annexed by the wazir of Oudh in 1773. The wazir ceded it to the East India Company in 1801, but it still remained so largely in the hands of lawless native chiefs that some difficulty was experienced in reducing it to orderly government. During the First War of Independence in 1857 serious disturbances occurred in Etawah, and the district was occupied by the Freedom Fighters from June to December; order was not completely restored till the end of 1858. The district is partly watered by branches of the Ganges canal, and is traversed throughout by the main line of the Indian railway (Northern zone) from Kanpur to Agra. Cotton, oilseeds, Ghee and other agricultural produce and a special bread of goat and buffalo are exported. Region has a 652MW Natural Gas based power generation plant however lacks manufacturing industries.

GeographyEtawah is located at 26.77 N 79.03 E[1]. It has an average elevation of 139metres (456feet).

DemographicsAs of 2001 India censusGRIndia, Etawah had a population of 211,460. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Etawah has an average literacy rate of 67%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 72%, and female literacy is 61%. In Etawah, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.Introduction to Chambal Valley Gwalior has been the 'nerve-center' of a flourishing civilization prospering on the banks of the river Chambal. The steep Chambal River itself offers a pretty natural panorama and making you feel as if history is flowing past you. Your imagination runs wild. You can feel the presence of fierce warriors, daring dacoits and hardened people. However, in spite of all its ruggedness, the Chambal valley has ever been inviting to mankind since time immemorial. While at one end the labyrinths of the valley have been providing shelter to the rebels, on the other hand the pure icy cold water of Chambal river has instilled zeal and vivacity in the natives of this regions. Bordering with the states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, the Chambal belt of Northern Madhya Pradesh is full of zigzagged ravines providing safe shelters to inter-state gangs of dacoits which mainly indulge in abductions for ransom. A journey through this valley reveals great secrets of this old civilization. The whole Chambal valley abounds in archeological legacies and only in Morena district there are no less than 60 archeologically significant sites. All these archeological sites lie in the range of 40 Kms. from Gwalior. The archaeological remains of Chambal lie in the range of 40 Km. from Gwalior, easily accessible by road. The drive from Gwalior to the Chambal river takes a little more than half an hour. However, since the entire Chambal area is notorious for dacoits and robbers' gangs, safety in traveling must be ensured beforehand.

According to the latest research, the most ancient place in Gwalior-Chambal region has been the Kutwar village of Morena. The place is associated with Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas. Some 3000 years ago the "Nag" kings had established their capitals in this place and potteries and coins of the "Nag" kings are found from this place. The dam of Kutwar was built by the Scindia and adds to the charm of this beauteous spot. Cunningham has hailed this place as the most ancient capital of Gwalior. In olden times, this place was known by numerous names. In the Age of Mahabharat, this was famous by the name of Kuntibhoj. King Kuntibhoj was the father of Kunti. According to Vincent Smith and other historians, the era between 2nd Century A.D. to the middle of 4th Century A.D. saw the rule of the "Nag" clan from Mathura to upper Narmada part. The "Nag" kings established their capitals in Mathura, Kantipuri (Kuntibhoj) and Padmavati. In the scriptures of the "Puranas" there are ample testimonies of the Nag clan and the areas ruled by them such as Padmavati, Mathura and Kantipuri. All these places were under Kutwar. Noted archaeologist Alexander Cunningham lived in Gwalior for 5 years and, later, he was appointed as the Chief Director of the Archaeology Dept. during 1860-1885. He had visited the villages of Kutwar and Sihonia and in his archaeological report of 1864-65 (Vol. 2) he wrote that people also called this place Kuntalpur. He found beautifully engraved stones and old architectural remains scattered far and near. He thus concluded that "this is a very old place and must be existing in the Mahabharata Age in some 5400 B.C."

Most important of the sites in Chambal are a series of ancient temples and monuments. Most of them have been reduced to ruins while still a number of them have withheld the bolt of time and stand erect with all their splendors. Some of these places were even 'centers of learning' in the past - now buried deep down in the grave of time. For example, the circular temple of Mitawali, built in the likeness of Indian parliament house - "Sansad Bhawan" - apparently seems to be a temple of 64 'Yogini', according to some scholars, this was the center of astrological studies.

