Synopsis The Bhils, one of the largest tribal community in India, are at present facing an ‘identity crisis’ more or less similar to that experienced by several other tribals of the country. Hence, great caution is needed for formulating policies towards their assimilation in the main stream of our national life. For this purpose a study of their ancient culture and their interaction with their neighbours since the historic period till the end of the colonial area, which is the main theme of the present study, appears to me a fruitful exercise. The study of based on original records of the Government of India and erstwhile princely states of the region inhabited by the Bhils. Along with these unpublished sources published reports, books and journals have been also utilised.