Which one of the following statements is notcorrect regarding the Eka ...
- The Eka Movement is a peasant movement that started in Lucknow, and soon spread to Hardoi, Unnao, and Sitapur districts and became a strong force. The initial thrust was provided by Congress and Khilafat leaders and the movement grew under the name of the Eka or unity movement. The main grievances here related to the extraction of a rent that was generally fifty percent higher than the recorded rent, the oppression of thekedars to whom the work of rent- collection was farmed out and the practice of share-rents.
- The Eka meetings were marked by a religious ritual in which a hole that represented the river Ganges was dug in the ground and filled with water, a priest was brought in to preside and the assembled peasants owed that they would pay only the recorded rent but pay it on time, would not leave when ejected, would refuse to do forced labour, would give no help to criminals and abide by the panchayat decisions.
- The Eka Movement, however, soon developed its own grassroots leadership in the form of Madari Pasi and other low-caste leaders who were no particularly inclined to accept the discipline of non- violence that the Congress and Khilafat leaders urged.
- As a result, the movement’s contact with the nationalists diminished and it went its own way. However, unlike the earlier Kisan Sabha a movement that was based almost solely on tenants, the Eka Movement included in its ranks many small zamindars who found themselves disenchanted with the Government because of its heavy land revenue demand. Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.
- By March 1922, however, severe repression on the part of the authorities succeeded in bringing the Eka Movement to its end.
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Which one of the following statements is notcorrect regarding the Eka ...
The correct answer is option D. The Eka movement or unity peasant movement in the 1920s did not exclude zamindars from its ranks.
Explanation:
The Eka movement or unity peasant movement in the 1920s was a significant peasant movement that emerged in Gujarat, India. It was characterized by the collective efforts of the peasants to address their grievances and fight for their rights. While options A, B, and C accurately describe various aspects of the Eka movement, option D is incorrect.
1. Low-caste leaders and non-violence:
The Eka movement was indeed led by low-caste leaders who were inclined to accept the discipline of non-violence. The leaders of the movement, such as Vallabhbhai Patel and Mohanlal Pandya, belonged to the low-caste communities and advocated for non-violent means of protest and resistance.
2. Grievances related to high rent:
One of the main grievances of the Eka movement was indeed related to the extraction of high rent by the landowners and the unjust practices of the moneylenders. The peasants faced exploitation and oppression due to the exorbitant rent demands, which led to their impoverishment and indebtedness.
3. Religious rituals in Eka meetings:
The Eka meetings were characterized by religious rituals. The movement drew inspiration from the religious and spiritual traditions of the peasants and incorporated rituals and symbols into their gatherings. These rituals served to create a sense of unity, solidarity, and shared purpose among the participants.
4. Zamindars' inclusion in the Eka movement:
Contrary to option D, the Eka movement did not exclude zamindars from its ranks. The movement aimed to unite all sections of the peasantry, including both small peasants and rich peasants or zamindars. The unity among different classes of peasants was seen as crucial to challenging the oppressive system and achieving their common goals.
In conclusion, option D is not correct because the Eka movement did not exclude zamindars from its ranks. The movement was characterized by the inclusion of different classes of peasants and aimed to bring unity among them to address their grievances.