Peasant Movements | Indian Modern History | Lecture 15 | UPSC | Aadesh Singh

Peasant Movements Friends, after the establishment of British rule in India, there were many political, economic and administrative changes. And the biggest effect of these changes is seen on the Indian peasants. The life of the peasants is completely changed. They are exploited at every level. And when this level of exploitation exceeds the tolerance level of the peasants, then they rebel against it or protest against it. In today's video, we will discuss some such important peasant movements. First of all, let's understand the general causes behind them. Peasantry Under Colonialism Friends, during British rule, the agrarian structure of India changes completely. Many reasons for this can be seen, such as the economic policies of the Britishers, the ruin of Indian handicrafts by them, due to which the pressure on land increases, new land revenue systems, and colonial administrative and judicial systems. In agricultural areas, where peasants had to face problems such as high rents, illegal dues, forced evictions and unpaid labour, while in agricultural areas, the government itself had fixed a very high revenue rate. To pay this, farmers were often forced to take help from local moneylenders. And these moneylenders took full advantage of their helplessness. The farmers were given loans at a very high interest rate, for which the farmers mortgaged their land and cattle. And when they could not pay this loan, the mortgaged property became the moneylender's. In this way, gradually, in very large areas, the actual cultivators turned into tenants, sharecroppers and landless labourers. Farmers often opposed this exploitation. And many times, being troubled by these circumstances, the farmers also chose the path of crime. Because by starving to death, the same path looked good. Therefore, some farmers seem to be involved in activities such as robbery, decoity and social banditry. And there was another way, to rebel together. We are going to discuss some examples of this today. We can divide peasant movements into two categories. The movements that took place during the 19th century and the peasant movements of the 20th century. Let's start with the 19th century. 19th century peasant movements. First of all, we will discuss some important revolts that took place during this time. After that, we will also understand the important features of the peasant revolts of the 19th century. Let's first talk about the Indigo revolt that took place in 1859. Indigo revolt 1859-60 Indigo revolt or Neel Vidroho took place in Bengal in 1859-60. Here, the farmers rebelled against the European planters, who forced them to cultivate Indigo. In Bengal, the cultivation of Indigo began around 1780s. At that time, due to the Industrial Revolution, the demand for Indigo was very high in Europe. Because this blue dye was used in the textile industry. To take advantage of this, European planters used to cultivate Indigo in India. There were two methods of cultivation. The first was Nij and the second was Riyot. In the Nij system, the planters cultivated Indigo on their own land. And in the Riyot system, the planters cultivated Indigo on the land of Bengal farmers. For this, they signed contracts with the farmers and offered them an advance loan. This whole system was very oppressive. The farmers had to grow Indigo on their best land. Apart from this, the planters offered a very low rate of their produce. Because of this, the farmers could neither repay their loan, nor could they get out of this system. Government authorities and rules also favored the planters. In 1859, the peasants of the Nadia district of Bengal refused to cultivate Indigo. They were led by two brothers, Digambar Biswas and Bishno Biswas. And when the planters sent their lackeys to force them, they counterattacked them. The educated class of Bengal also plays an important role in this movement. Memoranda is prepared on newspaper campaigns, mass meetings and peasants' grievances and their cause is supported. Deen Bandhu Mitra highlights the miserable condition of the farmers through his play, Neel Darpan. And it becomes an important source of inspiration for the revolt. As the movement intensified, the British government issued a notification in which it is said that the farmers are free to grow the crop of their choice on their land. And the police's job is to protect their right. If the planters feel that someone has breached the contract, they can appeal in the civil court. Apart from this, the Indigo Commission is also appointed in 1860. And its recommendations are included in Act 6 of 1860. After this, the Indigo planters slowly move from Bengal to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. After the Indigo revolt, let's talk about another movement that took place in Bengal. Pavana Agrarian Leagues During the 1870s and 1880s, agrarian unrest was seen in a large part of eastern Bengal. The main reason for this was the oppressive practices of the farmers. Landlords often demanded more revenue than the legal limit. Apart from this, according to Act 10 of 1859, farmers were not even allowed to take occupancy rights. According to the Act, if a farmer cultivates the same plot of land for 12 years in a row, then he had to be given the occupancy rights of that land. But the landlords did not want this at all. And that is why they often forcibly disinherited the farmers from the land. They seized their crops and cattle, and filed litigation in the court, which took a long time