Textbook: Social and Political Movements | History and Political Science Class 10 (Maharashtra Board) PDF Download

 Page 1


91
4. Social and Political Movements
Read out the news in a local newspaper.
labourers, businessmen, women, youth, 
and senior citizens. 
Why movements ?
All the people in the society cannot 
participate in political parties and 
contribute to social welfare. Some people 
focus on a particular issue and persue it. 
They organise people and try to pressurise 
the government to resolve that issue. They 
constantly follow up on the issue, build 
public opinion about it and thereby put a 
pressure on political parties and the 
government. This type of organised 
activity is called a movement. Organised 
activity is the essence of any movement. 
Such movements are very important 
in a democracy. Different social problems 
come under discussion through these 
movements. The government then has to 
pay attention to such problems. Leaders 
and activists of the movement provide 
necessary information about those issues 
to the government. This information is 
very useful for the government while 
making policies. 
Some movements aim at opposing a 
particular decision or policy of the 
government. The right to protest is 
considered an important right in 
democracy. However this right needs to 
be used patiently and responsibly. 
 In the above newspaper item different 
movements are included. Can you 
explain their meaning  ?
 This news deals with different subjects. 
Are movements related to only one 
issue ? 
 If different movements cooperate with 
each other will they be more effective ?
In the last chapter we got information 
about the national and regional parties. 
Political parties compete for political 
power. They win elections and try to 
resolve the problems of the common men. 
Political parties generally adopt a 
comprehensive perspective. They cannot 
concentrate on just one particular issue. 
From public cleanliness to space research, 
they have to take into consideration all 
matters from national perspective and 
take decisions. Political parties are 
expected to have a programme for the 
problems of all sections of the society. 
Political parties adopt policies taking into 
consideration the interests of all - farmers, 
Movement against child marriage 
has been successful to a great extent 
and the extent of child marriages have 
reduced by 50%. The workers in this 
movement worked very consciously. 
Workers from the movement 
against dowry also helped them. Now 
there is a need to start a drive against 
malnutrition, because poverty and 
malnutrition are two important 
problems to be taken on priority basis.
Which movements in India are 
actively working for rehabilitation of 
the displaced and to secure their 
livelihood  ?
Can you tell ?
Page 2


91
4. Social and Political Movements
Read out the news in a local newspaper.
labourers, businessmen, women, youth, 
and senior citizens. 
Why movements ?
All the people in the society cannot 
participate in political parties and 
contribute to social welfare. Some people 
focus on a particular issue and persue it. 
They organise people and try to pressurise 
the government to resolve that issue. They 
constantly follow up on the issue, build 
public opinion about it and thereby put a 
pressure on political parties and the 
government. This type of organised 
activity is called a movement. Organised 
activity is the essence of any movement. 
Such movements are very important 
in a democracy. Different social problems 
come under discussion through these 
movements. The government then has to 
pay attention to such problems. Leaders 
and activists of the movement provide 
necessary information about those issues 
to the government. This information is 
very useful for the government while 
making policies. 
Some movements aim at opposing a 
particular decision or policy of the 
government. The right to protest is 
considered an important right in 
democracy. However this right needs to 
be used patiently and responsibly. 
 In the above newspaper item different 
movements are included. Can you 
explain their meaning  ?
 This news deals with different subjects. 
Are movements related to only one 
issue ? 
 If different movements cooperate with 
each other will they be more effective ?
In the last chapter we got information 
about the national and regional parties. 
Political parties compete for political 
power. They win elections and try to 
resolve the problems of the common men. 
Political parties generally adopt a 
comprehensive perspective. They cannot 
concentrate on just one particular issue. 
From public cleanliness to space research, 
they have to take into consideration all 
matters from national perspective and 
take decisions. Political parties are 
expected to have a programme for the 
problems of all sections of the society. 