Chambal in PastDuring the earlier periods, in some districts of Madhya Pradesh, mothers are routinely compelled to murder female infants by placing a charpoy's leg on the child's neck. This is the brutal method adopted for several decades in hundreds of villages in the state's Bhind, Morena and a few neighboring districts, where the desire for male offspring is overwhelming.

Sadly, the hundreds of offenders in these districts are parents themselves. The sonography machine has assumed a key role and female foeticide is a thriving business.

During a just-concluded tour organized by the Press Information Bureau, a team of journalists learnt that such crimes have assumed the dimensions of a social evil and, consequently, the gender balance in Morena and Bhind has taken a body blow.

In some villages of Morena, there are as few as 400 to 700 females for every 1,000 males. In fact, no baraat has entered these villages for 20 years.

The political system and administrative machinery have their own perception of this problem. Careful about their vote banks, political leaders refrain from saying or doing anything against this, while officials hesitate to take any open initiative as it considers the mass slaughter a 'social' issue.

Not too many dacoits are left in the ravines of Chambal (Madhya Pradesh) but the terror still persists - for little girls.Another problem which has captured Chambal was dacoit gang. Chambal had dangerous and operating gang in past. These dacoits did not had any place of shelter and hence compel and threatens villagers to provide them place to stay and other necessities .These dacoits were also terror for little girl child. As villagers have to survive with their big family and have to serve dacoit in little income, which became difficult for them economically. And hence they treated them as economic burden. Girl child was treated as liability on its birth itself and this thought has been held strongly by dacoits of that period.This threat can be traced to the falling sex ratio of the region. While the national average of women per 1,000 men is 933, and the state's figure is 920, the Chambal region shockingly has only 400 women per 1,000 men in some villages. This, despite a two-and-a-half fold increase in the district's population over the last five decades, and the PNDT Act (Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques [Regulation and Prevention of Misuse] Act) having come into force in 1994.

The main reason for the grim sex ratio is the practice of female infanticide and female feticide. Sachin Kumar Jain of Right to Food Campaign, an NGO working in the area, says that this practice stems from the desire for a male child and the belief that a girl child is an economic burden. The flourishing of sex determination facilities under the veil of ultrasound or sonography clinics has only made the gender-specific killings more definite.

Ironically, the purpose of the PNDT Act is to prevent the misuse of such pre-natal diagnostic techniques for the purpose of pre-natal sex determination leading to female feticide. Every offence under this Act is 'cognisable, non-bailable and non-compoundable'.

Yet, despite the legal deterrent, Chambal seems to tremble at nothing less than a dacoit.

Take the case of Morena district. In addition to the around 14 private nursing homes in the district, there are an estimated 23 sonography centers as well. The district administration had issued show cause notices to many clinics for violating the PNDT Act. In some cases, licenses were cancelled, but a few managed to get their licenses renewed.

A recent study conducted by the state's Department of Woman and Child Development throws light on just how grim the situation is in Madhya Pradesh. According to the study, the sex ratio in 50 villages of Morena district is between 509 and 800 per 1,000 men. In 18 villages of Porsa, it is between 716 and 800. In 24 villages of Sabalgarh, it is between 631 and 800. In 70 villages of Jaura, the ratio is between 458 and 800. In 41 villages of Kelaras, it is between 382 and 800. In 39 villages of Pahargarh, it is between 384 and 800, while in 55 villages of Ambah, the sex ratio is between 448 and 800 per 1,000 men.

Says Akash Tripathi, District Collector, and Morena: "The falling number of girls is alarming. In some places the number of girls is startlingly low. If the same trend persists, the day is not far when there will be no girls left at all." According to reports, in the village of Sihori (Morena district), of the 26 children born in the last year, surprisingly only six were girls.

Female infanticide is also a contributing factor in birth of women dacoits. There were more female child and there death was also at the same rate .New born babys mothers were not even given chance to see the face of their child .this has given them a feelings of aggression and these feelings have burnt into crimes and birth of criminals. There have been cases where families have stuffed the tiny mouth of a newborn girl with tobacco or salt. Others have not let the new mother nurse the hungry child.

The administration plans to tackle the mindset and disturbing sex ratio is by encouraging religious leaders to speak to communities.

