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

Opposition to Land Tax Settlement in Bilaspur

1. Background of Land Tax Discontent (Since 1905)

   • The people of Bilaspur had long been discontent with the unfair land tax settlement, which began as early as 1905.
   • Compared to British-ruled districts like Hoshiarpur and Kangra, Bilaspur was subjected to higher land taxes.

2. Land Settlement Campaign (1930)

   • In 1930, a land settlement campaign was launched, sparking further opposition.
   • The people of "Bhadarpur courtyard" refused to provide wood to government employees, reflecting their growing resistance to the oppressive tax system and the mistreatment by state employees.

3. Ascension of Raja Anand Chand (9 January 1933)

   • When Raja Anand Chand ascended the throne in 1933, there was hope for reform, but the Raja adopted a dual approach of repression and reform.
   • Educated individuals in Bilaspur formed organizations like the Seva Samiti and the Sanatan Dharma Sabha aimed at social and religious reforms.

4. Formation of Bilaspur Rajya Praja Mandal (1945)

   • After the Udaipur session in 1945, Daulat Ram Sankhyan, Narottam Das Shastri, and Devi Ram Upadhaya founded the Bilaspur Rajya Praja Mandal to fight for the rights of the people.

5. Satyagraha and Swadhin Kehlur Dal

   • On 21 December 1946, a Satyagraha movement was initiated by the people of Bilaspur to protest against the oppressive rule.
   • In response, Raja Anand Chand formed the Swadhin Kehlur Dal, an army aimed at maintaining the independence of Bilaspur from external forces.

6. Merger with Himachal Pradesh (1 July 1954)

   • Eventually, after years of struggle, Bilaspur State was merged into Himachal Pradesh on 1 July 1954, bringing an end to its separate identity and integrating it into the larger Himachal Pradesh state.