Political parties adopt policies taking into 
consideration the interests of all - farmers, 
Movement against child marriage 
has been successful to a great extent 
and the extent of child marriages have 
reduced by 50%. The workers in this 
movement worked very consciously. 
Workers from the movement 
against dowry also helped them. Now 
there is a need to start a drive against 
malnutrition, because poverty and 
malnutrition are two important 
problems to be taken on priority basis.
Which movements in India are 
actively working for rehabilitation of 
the displaced and to secure their 
livelihood  ?
Can you tell ?
92
What is a movement ?
 A Movement is a collective action. 
People’s active participation is expected 
in the movement.
 A Movement can be formed when 
people come together in the interest of a 
particular issue, for eg. Pollution can be 
a single issue for which a movement can 
be created.
 A movement has a particular social 
objective or a focussed problem. For eg. 
Movement against corruption aims at 
ending corruption.
 Movements have a leadership. 
Leadership keeps the movement active. 
Objectives of the movement, programme 
of action, strategy of agitation are decided 
by its leaders. A strong leadership makes 
movement effective.
 Movements have organisations. 
Discuss.
Generally the movements are 
devoted to one particular issue but 
have an ideology behind them. For 
example movements against child 
marriage, dowry believe in values of 
democracy, women empowerment 
and social equality. Sometimes some 
movements gradually get transformed 
into political parties.
Without an organisation, it becomes 
difficult to follow up the issues. For eg. 
Farmer’s organisation works for farmer’s 
movement.
 Any movement requires public 
support. People should feel connected to 
the issue that is undertaken by the 
movement. Movements have a programme 
of action which help them to shape public 
opinion.
Read the following dialogue and write a paragraph on it.
If the human rights 
movement becomes 
in??uential worldwide, there 
is no need for other 
movements.
But the problems in 
developing countries are of 
different nature. Different 
social, economic and cultural 
conditions may give rise to 
different movements.
Movements were 
supressed during the 
British period. But in 
democratic system 
existence of movements 
is an indicator of 
healthy democratic 
system.
It’s true. Otherwise 
we would not have 
said – ‘save girls’
We can get an 
experience of 
movement here itself. 
Can we start a 
movement to make the 
school surrounding 
safe for girls?
Page 3


91
4. Social and Political Movements
Read out the news in a local newspaper.
labourers, businessmen, women, youth, 
and senior citizens. 
Why movements ?
All the people in the society cannot 
participate in political parties and 
contribute to social welfare. Some people 
focus on a particular issue and persue it. 
They organise people and try to pressurise 
the government to resolve that issue. They 
constantly follow up on the issue, build 
public opinion about it and thereby put a 
pressure on political parties and the 
government. This type of organised 
activity is called a movement. Organised 
activity is the essence of any movement. 
Such movements are very important 
in a democracy. Different social problems 
come under discussion through these 
movements. The government then has to 
pay attention to such problems. Leaders 
and activists of the movement provide 
necessary information about those issues 
to the government. This information is 
very useful for the government while 
making policies. 
Some movements aim at opposing a 
particular decision or policy of the 
government. The right to protest is 
considered an important right in 
democracy. However this right needs to 
be used patiently and responsibly. 
 In the above newspaper item different 
movements are included. Can you 
explain their meaning  ?
 This news deals with different subjects. 
Are movements related to only one 
issue ? 
 If different movements cooperate with 
each other will they be more effective ?
In the last chapter we got information 
about the national and regional parties. 
Political parties compete for political 
power. They win elections and try to 
resolve the problems of the common men. 
Political parties generally adopt a 
comprehensive perspective. They cannot 
concentrate on just one particular issue. 
From public cleanliness to space research, 
they have to take into consideration all 
matters from national perspective and 
take decisions. Political parties are 
expected to have a programme for the 
problems of all sections of the society. 
Political parties adopt policies taking into 
consideration the interests of all - farmers, 
Movement against child marriage 
has been successful to a great extent 
and the extent of child marriages have 
reduced by 50%. The workers in this 
movement worked very consciously. 