At a meeting of the State Supervisory Board formed under the PNDT Act, Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Ajay Vishnoi directed that cases against sonography centers engaged in sex determination should be directly filed in court so that erring centers could be punished at the earliest. He also said that it was mandatory for institutions registered under the PNDT Act to submit records with the Chief Medical and Health Officer every month, and that strict action should be taken against those not complying with the rules.Meanwhile, several NGOs are working in the area of advocacy by organizing street plays in villages to inform people about the importance of the girl child. It remains to be seen whether all these initiatives bear fruit - and allow female fetuses and infant girls to flower.

Living in the gun's shadowIt is perhaps in the region's water. Chambal -- spread over Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, has always been a heaven for bandits.

Despite repeated efforts by respective State Governemnts banditry was never stamped out completely though it has definitely witnessed its crests and troughs.

There is no dearth of fuel to add to the fire. Caste politics, land disputes, unemployment, other socio economic factors and a sheer lack of political will to tackle the problem have prepared a fertile ground for the growth of banditry.

Various gangs were operating the region involved in the abduction-for-ransom business.

A feudal system hardly made way for any land reforms in the region and women are treated as little more than commodities, social analysts say.

Thus, when the bullets of SSP Akhil Kumar's STF team and Uttar Pradesh Police personnel felled bandit chieftain Nirbhay Gujjar on the night of 7 November 2006, the valiant endeavour may well prove to be a pebble against a sandstorm.

Chambal's peculiar topography is also cut out for the task. The spaces between the treacherous ravines are at places large enough to conceal an entire gang or so small that even a boy would find it hard to squeeze through.

Therefore, knowledge of the terrain becomes paramount for police teams that hope to find success in Chambal, where the Dayaram-Rambabu Gadaria gang -- of Bhanwarpura fame -- still prowls. Other gangs include Rajasthan's Vakila Gujjar and Uttar Pradesh's Jagjivan Parihar. The Gadarias stand accused of more than 150 crimes and carry a reward running into lakhs of rupees.

The trijunction of states and the Chambal River make it easy for dacoits to cross borders while under police pressure.

Earlier, regional satraps supported banditry for their own narrow gains.

Earlier, the bandits were primarily Rajputs but now even members of the 'oppressed' dalits and Backward Classes have picked up the gun.

Interestingly, Man Singh apparently never indulged in wine and women unlike Nirbhay who married no less than four women Seema Parihar, Munni Pande, Parvati -- whom he "purchased" -- and Neelam Gupta.

In Chambal, a dacoit is known as a 'bagi' (rebel) and an abducted person termed 'pakad' (the catch).

The fertile region is known for cultivation of mustard that feeds a tear gas unit, located within BSF Academy at Tekanpur and the sole such facility in Asia.

"Where administration falters, people feel that bandits are actually benefactors," says a senior journalist with decades of experience in central India.

An open jail for surrendered dacoits was set up at Guna district's Mungawli but had to be shut down as the inmates not only escaped but were also used to bully prison officials. In fact, several surrendered bandits have joined the real estate and eviction businesses.

Contrary to the Bollywood images of rifle-wielding dacoits thundering on horseback, the terrain is so inhospitable that even negotiating it on a bicycle might prove an insurmountable challenge. The bandits move furtively and on foot.

The dacoits are a 'decisive factor' in elections as was witnessed during the recent panchayat poll in Uttar Pradesh.

Additional DGP S S Shukla, who heads anti-dacoity operations in MP,said, "over the past few days we have begun receiving information of the Gadaria gang's movements. An encounter took place within Shivpuri's Bhauti Police Station limits on October 3."

The officer pointed out differences in the modus operandi of Nirbhay and the Gadarias.

"Nirbhay was habituated to staying at one place for long but the Gadarias' movement is rapid. Besides, the latter do not repose blind faith in their informers," he added.

"With Gujjar gone, we can now devote maximum time to the Gadarias. The Nirbhay gang's members might try to join the Gadarias and we are trying to prevent that," said Bhind's DSP Amit Verma.

Among the bandits who made the region live in the rifle's shadow, the most prominent was the Rajput Man Singh, neutralised in a police encounter way back in 1955. The gang's mantle was eventually assumed by his foster son Roopnarayan Sharma alias Roopa.

