IN BOMBAY PROVINCE

Peasant movements in the Bombay Province (present-day Maharashtra, Gujarat, and parts of Karnataka) have been significant in the history of agrarian struggles in India.

Deccan Riots (1875-1876)

The Deccan Riots, also known as the Deccan Agricultural Riots or the Deccan Riots of 1875-1876, were a series of widespread peasant uprisings that occurred in the Bombay Presidency, particularly in the Deccan region of Maharashtra, India. These riots were one of the major agrarian movements during the late 19th century in colonial India.

Background:

During the British colonial rule, the agricultural policies in India were designed to maximize revenue extraction from the land, often at the expense of the peasantry. In the Deccan region, which was predominantly agrarian, the British administration imposed heavy land revenue assessments, increased taxation, and introduced oppressive measures that exacerbated the economic burden on the peasants.

Causes:

1. Land Revenue Assessment: The British administration introduced new land revenue assessment systems that imposed heavier burdens on the peasant communities. These assessments often led to arbitrary and exorbitant tax demands, plunging many peasants into debt and poverty.
2. Economic Distress: Peasants faced economic hardships due to declining agricultural productivity, indebtedness, and the imposition of unjust taxes. Many were unable to pay their taxes and faced severe consequences, including eviction and loss of land.
3. Social Injustice: The British administration favored the interests of landlords and moneylenders over the rights and welfare of the peasantry. The legal system was often biased against the peasants, making it difficult for them to seek redress for grievances.

Course of the Riots:

The Deccan Riots erupted in 1875 and continued into 1876, spreading across various districts in the Deccan region of Maharashtra. Peasants from diverse socio-economic backgrounds participated in the protests, united by their shared grievances against colonial exploitation.

The riots were characterized by acts of resistance such as refusal to pay taxes, non-cooperation with the colonial administration, and occasional violent clashes with the authorities. Peasant leaders emerged to organize and mobilize the rural masses, advocating for agrarian reforms and relief from oppressive taxation.

The British colonial authorities responded to the riots with repression, deploying police and military forces to quell the uprisings. Many peasant leaders were arrested, and severe punishments were meted out to those involved in the riots. Despite the suppression, the riots persisted, reflecting the deep-rooted discontent and resistance among the peasantry.

Consequences:

The Deccan Riots had significant consequences for the peasantry and the colonial administration:

1. Repression and Violence: The colonial authorities resorted to violence and repression to suppress the riots, resulting in casualties among the peasant population. Many peasant leaders were arrested, and several were executed or imprisoned.
2. Impact on Agricultural Policy: The riots drew attention to the plight of the peasantry and highlighted the failures of British agricultural policies. The colonial administration was compelled to reconsider its land revenue assessments and taxation policies in the Deccan region.
3. Legacy: The Deccan Riots left a lasting legacy in the history of agrarian struggles in India. They symbolized the resilience and resistance of the peasantry against colonial oppression and inspired subsequent movements for agrarian reform and social justice.

Overall, the Deccan Riots of 1875-1876 were a significant episode in the struggle of the peasantry against colonial exploitation in India, highlighting the inherent injustices of the colonial agrarian system and the determination of the rural masses to assert their rights and dignity.

Praja Mandal Movements

The Praja Mandal movements were a series of agrarian and political movements initiated by the peasants and tribal communities in the princely states of Gujarat and Maharashtra during the 1930s and 1940s. These movements aimed to challenge the oppressive feudal regimes prevailing in the princely states and demanded political representation, agrarian reforms, and social justice.

Background:

Before India gained independence from British rule in 1947, the Indian subcontinent was composed of numerous princely states that enjoyed varying degrees of autonomy under British suzerainty. These princely states were ruled by Maharajas, Nawabs, and other indigenous rulers, and many of them were characterized by feudal and authoritarian governance structures.

Causes:

1. Feudal Oppression: The princely states were often governed by feudal lords who wielded absolute power and subjected the peasant and tribal communities to exploitation and oppression.
2. Lack of Political Representation: The princely states lacked democratic institutions, and the peasantry and tribal communities had little or no representation in the governance structures. This lack of political representation exacerbated their socio-economic grievances.
3. Agrarian Distress: Peasants and tribal communities faced economic hardships due to exploitative land tenure systems, high taxes, and lack of access to resources. The agrarian distress fueled discontent and resentment against the feudal rulers.

Objectives:

The primary objectives of the Praja Mandal movements were:

• To challenge the feudal authority of the princely rulers and demand democratic reforms.
• To demand political representation for the peasantry and tribal communities in the princely states.
• To advocate for agrarian reforms, including land redistribution, tenancy rights, and relief from oppressive taxation.