Workers from the movement 
against dowry also helped them. Now 
there is a need to start a drive against 
malnutrition, because poverty and 
malnutrition are two important 
problems to be taken on priority basis.
Which movements in India are 
actively working for rehabilitation of 
the displaced and to secure their 
livelihood  ?
Can you tell ?
92
What is a movement ?
 A Movement is a collective action. 
People’s active participation is expected 
in the movement.
 A Movement can be formed when 
people come together in the interest of a 
particular issue, for eg. Pollution can be 
a single issue for which a movement can 
be created.
 A movement has a particular social 
objective or a focussed problem. For eg. 
Movement against corruption aims at 
ending corruption.
 Movements have a leadership. 
Leadership keeps the movement active. 
Objectives of the movement, programme 
of action, strategy of agitation are decided 
by its leaders. A strong leadership makes 
movement effective.
 Movements have organisations. 
Discuss.
Generally the movements are 
devoted to one particular issue but 
have an ideology behind them. For 
example movements against child 
marriage, dowry believe in values of 
democracy, women empowerment 
and social equality. Sometimes some 
movements gradually get transformed 
into political parties.
Without an organisation, it becomes 
difficult to follow up the issues. For eg. 
Farmer’s organisation works for farmer’s 
movement.
 Any movement requires public 
support. People should feel connected to 
the issue that is undertaken by the 
movement. Movements have a programme 
of action which help them to shape public 
opinion.
Read the following dialogue and write a paragraph on it.
If the human rights 
movement becomes 
in??uential worldwide, there 
is no need for other 
movements.
But the problems in 
developing countries are of 
different nature. Different 
social, economic and cultural 
conditions may give rise to 
different movements.
Movements were 
supressed during the 
British period. But in 
democratic system 
existence of movements 
is an indicator of 
healthy democratic 
system.
It’s true. Otherwise 
we would not have 
said – ‘save girls’
We can get an 
experience of 
movement here itself. 
Can we start a 
movement to make the 
school surrounding 
safe for girls?
93
 Which movement in India led to the 
filing of Public Interest Litigation 
(PIL) and the Judiciary had to give 
a decision regarding PIL ?
 Name the movements started by 
Mahatma Gandhi, Mahatma Phule, 
Sant Gadge Maharaj, and  
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Can you find out ?
 Civic problems need not originate 
only in the social sphere. They can 
emerge from any section of the 
society. In India, especially in 
Maharashtra, many social reform 
movements were started and society 
started getting modernised. 
 Our struggle for independence was 
also a social movement. 
 The issues like protecting rights of 
the citizens, right to vote, minimum 
wages, and economic security are 
the focus of political and economic 
movements.   Swadeshi movement 
is an important economic movement.
Do you know ?
Important movements in India
Tribal movement : In the  
pre-independence period, the British 
government deprived tribal people of their 
right to livelihood on 
forest resources. 
There was a Tribal 
uprising in Kolam 
from Chota Nagpur, 
Gond from Orissa, 
Koli, Bhilla and 
Ramoshi from 
Maharashtra, Santhal 
and Munda from 
Bihar. The tribal struggle has continued 
since those years. Tribals in India face 
several problems. One major problem is 
that they are denied right over forests. 
The main demand of the tribal movement 
is to accept their right over forests. They 
should be allowed to collect products of 
forests and also should have a right to 
cultivate on forest land. 
Farmers movement in India : 
Farmers movement in India is an important 
movement. During the British period, 
farmers started getting organised due to  
anti-agriculture policies of the British 
colonial government. You must be aware 
of farmers movements in Bardoli, 
Champaranya and movements against 
revenue collection. The farmers movements 
were inspired by the thoughts of Mahatma 
Phule, Justice Ranade and Mahatma 
Gandhi.