On October 29, 2004, there occurred a carnage that shocked entire Madhya Pradesh, gave Gwalior district's Bhanwarpura village a dubious prominence in police records and proved a chilling reminder of the 1981 Behmai massacre when Phoolan Devi's blood 1-1 thirsty crew mowed down 20 people belonging to Thakurs community in a horrific revenge killing that suddenly made war the 'Bandit Queen' India's most wanted criminal.

Emerging from months-long dormancy, the Gadaria gang gunned down 13 innocent residents of Bhanwarpura village in a forest around the Goreghat Hanuman temple.

Initial reports stated that the victims were suspected of being informers but police later admitted that the villagers might have been indirect victims of a conspiracy. (UNI)

Seema, Lovely, Nandi, Kusuma, and Sheila. Names would not ring a bell unless one is told that they are generation next of Bandit Queen Breed. These ladies used automatic guns, actually kill and now decide the poll outcome in 12 districts of Chambal Valley.

The problem of dacoits in Chambal Valley:-

The Chambal valley with peculiar topography added with ravines, at the intersection of three states (namely, Madhya pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar pradesh) makes it a breeding ground for. outlaws, who escape from one state to the other once identified and chased by the police.

In the region dacoity is directly linked to ravine formation. The ravines of Chambal spoiling the land, the life is getting tougher for every one. There is no employment opportunity and the only occupation farming, too becoming impossible with not much land is available to cultivate. The 20-50 feet deep ravines provide good hideout to the dacoits therefore harbors many outlaws. It is a paradox in the Chambal valley; dacoits are born because the land is ravined, and it is the ravines, which sustain them, giving them cover. Another disheartening trend that developed in the region recently, is the kidnapping the persons from weaker section, is not many well to do people left in the villages. The main occupation is the farming, the people have to be out most of the time, and they become the easy targets. As such ravine affected area of these three states in the Chambal Region, have a dominance of weaker section and backward social classes.

Chambal Valley at PresentHenceforth, the citizens in India and abroad would be able to enjoy the natural beauty of Chambal and not the terror of Dacoits. The forest department has set its mind toward water sports and the MP Eco Tourism Development Board has given sanction to it.

The department has sanctioned two routes of boat and cruise.

The Chambal region is famous for its natural beauty and now the tourism would be developed here. Forest department with a view to develop Eco tourism had sent proposals one year back in which boat and cruise were also included.

MP Tourism department had also such desire that the tourists who visit Agra and Ranthambhour also visit here in Chambal region and return to Gwalior.

Eco Tourism Development has given permission to sail boats and cruise from Pali to Rameshwar and Rajghat to Rithaura Kalan.

Different kinds of water animals come here in which river dolphin, aligator, crocodile and tortoises are found. In winter more than hundred species of migrant animals come here.

The TDC is seeking a lot of eco-tourism possibilities and the two routes which have been selected would help in development of tourism.

The tourists not only can see the water animals but would also play water games.

It is yet not decided how many boats and cruise would be sailed here.

The forest department with a view to give success to this scheme would recruit such guides who would be educated and having knowledge about the biological differences. Private investment would also be encouraged in this connection the local businessmen would be called for meeting. The businessmen of Agra, Ranthambhaur and Gwalior would be called to invest money.

Other Places of Interest in and around ChambalThere are many other interesting places in Chambal - all explorable especially for those who have an interest in archeology.

DubkundDubkund is a place worth seeing in the midst of the rivers Chambal and Kuno, situated in a dense forest. It is 76 miles south to Gwalior. In this same tribal region abounding in hills and jungles, the Kachhapghats established their kingdom in the end of the 10th Century. In some historic inscriptions, Dubkund is also mentioned as Dobh. One of the water reservoirs of this place are full of waters all the year round and hence the name Dobhkund or Dubkund. An ancient Jain Temple and a temple of Har-Gauri are important spots worth seeing. The Jain temple built on a platform 3 feet high and with 81 feet diameter is quite big even though only the lower structure and pillars remain at present. According to the inscriptions, the Temple existed in the Vikrami Era of 1152. Dubkund abounds in the images of the "Teerthankars", "Vidyadhars" and other statues related with "Shaiv" and "Vaishnav" sects.