and proved expensive for the farmer. Worried about all this, the farmers of Yusuf Shahi Pargana in the Pavana district formed the Agrarian League. The League organizes rent strikes, that is, the farmers refuse to pay increased revenue, and challenge the landlords in the courts. To fight the court case, the farmers raise funds. Their struggle spreads to some other districts of Pura Pavana and Eastern Bengal. The main form of struggle here is legal resistance. And that is why very little violence is seen. The struggle of the farmers continues till 1885, but most cases are solved due to a little official persuasion and a little fear of the landlord. Many peasants get occupancy rights, and do not have to pay increased rent. In addition, the government also promises to make laws to protect the tenants from the landlord's operations. And in 1885, the Bengal Tenancy Act is passed. During the Pavana revolt, many Indian intellectuals supported the Peasants' Cause. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, R.C. Dutt, and Surendranath Banerjee led the Indian Association. After the Eastern region, let's move on to Western India. Deccan riots In the Deccan region of Western India, the British introduced the Rayotwari system. The farmers here were troubled by the heavy taxation imposed under this system, because of which they were trapped in the trap of money lenders. These money lenders were mostly outsiders, and belonged to the Marwari and Gujarati communities. After the end of the American Civil War in 1864, the situation worsened. Because once again, cotton was supplied from America. And that's why the prices of cotton dropped a lot. At that time, in 1867, the government increased the land revenue by up to 50%. And for many years, the farmers here faced crop failure. Because of all this, the farmer's condition worsened. In 1874, the clash between money lenders and farmers intensified. And the farmers started social boycott movements against outsiders, i.e. money lenders. These people stopped buying from their shops. No farmer cultivated their land. And the barbers, washermen, shoemakers of the village also refused to serve them. This social boycott soon spread to the villages of Pune, Ahmednagar, Sholapur and Satara. And after that, the social boycott began to transform into agrarian riots. Attacks began on the houses and shops of money lenders. The farmers burnt the debt bonds and deeds in their possession. But the government used force to suppress the movement. As a conciliatory measure, the Deccan Agriculturalist Relief Act was also passed in 1879. Even during this movement, the intelligentsia of Maharashtra supported the farmers. Friends, we have discussed some important peasant movements of the 19th century. Now let's understand their features. Characteristic features of 19th century peasant movements. During the 19th century, peasants were the main force in the farmers' movement. These people directly fought for their demands. And most of their demands were related to economic issues. This movement was directed against the immediate enemies of the farmers. Whether they were foreign planters, indigenous landlords or money lenders. Apart from this, the objectives of the movement were also specific and limited. They just wanted a redressal of some particular grievances. They did not target direct colonialism. And neither did they want to end the system of exploitation or subordination of peasants. The territorial reach of these movements was also limited. There was no continuity or long-term organization in the struggle. However, peasants develop a strong awareness of their legal rights. And they are also asserted outside and inside the courts. After understanding the features of the peasant movement, let's also know some of their limitations. Limitations During the 19th century peasant movement, the farmers did not have much understanding of colonialism. They did not have any new ideology or new social, economic or political program. These struggles were in the framework of the old societal order even though they were militant. And they had no concept of alternative society. But the peasant movements of the 20th century were also deeply influenced by the National Freedom Struggle. So let's talk about them. 20th Century Peasant Movements In the 20th century peasant movements, the first is the Champaran Satyagraha led by Gandhiji in 1917 and the Kheda Satyagraha of 1918. We have covered them in the videos of the initial movement of Gandhiji. In addition to this, the Kisan Sabha movement also starts during this time. Let's know about it. The Kisan Sabha Movement The Kisan Sabhas are mainly organized by the efforts of home rule activists in UP. In February 1918, Gauri Shankar Mishra and Indra Narayan Dvivedi set up the United Provinces Kisan Sabha. Madan Mohan Malviya also supports their efforts. By June 1919, 450 branches of the UP Kisan Sabha are formed. Along with this, prominent leaders such as Jhinguri Singh, Durgapal Singh and Baba Ramchandra also join. In June 1920, Baba Ramchandra asks Nehru to visit the village here. During these visits, Nehru develops close contacts with the people of the village. Then in October 1920, the Awadh Kisan Sabha is formed. They tell the farmers not to till the unoccupied land. And also suggest not to make unpaid labour offers. Those who do not agree to these conditions are boycotted. And all disputes are solved by the panchayats. The Kisan Sabha first protests through mass meetings and mobilization. But in January 1921, this pattern changes. And