Due to some reforms in agriculture 
(tenancy laws, laws relating to tilting of 
the land etc) the farmers movement 
slowed down. After the Green Revolution, 
the farmers movement became more 
active and effective. Though Green 
Revolution aimed at increasing agricultural 
production and achieving self-sufficiency 
Collect the news in the newspapers 
about the movements such as 
Andhashraddha Nirmulan Movement, 
movement to stop the pollution of 
rivers, movement against female 
foeticide, Not in My Name, etc. 
Do this.
Birsa Munda
Discuss.
On which issues does the ‘Son of 
the soil’ movements in India insists?
Page 4


91
4. Social and Political Movements
Read out the news in a local newspaper.
labourers, businessmen, women, youth, 
and senior citizens. 
Why movements ?
All the people in the society cannot 
participate in political parties and 
contribute to social welfare. Some people 
focus on a particular issue and persue it. 
They organise people and try to pressurise 
the government to resolve that issue. They 
constantly follow up on the issue, build 
public opinion about it and thereby put a 
pressure on political parties and the 
government. This type of organised 
activity is called a movement. Organised 
activity is the essence of any movement. 
Such movements are very important 
in a democracy. Different social problems 
come under discussion through these 
movements. The government then has to 
pay attention to such problems. Leaders 
and activists of the movement provide 
necessary information about those issues 
to the government. This information is 
very useful for the government while 
making policies. 
Some movements aim at opposing a 
particular decision or policy of the 
government. The right to protest is 
considered an important right in 
democracy. However this right needs to 
be used patiently and responsibly. 
 In the above newspaper item different 
movements are included. Can you 
explain their meaning  ?
 This news deals with different subjects. 
Are movements related to only one 
issue ? 
 If different movements cooperate with 
each other will they be more effective ?
In the last chapter we got information 
about the national and regional parties. 
Political parties compete for political 
power. They win elections and try to 
resolve the problems of the common men. 
Political parties generally adopt a 
comprehensive perspective. They cannot 
concentrate on just one particular issue. 
From public cleanliness to space research, 
they have to take into consideration all 
matters from national perspective and 
take decisions. Political parties are 
expected to have a programme for the 
problems of all sections of the society. 
Political parties adopt policies taking into 
consideration the interests of all - farmers, 
Movement against child marriage 
has been successful to a great extent 
and the extent of child marriages have 
reduced by 50%. The workers in this 
movement worked very consciously. 
Workers from the movement 
against dowry also helped them. Now 
there is a need to start a drive against 
malnutrition, because poverty and 
malnutrition are two important 
problems to be taken on priority basis.
Which movements in India are 
actively working for rehabilitation of 
the displaced and to secure their 
livelihood  ?
Can you tell ?
92
What is a movement ?
 A Movement is a collective action. 
People’s active participation is expected 
in the movement.
 A Movement can be formed when 
people come together in the interest of a 
particular issue, for eg. Pollution can be 
a single issue for which a movement can 
be created.
 A movement has a particular social 
objective or a focussed problem. For eg. 
Movement against corruption aims at 
ending corruption.
 Movements have a leadership. 
Leadership keeps the movement active. 
Objectives of the movement, programme 
of action, strategy of agitation are decided 
by its leaders. A strong leadership makes 
movement effective.
 Movements have organisations. 
Discuss.
Generally the movements are 
devoted to one particular issue but 
have an ideology behind them. For 
example movements against child 
marriage, dowry believe in values of 
democracy, women empowerment 
and social equality. Sometimes some 
movements gradually get transformed 
into political parties.
Without an organisation, it becomes 
difficult to follow up the issues. For eg. 
Farmer’s organisation works for farmer’s 
movement.
 Any movement requires public 
support. People should feel connected to 
the issue that is undertaken by the 
movement. Movements have a programme 
of action which help them to shape public 
opinion.
Read the following dialogue and write a paragraph on it.
If the human rights 
movement becomes 
in??uential worldwide, there 
is no need for other 
movements.
But the problems in 
developing countries are of 
different nature. Different 
social, economic and cultural 
conditions may give rise to 
different movements.