PadavaliThere is a beautiful temple built on the fortress of Padavali and it is even superior to the Temple of Khajuraho from an architectural point of view. The natives of Padavali call it "Garhi" or small fortress. The temple abounds in the depictions of Ram Leela, Krishna Leela, Mahabharat, the 10 incarnations of God Vishnu, Samudra Manthan, Marriage of Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva dancing in the cemetery in Preta form and hundreds of other Hindu gods and goddesses. They all look so novel as if they were built just recently. Like Khajuraho, this temple, too, remains intact in the passage of time. What is even more interesting is that there are some erotic images, too, in the temple which is an exceptional aspect of such an indigenous temple. BateshwarThe Bateshwar valley is situated one and a half kilometer from Padavali. There are more than a hundred temples in the valley but most of them worn and torn. There are even two water ponds providing drinking and bathing water and the scenery around is quite fascinating. People say that these statues are not human made but rather they were created by Mother Nature herself.

KanakmathSome 20 K.M. from Kutwar, in the village of Sehonia, there is the famous "Kanakmath" Temple. This temple of some 1000 years ago is built in a chariot shape and the marvel is that stones are pyramidized together - one upon the other - without applying any cement, clay or lime. Tourists are dumbfounded to see this 100 ft. high piece of marvel. Around the temple there are statues of Hindu gods and goddesses and the dancing Ganesh is prominent of them. Sehonia is also a scared place for the followers of the Jain religion.

ShaneecharaThe Temple of Saturn (Shaneechara) is situated 5 Km. from Rithorakalan. This 800 years old temple is perhaps the only temple in India dedicated to the horrifying deity, Saturn. Saturn is said to be the most powerful and influential planet of the universe - affecting everyone's life. It is believed that if someone offers at this temple black cloths, iron nails, oil, etc. especially on Saturday, it minimizes the wrath of Saturn and yields a favorable effect.

NaresharSome 15 Km. from Gwalior, we can visit the Nareshar Hills. On the hill there is a picturesque water pond and several temples built over a thousand years ago. Here we also find weapons and paintings of the Homo Sapiens (the pre-historic human race).

There are many other places in the Chambal valley which are always attracting to the tourists. There are more than a hundred temples in the valley though most of them worn and torn. The scenery is so beautiful as if one is roaming in the paradise. These are only some descriptions. As a matter of fact, the whole Chambal is a treasurer of ancient legacies only if you are anxious to explore.

National Chambal (Gharial) Wildlife SanctuaryThe Chambal river remains one of North India's most unpolluted rivers, home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. National Chambal (Gharial) Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for the rare Ganges river dolphin. The sanctuary was founded in 1978 and is part of a large area co-administered by Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh within area of 5,400 km. Approximately 400 km of the river is within the reserve. Apart from the Ganges river Dolphin, the other inhabitants of the sanctuary include magar (crocodile and Gharial (alligator Migratory birds from Siberia form its rich avian fauna.Gandhi Sagar DamThe Gandhi Sagar dam lies on the Chambal in Neemuch District of Madhya Pradesh. It meets the requirements of hydro-power generation at Gandhi Sagar dam Rana Pratap Sagar dam and Jawahar sagar and for annual irrigation of 5668.01 square kilometres in the commands of the right main canal and the left main canal of the Kota Barrage

Chambal In FutureThere have been programmes in past for reclamation of ravines and dacoits in the troubled intersection of three states. Nothing has worked satisfactorily, except that in case of dacoits the intervention of Gandhian leaders helped in the surrender and reformation of a few dreaded outlaws in the Chambal valley in the early 1970s.

At one time, the Madhya Pradesh government had mooted a plan of leveling the ravines using bulldozers. The state alone has a 311 thousands hectares of ravine, the plan proved to be quixotic. In year 1980, another project of aerial seeding in the ravines, was introduced to raise 12000 hectares of forest every year. Aerial seeding, carried out for some time, could not meet the target. The plant the thorny ACACIA species heightened the agony of those living in the area as the new thorn forest made access to villages more difficult besides damaging the quality of the soil further. Fodder problem, too, got aggravated, as the new bushes suppressed the existing local vegetation.

Development InitiativeRavines are not an invincible or insurmountable phenomenon. They can be challenged with the help of new policy perspectives and with the active support of villagers. The key approach, however, pursuing the idea of reclaiming the ravines using contour bunding and vegetative measures was not easy. People had a strong feeling that the only way for developing lands is 'land leveling, which would have been quite a costly affair. Only after seeing the results of work done by few progressive farmers, people will come forward for taking up conservation measures. Approach of the project should be to build capacities of people, reclaim the ravine lands, recharge water and utilize it for irrigation on an equitable basis.

