The peasants’ movement in Awadh was led by Baba Ramchandra. He was a sanyasi who had earlier worked in Fiji as an indentured labourer.The peasants were against the high rents and may other cess which were demanded by talukdars and landlords. The peasants demanded reduction of revenue, abolition of begar, and social boycott of oppressive landlords.

Major Problems Faced by the Peasants of Awadh in the Days of Non-Cooperation Movement

The non-cooperation movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, aimed to resist British rule in India through peaceful means. The movement gained significant support from the peasants of Awadh, a region in northern India. However, the peasants faced several major problems during this time:

1. Economic Exploitation:
- The peasants of Awadh were subjected to extreme economic exploitation by the British colonial administration and local landlords.
- They were burdened with heavy taxes, exorbitant rents, and unfair revenue demands.
- The system of taluqdari, where the landlords held large estates and extracted high rents from the peasants, further exacerbated their economic hardships.

2. Indigo Cultivation:
- Indigo cultivation, which was imposed on the peasants by the British, led to immense suffering for the farming community.
- The peasants were forced to cultivate indigo on a large scale, often at the expense of their own food crops.
- The indigo planters paid meager wages and imposed harsh working conditions, leaving the peasants impoverished and exploited.

3. Lack of Land Rights:
- The peasants in Awadh had limited land rights and were often at the mercy of the landlords.
- They faced eviction and displacement without any legal recourse.
- The lack of secure land tenure made it difficult for the peasants to invest in agricultural improvements or plan for the future.

4. Declining Agricultural Productivity:
- The introduction of cash crops and the emphasis on indigo cultivation led to a decline in agricultural productivity.
- The peasants were forced to shift from food crops to cash crops, which resulted in a shortage of food for their own consumption.
- This further exacerbated their poverty and made them vulnerable to famines and economic downturns.

5. Repressive British Policies:
- The British colonial administration implemented repressive policies that worked against the interests of the peasants.
- The British land revenue system, which heavily favored the landlords and the colonial administration, further marginalized the peasants.
- The peasants had limited access to education, healthcare, and other essential services, perpetuating their socio-economic backwardness.

6. Lack of Political Representation:
- The peasants of Awadh had no political representation or voice in the decision-making process.
- They were excluded from participating in governance and had little say in matters that directly affected their lives.
- This lack of representation further marginalized the peasants and made it difficult for them to address their grievances.

In conclusion, the peasants of Awadh faced numerous challenges during the non-cooperation movement. They were economically exploited, suffered from lack of land rights and declining agricultural productivity, and faced repressive British policies. The movement served as a platform for them to voice their grievances and fight for their rights.