bazaars, houses and grain warehouses are looted. During this time, they also clash with the police. The major centers of activity were the districts of Raibareli, Faizabad and Sultanpur. But this movement quickly declines. Some due to government repression and some due to the passing of the Awadh Rent Amendment Act 1921. But after some time, another farmer movement begins in UP. The Eka Movement. At the end of 1921, once again, peasant discontent is seen in the northern districts of UP. Like Hardoi, Behraich and Sitapur. There were many reasons behind this. Like high rents, which was 50% higher than the recorded rate. Exploitation of farmers by the in-charge of revenue collection. And the practice of share rents. The Eka or Unity Movement begins against this. It is led by Madari Pasi and other low-caste leaders. Many small landlords also support them. In its meetings, farmers are promised that they will only pay the recorded revenue. They will not leave their land once it is confiscated. They will refuse forced labour and will follow the decisions of the panchayat. The movement spreads very quickly. But due to severe repression by the authorities, this movement also ends by March 1922. After the north, let's move to the southern region. Where the farmer movement merges with the national movement. Mappila Revolt. Mappilas were Muslim tenants living in the Malabar region. And most of the landlords here were Hindus. Mappilas also opposed the exploitation by the landlords in the 19th century. In their grievances list, there was no security of tenure. High rents, renewal fees and other exploitative illegal demands. In 1920, the local congress body, to regulate tenant-landlord relations, demanded legislation from the government. This boosted Mappilas' confidence. And soon their movement merged with the current Khilafat agitation. The leaders of the Khilafat movement, like Gandhiji, Shaukat Ali and Maulana Azad, address the meetings of Mappilas. After the arrest of national leaders, the leadership comes into the hands of local Mappila leaders. In August 1921, the situation starts to deteriorate. Because one of their leaders, Ali Musaliar, is arrested. After which large-scale riots start. Initially, the symbols of the British authority are targeted. But later the rebellion completely changes its character. Mappilas start targeting the landlords. Because they feel that the landlords are supporting the authority. Unfortunately, as we have seen, most of the landlords were Hindus. And an anti-government and anti-landlord movement starts becoming communal. After this, the government starts suppressing it with all its might. And by December 1921, the movement completely ends. Mappilas was suppressed in such a way that he did not participate in any movement again until independence. Now, let's take a brief look at the other peasant movements and their related developments during the 20th century. Friends, in the peasant movements of the 20th century, the Bardoli Satyagraha also comes. It started in the Bardoli district of Gujarat in 1926. Here, the farmers were opposing the increase of 30% in land revenue. This is led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Pate. The women of Bardoli had given him the title of Sardar. As the movement intensified, the British government set up a committee. In which the revenue hike is found to be unjust. And only 6.03% is increased. Apart from this, in April 1936, the All India Kisan Sabha is formed in Lucknow. Swami Sahjanand Saraswati becomes its President. And N. G. Ranga, General Secretary. The farmer is issued a manifesto. And under Indulal Yagnik, a periodical is also started. Apart from this, just before independence, some peasant movements can be seen. In which the role of the communist parties is very high. The first was the Tibhaga movement in Bengal in 1946. Here, the Bengal Provincial Kisan Sabha demands to give two-thirds share to Tibhaga, i.e. sharecroppers. Communist cadres and many young students go to the villages and organize sharecroppers. But soon this movement weakens. There were some main reasons behind this. Such as the announcement of the Bargar Dari Bill by the Ministry of the Muslim League. In which some relief was offered to the rent-paying tenants. The second movement started in July 1946. It is called the Telangana Movement. At that time, this region was a part of the princely state of Hyderabad. It was the largest peasant guerrilla war in modern Indian history. Its effect was on 3,000 villages and about 30 lakh people. Here, under the leadership of the communists, peasants bravely face the Nizam's Razaqar force. And continue their struggle for about two years. In 1948, after the takeover of Hyderabad by the Indian security forces, this movement gradually ends. Conclusion Friends, in this way, the Indian farmers continuously challenged the British authority through peasant movements. In the beginning, even though their targets were only immediate oppressors, but later they directly opposed the British colonial rule. They also strengthened the national movement with their presence. Without the participation of the farmers, the national movement could never succeed. Gandhiji understood this very well. And that's why he worked to connect the peasants directly with the national movement. Peasant movements also created an atmosphere of post-independence agrarian reforms. For example, after independence, the landlord system is abolished. And many other reforms are introduced, which were somewhere in demand of peasant movements before independence.