Movements were 
supressed during the 
British period. But in 
democratic system 
existence of movements 
is an indicator of 
healthy democratic 
system.
It’s true. Otherwise 
we would not have 
said – ‘save girls’
We can get an 
experience of 
movement here itself. 
Can we start a 
movement to make the 
school surrounding 
safe for girls?
93
 Which movement in India led to the 
filing of Public Interest Litigation 
(PIL) and the Judiciary had to give 
a decision regarding PIL ?
 Name the movements started by 
Mahatma Gandhi, Mahatma Phule, 
Sant Gadge Maharaj, and  
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Can you find out ?
 Civic problems need not originate 
only in the social sphere. They can 
emerge from any section of the 
society. In India, especially in 
Maharashtra, many social reform 
movements were started and society 
started getting modernised. 
 Our struggle for independence was 
also a social movement. 
 The issues like protecting rights of 
the citizens, right to vote, minimum 
wages, and economic security are 
the focus of political and economic 
movements.   Swadeshi movement 
is an important economic movement.
Do you know ?
Important movements in India
Tribal movement : In the  
pre-independence period, the British 
government deprived tribal people of their 
right to livelihood on 
forest resources. 
There was a Tribal 
uprising in Kolam 
from Chota Nagpur, 
Gond from Orissa, 
Koli, Bhilla and 
Ramoshi from 
Maharashtra, Santhal 
and Munda from 
Bihar. The tribal struggle has continued 
since those years. Tribals in India face 
several problems. One major problem is 
that they are denied right over forests. 
The main demand of the tribal movement 
is to accept their right over forests. They 
should be allowed to collect products of 
forests and also should have a right to 
cultivate on forest land. 
Farmers movement in India : 
Farmers movement in India is an important 
movement. During the British period, 
farmers started getting organised due to  
anti-agriculture policies of the British 
colonial government. You must be aware 
of farmers movements in Bardoli, 
Champaranya and movements against 
revenue collection. The farmers movements 
were inspired by the thoughts of Mahatma 
Phule, Justice Ranade and Mahatma 
Gandhi.
Due to some reforms in agriculture 
(tenancy laws, laws relating to tilting of 
the land etc) the farmers movement 
slowed down. After the Green Revolution, 
the farmers movement became more 
active and effective. Though Green 
Revolution aimed at increasing agricultural 
production and achieving self-sufficiency 
Collect the news in the newspapers 
about the movements such as 
Andhashraddha Nirmulan Movement, 
movement to stop the pollution of 
rivers, movement against female 
foeticide, Not in My Name, etc. 
Do this.
Birsa Munda
Discuss.
On which issues does the ‘Son of 
the soil’ movements in India insists?
94
effectively. In 1960s and 1970s labour 
movement organised several agitations. 
But from 1980s labour movement started 
getting disintegrated. Globalisation has 
affected the labour movement to a great 
extent. 
In India, workers are facing different 
problems. Unstable employment conditions, 
contract labour, financial insecurity, 
absence of legal protection for workers, 
unlimited working hours, insecurity at the 
workplace, health hazards are some of 
the problems.  
Women’s movement : In the pre-
independence period, progressive men in 
India initiated the 
women’s movement. The 
women’s movement 
aimed at eliminating 
injustice against women 
and ending their 
exploitation, help them 
to lead a respectful life 
and participate actively 
in social life. 
Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, Raja 
Rammohan Roy, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, 
Savitribai Phule, Maharshee Dhondo 
Keshav Karve, Pandita Ramabai, Ramabai 
Ranade took initiative 
in ending the practice 
of Sati and child 
marriages. Reforms 
such as widow 
remarriage, women 
education and right to 
vote to women were 
possible due to the 
work of these reformists. After 
independence, the Constitution gave equal 
rights to women in all fields.  In spite of 
this women were not treated equally in 
several fields. During this period women’s 
Savitribai Phule
Name the policies started by the 
government for the welfare of farmers 
and landless labourers.
