Kunihar Struggle | HPPSC HPAS Preparation - HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) PDF Download

Introduction

The Kunihar Struggle was an important movement in the fight for the rights of the people in the small princely state of Kunihar, which was spread over 7 square miles in the Shimla hilly region.

Early Opposition

• The first signs of discontent emerged in 1920 due to the indecent behavior of the Rana, Hardev Singh. The Rana responded by arresting and imprisoning the leaders of the movement.
• In 1928, when the leaders were released from jail, the people began to regroup, and the movement gained momentum once again.

Formation of Kunihar Praja Mandal (1939)

• In 1939, the Kunihar Praja Mandal was established in Shimla under the leadership of Babu Kanshi Ram and Gauri Shankar to fight for the rights of the people.
• On 13 June 1939, the Rana of Kunihar declared the Praja Mandal illegal.

Presentation of Demands

On 8 July 1939, the Kunihar Praja Mandal presented the following demands to the Rana:

1. Release of political workers imprisoned by the state.
2. 25% reduction in land tax to ease the burden on the people.
3. End government repression on the activities of Praja Mandal.
4. Formation of a reform committee to address the people's grievances.

Negotiations and Success

• The Rana of Kunihar decided to accept these demands, and on 9 July 1939, talks were initiated with prominent leaders, marking a significant step forward.
• Leaders and representatives from Dhami, Bhajji, Nalagarh, Mehlog, Baghal, and the General Secretary of the Himalayan Riyasti Praja Mandal also participated in these talks.