People organized themselves into various groups. Village Watershed Committees (VWCs) are village level organizations represented by the project participants. Women have organized themselves with the Self Help Groups (SHGs) and also represented the VWCs. People started sharing the ground water developing the Water User Groups (WUGs). Ridge to valley approach was adopted for treatment to the micro watersheds. Following measures were adopted for treatment:

Development of vegetation covers in deep ravine areas.

Contour bunding across the slope to consen'e the rainwater in-situ and stop soil erosion in medium ravines. Developing grass cover for protecting the bunds.

Gully control using earthen bunds/plugs with vegetation cover on them.

Masonry and composite check dams for water harvesting and recharge.

Improved agriculture and use of locally produced organic fertilizers.

With the above measures, the process of ravine formation has stopped. Measures for in-situ moisture conservation and soil fertility improvement have resulted in improving land quality and good stand of crops.

Most of the large rivers of the country pass through the territories of two or more States. In many cases, soil conservation measures are necessary in one State in which the catchment area of the river is-located while areas receiving irrigation or flood control benefits are located in other States. Soil conservation measures in such cases can be effective only with the cooperative effort of all the States concerned, and if suitable arrangements arc made for financial contribution towards the cost of these measures by states, which would receive benefits from the projects.

Socio Economic Indicators of Chambal RegionS.No.IndicatorUnitState of Madhya PradeshChambal Region

1.PopulationNo.603851183573930

2.Rural PopulationPercentage73.3378.45

3.Density of PopulationPersons per 100 sqkm196282

4.Female populationNo. per 100 male927845

5.LiteracyPercentage64.0860

6.Geographical AreaSq.km.30745016140

7.Forest AreaSq.km.880903430

8.Agricultural sown areaPercent4946

9.Ratio of irrigated area to sown areaPercent4528

10.Production of food grainThousand metric tonnes152471942.8

11.Total irrigated areaSq.km.566904000

12.Production of Food grainsThousands metric tones152471943

13.Gross value of Agricultural productsUSD per Hectare2500600

14.Gross value of agriculture productionUSD1134007150

To understand the reason and causes of birth of women dacoits in the areas of M.P. and U.P., it was essential to undertake the detailed case study of the life of different women dacoits. Hence for the same purpose we have undertaken. The elaborative case study of Phoolan Devi, seema Parihar, Neelam Gupta ,Ganga Pandey, Kusma Nayan, lovely Pandey, Imam Begum, Manorama .etcDetails study of their life right from their birth to their death or surrenderence gave us the clear picture as to why women took up arm and became dacoit and as to what should be the measures to irredicate the impact on the society.

A case study of Phoolan Devi 'The Bandit Queen"BornAugust 10, 1963 Gorha Ka Purwa, Uttar Pradesh, India

DiedJuly 25, 2001 New Delhi, India

OccupationDacoit (Bandit), Politician

SpouseUmmed Singh

Phoolan Devi was born on August 10, 1963 and finished her life journey on July 25, 2001, who was popularly known as "The Bandit Queen," was an Indian dacoit, who later turned politician.Early lifePhoolan Devi was born into a family of the shudra sub-caste of boatmen called mallah in the small village of Gorha Ka Purwa, Uttar Pradesh, India. At 11 years of age she was married to a widower 20 years elder to her (or maybe three times her age). Her husband used to rape her and mistreat her. Later, he abandoned her and sent her back to her village. Her family also disowned her. Another version of her biography, most probably mythical, says that she was arrested in a family land dispute involving her father and upper-caste landlords. According to this version, as a consequence of the dispute, she was arrested and later raped by the policemen. Dacoit careerIn the late 1970s, a gang of dacoits abducted Phoolan. The gang leader, Baboo, who was an upper-caste Thakur, wanted to rape her. However, she was protected by Vikram, the deputy leader of the gang who belonged to Phoolan's caste, Mallah. One night when Baboo attempted to rape Phoolan, Vikram killed him and assumed the gang leadershipPhoolan Devi learnt how to use a rifle from Vikram, and participated in the gang's activities, which consisted of ransacking high-caste villages and kidnapping upper-caste landowners for ransom. After every crime, Phoolan Devi would visit