Do this.
Labour Movement : Labour 
movement in India emerged in the 
background of industrialisation. Textile 
industry, railway companies were 
established in India in the latter half of 
the nineteenth century. In 1899 railway 
workers went on strike for their demands. 
However, the first organisation for 
resolving the issues of workers was 
established in 1920. This organisation is 
known as All India Trade Union Congress. 
In the post-independence period labour 
movement started working more 
in food grains, it did not benefit the poor 
farmers. The farmers were now divided 
into rich farmers and poor farmers. 
Dissatisfaction among the poor farmers 
led to the beginning of farmer’s movement. 
Appropriate price for agricultural 
products, agriculture to be treated as an 
industry, implementation of the 
recommendations of the Swaminathan 
Commission, debt relief, debt cancellation, 
national policy for agriculture are some 
of the demands of the farmers movement. 
Shetkari Sanghatana, Bharatiya Kisan 
Union, All India Kisan Sabha are some 
of the important farmers organisations in 
India. 
Ramabai Ranade
Collect the information about acts 
related to workers passed in post 
independence times with the help of 
internet.
Do this.
Page 5


91
4. Social and Political Movements
Read out the news in a local newspaper.
labourers, businessmen, women, youth, 
and senior citizens. 
Why movements ?
All the people in the society cannot 
participate in political parties and 
contribute to social welfare. Some people 
focus on a particular issue and persue it. 
They organise people and try to pressurise 
the government to resolve that issue. They 
constantly follow up on the issue, build 
public opinion about it and thereby put a 
pressure on political parties and the 
government. This type of organised 
activity is called a movement. Organised 
activity is the essence of any movement. 
Such movements are very important 
in a democracy. Different social problems 
come under discussion through these 
movements. The government then has to 
pay attention to such problems. Leaders 
and activists of the movement provide 
necessary information about those issues 
to the government. This information is 
very useful for the government while 
making policies. 
Some movements aim at opposing a 
particular decision or policy of the 
government. The right to protest is 
considered an important right in 
democracy. However this right needs to 
be used patiently and responsibly. 
 In the above newspaper item different 
movements are included. Can you 
explain their meaning  ?
 This news deals with different subjects. 
Are movements related to only one 
issue ? 
 If different movements cooperate with 
each other will they be more effective ?
In the last chapter we got information 
about the national and regional parties. 
Political parties compete for political 
power. They win elections and try to 
resolve the problems of the common men. 
Political parties generally adopt a 
comprehensive perspective. They cannot 
concentrate on just one particular issue. 
From public cleanliness to space research, 
they have to take into consideration all 
matters from national perspective and 
take decisions. Political parties are 
expected to have a programme for the 
problems of all sections of the society. 
Political parties adopt policies taking into 
consideration the interests of all - farmers, 
Movement against child marriage 
has been successful to a great extent 
and the extent of child marriages have 
reduced by 50%. The workers in this 
movement worked very consciously. 
Workers from the movement 
against dowry also helped them. Now 
there is a need to start a drive against 
malnutrition, because poverty and 
malnutrition are two important 
problems to be taken on priority basis.
Which movements in India are 
actively working for rehabilitation of 
the displaced and to secure their 
livelihood  ?
Can you tell ?
92
What is a movement ?
 A Movement is a collective action. 
People’s active participation is expected 
in the movement.
 A Movement can be formed when 
people come together in the interest of a 
particular issue, for eg. Pollution can be 
a single issue for which a movement can 
be created.
 A movement has a particular social 
objective or a focussed problem. For eg. 
Movement against corruption aims at 
ending corruption.
 Movements have a leadership. 
Leadership keeps the movement active. 
Objectives of the movement, programme 
of action, strategy of agitation are decided 
by its leaders. A strong leadership makes 
movement effective.
 Movements have organisations. 
Discuss.
