Peasant Movements (1857 - 1947) | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year PDF Download

Agrarian Discontent in Colonial India

The impoverishment of the Indian peasantry stemmed from the profound transformation of the agrarian structure, influenced by colonial economic policies, the demise of handicrafts leading to land overcrowding, the introduction of a new land revenue system, and the colonial administrative and judicial framework. Peasants in zamindari areas faced a multitude of challenges, including exorbitant rents, illegal levies, arbitrary evictions, and forced labor. In Ryotwari areas, the government imposed heavy land taxes, further burdening the peasantry.

Exploitation and Economic Hardships

Driven by the fear of losing their sole source of income, overburdened farmers often turned to local moneylenders, who, capitalizing on their predicament, imposed exorbitant interest rates. 

• In many cases, farmers were compelled to mortgage their lands and cattle, with the risk of these assets being seized by the moneylenders. The status of actual cultivators deteriorated, with many reduced to tenants-at-will, sharecroppers, or landless laborers.
• Peasant resistance against exploitation became a recurrent theme, and it became evident that the true adversary was the colonial state. Desperate under intolerable conditions, some peasants resorted to criminal activities such as robbery, dacoity, and social banditry.

Indigo Revolt (1859 - 1860): A Peasant Uprising

In Bengal, European indigo planters exploited local peasants, compelling them to cultivate indigo instead of more lucrative crops. Peasants were subjected to unfair contracts, kidnappings, floggings, attacks on women and children, and property destruction by planters. In 1859, the enraged peasants, led by figures like Digambar Biswas and Bishnu Biswas, refused to grow indigo under duress. The Bengali intelligentsia played a crucial role in supporting the peasants' cause, leading to the government's intervention and the eventual decline of indigo cultivation in Bengal by 1860.

Pabna Agrarian League (1878 - 1880): Rising Against Zamindari Oppression

During the 1870s and 1880s, Eastern Bengal experienced agrarian unrest due to oppressive practices by zamindars. Rising rents, prevention of tenant occupancy rights, forcible evictions, and legal battles disadvantageous to poor peasants fueled discontent. In response, peasants in Yusufshahi Pargana formed the Pabna Agrarian League, challenging zamindars' demands. The movement, persisting until 1885, achieved resolutions through official persuasion and the fear instilled in zamindars. The Bengal Tenancy Act of 1885 was enacted to protect tenants from zamindari oppression.

Deccan Riots (1867): Ryotwari System Struggles

The Ryotwari system imposed heavy taxes on ryots in the Deccan region, intensifying the exploitative relationship with moneylenders, mainly outsiders such as Marwaris and Gujaratis. Economic downturns, increased land revenue in 1867, and poor harvests exacerbated conflicts between moneylenders and peasants. In 1874, ryots organized a social boycott against "outsider" moneylenders, leading to the government's successful suppression of the movement. The Deccan Agriculturists Relief Act of 1879 aimed at conciliation.

Evolution of Peasant Movements Post 1857: A Shift in Focus

The period post-1857 witnessed a significant evolution in the nature of peasant movements in India. Peasants emerged as the driving force behind agrarian movements, direct advocates for their economic demands. The focus shifted to immediate adversaries, including foreign planters, indigenous zamindars, and moneylenders. Movements aimed at achieving specific and limited goals, resolving particular grievances, and asserting legal rights both within and outside the courts.

Kisan Sabha Movement (1857): A Unified Peasant Struggle

After the 1857 revolt, the Awadh taluqdars reclaimed their lands, strengthening their grip on the agrarian society. High rents, illegal levies, and unfavorable conditions during the First World War exacerbated the plight of UP peasants. United Provinces Kisan Sabha was established in 1918, and by June 1919, it had 450 branches. Though the movement faced repression and the passage of the Awadh Rent (Amendment) Act, it contributed to raising awareness and organizing peasants for their demands.

Eka Movement (1921): Peasant Unity and Economic Grievances

The Eka Movement, initiated in 1921 in Hardoi, Bahraich, and Sitapur, was initially aligned with Congress and the Khalifat movement. High rents, oppressive practices by thekedars, and share rent disputes fueled the movement. Peasants, through religious rituals and vows, declared their resistance against unjust practices. The movement, led by Madari Pasi, included dissatisfied small zamindars and continued until March 1922, facing severe repression.

Mappila Revolt (1921): Religious and Economic Resentments

The Mappila Revolt in the Malabar region involved Muslim tenants expressing resentment against Hindu landlords. The grievances included lack of tenure security, high rents, and oppressive exactions. The Mappila movement merged with the Khilafat agitation, and after the arrest of national leaders, local Mappila leaders took charge.

Bardoli Satyagraha (1926): Land Revenue Protest and Patel's Leadership

The Bardoli Satyagraha in 1926 protested against a 30% increase in land revenue. The movement, led by Vallabhbhai Patel, gained momentum, and the government's attempt to increase rent was deemed unjustified by the Bardoli Inquiry Committee. The peasants, refusing to pay the revised assessment, compelled the government to appoint an independent tribunal, leading to a resolution with only a 6.03% revenue increase.

Impact of Peasant Movements: Transforming Agrarian Structure

While these peasant revolts did not explicitly aim to oust British rule, they significantly heightened awareness among Indians. Peasants, realizing their legal rights, became primary actors in agrarian movements, fighting for their demands. The movements weakened the power of the landed class, contributing to the transformation of the agrarian structure. Peasants, compelled by exploitation and oppression, joined forces, paving the way for a cascade of uprisings across the country.

Conclusion: Peasant Unity and Nationalism

The undifferentiated nature of the peasantry and the all-encompassing anti-imperialist struggle enabled the Peasant Movement to unite all sections, including landless laborers, in an anti-feudal and anti-imperialist crusade. The infusion of nonviolent ideology provided strength to participating peasants and contributed to the rise of nationalism.