Generally the movements are 
devoted to one particular issue but 
have an ideology behind them. For 
example movements against child 
marriage, dowry believe in values of 
democracy, women empowerment 
and social equality. Sometimes some 
movements gradually get transformed 
into political parties.
Without an organisation, it becomes 
difficult to follow up the issues. For eg. 
Farmer’s organisation works for farmer’s 
movement.
 Any movement requires public 
support. People should feel connected to 
the issue that is undertaken by the 
movement. Movements have a programme 
of action which help them to shape public 
opinion.
Read the following dialogue and write a paragraph on it.
If the human rights 
movement becomes 
in??uential worldwide, there 
is no need for other 
movements.
But the problems in 
developing countries are of 
different nature. Different 
social, economic and cultural 
conditions may give rise to 
different movements.
Movements were 
supressed during the 
British period. But in 
democratic system 
existence of movements 
is an indicator of 
healthy democratic 
system.
It’s true. Otherwise 
we would not have 
said – ‘save girls’
We can get an 
experience of 
movement here itself. 
Can we start a 
movement to make the 
school surrounding 
safe for girls?
93
 Which movement in India led to the 
filing of Public Interest Litigation 
(PIL) and the Judiciary had to give 
a decision regarding PIL ?
 Name the movements started by 
Mahatma Gandhi, Mahatma Phule, 
Sant Gadge Maharaj, and  
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Can you find out ?
 Civic problems need not originate 
only in the social sphere. They can 
emerge from any section of the 
society. In India, especially in 
Maharashtra, many social reform 
movements were started and society 
started getting modernised. 
 Our struggle for independence was 
also a social movement. 
 The issues like protecting rights of 
the citizens, right to vote, minimum 
wages, and economic security are 
the focus of political and economic 
movements.   Swadeshi movement 
is an important economic movement.
Do you know ?
Important movements in India
Tribal movement : In the  
pre-independence period, the British 
government deprived tribal people of their 
right to livelihood on 
forest resources. 
There was a Tribal 
uprising in Kolam 
from Chota Nagpur, 
Gond from Orissa, 
Koli, Bhilla and 
Ramoshi from 
Maharashtra, Santhal 
and Munda from 
Bihar. The tribal struggle has continued 
since those years. Tribals in India face 
several problems. One major problem is 
that they are denied right over forests. 
The main demand of the tribal movement 
is to accept their right over forests. They 
should be allowed to collect products of 
forests and also should have a right to 
cultivate on forest land. 
Farmers movement in India : 
Farmers movement in India is an important 
movement. During the British period, 
farmers started getting organised due to  
anti-agriculture policies of the British 
colonial government. You must be aware 
of farmers movements in Bardoli, 
Champaranya and movements against 
revenue collection. The farmers movements 
were inspired by the thoughts of Mahatma 
Phule, Justice Ranade and Mahatma 
Gandhi.
Due to some reforms in agriculture 
(tenancy laws, laws relating to tilting of 
the land etc) the farmers movement 
slowed down. After the Green Revolution, 
the farmers movement became more 
active and effective. Though Green 
Revolution aimed at increasing agricultural 
production and achieving self-sufficiency 
Collect the news in the newspapers 
about the movements such as 
Andhashraddha Nirmulan Movement, 
movement to stop the pollution of 
rivers, movement against female 
foeticide, Not in My Name, etc. 
Do this.
Birsa Munda
Discuss.
On which issues does the ‘Son of 
the soil’ movements in India insists?
94
effectively. In 1960s and 1970s labour 
movement organised several agitations. 
But from 1980s labour movement started 
getting disintegrated. Globalisation has 
affected the labour movement to a great 
extent. 
In India, workers are facing different 
problems. Unstable employment conditions, 
contract labour, financial insecurity, 
absence of legal protection for workers, 
unlimited working hours, insecurity at the 
workplace, health hazards are some of 
the problems.  
Women’s movement : In the pre-
independence period, progressive men in 
India initiated the 
women’s movement. The 
women’s movement 
aimed at eliminating 
injustice against women 
and ending their 
exploitation, help them 
to lead a respectful life 
and participate actively 
in social life. 
Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, Raja 
Rammohan Roy, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, 
Savitribai Phule, Maharshee Dhondo 
Keshav Karve, Pandita Ramabai, Ramabai 
Ranade took initiative 
in ending the practice 
of Sati and child 
marriages. Reforms 
such as widow 
remarriage, women 
education and right to 
vote to women were 
possible due to the 
work of these reformists. After 
independence, the Constitution gave equal 
rights to women in all fields.  In spite of 
this women were not treated equally in 
several fields. During this period women’s 
Savitribai Phule
Name the policies started by the 
government for the welfare of farmers 
and landless labourers.
Do this.
Labour Movement : Labour 
movement in India emerged in the 
background of industrialisation. Textile 
industry, railway companies were 
established in India in the latter half of 
the nineteenth century. In 1899 railway 
workers went on strike for their demands. 
However, the first organisation for 
resolving the issues of workers was 
established in 1920. This organisation is 
known as All India Trade Union Congress. 
In the post-independence period labour 
movement started working more 
in food grains, it did not benefit the poor 
farmers. The farmers were now divided 
into rich farmers and poor farmers. 
Dissatisfaction among the poor farmers 
led to the beginning of farmer’s movement. 
Appropriate price for agricultural 
products, agriculture to be treated as an 
industry, implementation of the 
recommendations of the Swaminathan 
Commission, debt relief, debt cancellation, 
national policy for agriculture are some 
of the demands of the farmers movement. 
Shetkari Sanghatana, Bharatiya Kisan 
Union, All India Kisan Sabha are some 
of the important farmers organisations in 
India. 
Ramabai Ranade
Collect the information about acts 
related to workers passed in post 
independence times with the help of 
internet.
Do this.
95
Dr Rajendra Singh also known as 
‘Waterman of India’ has brought 
Water revolution in Rajasthan.  He 
became famous because of building 
thousands of 
‘Johad’ in 
Rajasthan. He 
revived rivers 
in the desert of 
Rajasthan. He 
formed an 
organisation – 
‘Tarun Bharat 
Sangh’ which 
worked for 
building eleven thousand Johad in 
hundreds of villages. All over India 
he started a campaign for water 
conservation, revival of rivers, forest 
conservation, and wild life 
conservation. His social movement 
is active for last 31 years. He won 
the Stockholm Water Prize, an award 
known as the ‘Nobel Prize for 
water’. 
movement aimed at freedom of women. 
The movement demanded that the women 
should be treated as human beings. 
In the latter period, women participated 
to a great extent in the movements against 
corruption, caste discrimination and 
religious extremism which made them 
aware of injustice against their own 
selves. Women started taking initiative in 
Organising against injustice. In India 
women’s movement is not homogeneous 
in nature. However women’s movements 
at various levels are taking up the issues 
like women’s health, social security, 
financial independence, and empowerment. 
Today women’s movement face the 
challenge of equal education for women 
and giving women a status and prestige 
as human beings. 
Environment movements : We are 
aware that environmental degradation is 
a serious problem at national and 
international level. At the international 
level several movements are working to 
stop the deterioration of the environment. 
We see a significant international 
cooperation in this field. 
In India many movements are working 
on differenet aspects of enviornment. The 
environment movements are taking up 
issues like protection of bio-diversity, 
protecting different 
sources of water, 
protection of forests, 
green belt, pollution 
of rivers, use of 
chemicals and their 
ill effects etc. 
Consumer movement : Consumer 
movement emerged in India after the 
Consumer Protection Act came into 
existence in 1986.  This movement has a 
broad objective. The movement believes 
that each member of the society is a 
consumer. Due to the changing nature of 
social and economic system consumers 
face different problems. Adulteration, 
increased cost of items, frauds in weight 
Environment Security
Dr Rajendra Singh