Course of the Movements:

The Praja Mandal movements gained momentum in the 1930s and 1940s, with peasants, tribal leaders, and progressive intellectuals coming together to organize and mobilize the rural masses. Various Praja Mandals (People’s Councils) were formed across different princely states to coordinate the activities of the movement.

The movements involved a range of tactics, including mass rallies, demonstrations, strikes, civil disobedience, and petitions to the princely rulers. Peasant leaders and activists like Ravishankar Maharaj, Jivraj Mehta, and others played crucial roles in organizing and leading the movements.

The movements faced repression from the feudal authorities, who were reluctant to cede power and privilege. Peasant leaders and activists were often arrested, and many faced persecution and imprisonment for their involvement in the movements.

Consequences:

The Praja Mandal movements had significant consequences for the princely states and the broader Indian independence movement:

1. Political Reforms: The movements exerted pressure on the princely rulers to introduce political reforms and grant limited democratic rights to the people. Some princely states established legislative assemblies and granted limited representation to the peasantry and tribal communities.
2. Integration into Independent India: The movements laid the groundwork for the integration of the princely states into independent India after 1947. Many princely states acceded to the Indian Union, and the movements contributed to the broader process of nation-building and democratization in post-independence India.
3. Legacy: The Praja Mandal movements left a lasting legacy in the history of agrarian struggles and democratic movements in India. They symbolized the aspirations of the rural masses for social justice, political empowerment, and economic emancipation, and inspired subsequent movements for agrarian reform and democratization in independent India.

Bardoli Satyagraha (1928)

The Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928 was a significant nonviolent resistance movement led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the Bardoli taluka (administrative division) of Gujarat, India. It was one of the most successful and celebrated instances of nonviolent protest during India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. The Bardoli Satyagraha was a response to the oppressive tax policies imposed by the British authorities on the peasants of Bardoli.

Background:

During the colonial period, the British administration in India imposed various taxes and levies on land, agriculture, and other economic activities to generate revenue for the colonial government. In Bardoli, a region primarily dependent on agriculture, the British authorities implemented a substantial increase in land revenue taxes, known as the “chavuth” (a tax on the harvest).

Causes:

1. Increased Land Revenue Taxes: The British authorities imposed a significant increase in land revenue taxes in Bardoli, exacerbating the economic burden on the peasant community already struggling due to poor agricultural conditions and economic hardships.
2. Economic Distress: The peasants of Bardoli faced economic distress due to low agricultural yields, indebtedness, and the imposition of unjust taxes. The increased taxes threatened their livelihoods and pushed many into further poverty and destitution.
3. Oppressive British Rule: The arbitrary and oppressive policies of the British colonial administration, coupled with the lack of representation and recourse for grievances, fueled resentment and discontent among the peasant community.

Course of the Satyagraha:

The Bardoli Satyagraha began in February 1928, following the announcement of the increased land revenue taxes by the British authorities. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who later became known as the “Iron Man of India,” emerged as the leader of the movement, rallying the peasants of Bardoli to resist the unjust tax hike through nonviolent means.

The satyagrahis (participants in the satyagraha) refused to pay the increased taxes and adopted a strategy of nonviolent non-cooperation with the British authorities. They organized peaceful protests, demonstrations, and public meetings to mobilize support for the movement.

Sardar Patel and other leaders traveled across Bardoli and neighboring villages, spreading the message of resistance and unity among the peasants. Despite facing threats, intimidation, and arrests by the colonial authorities, the satyagrahis remained steadfast in their commitment to nonviolent resistance.

Consequences:

1. Withdrawal of the Tax Hike: The Bardoli Satyagraha attracted widespread attention and support across India and internationally. The resilience and nonviolent resistance of the peasants compelled the British authorities to reconsider their decision. After several months of negotiation and public pressure, the British government agreed to withdraw the increased land revenue taxes in Bardoli.
2. Empowerment of Peasants: The success of the Bardoli Satyagraha empowered the peasant community and demonstrated the efficacy of nonviolent protest as a tool for social and political change. It inspired confidence among the Indian masses and strengthened the resolve of the independence movement.
3. Role of Sardar Patel: The Bardoli Satyagraha elevated Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to national prominence as a leader of the Indian National Congress and a key figure in the struggle for independence. His leadership and organizational skills during the satyagraha earned him the title of “Sardar” (leader).

The Bardoli Satyagraha remains a landmark event in India’s struggle for independence, symbolizing the power of nonviolent resistance and the collective strength of the oppressed against injustice and tyranny. It continues to inspire movements for social justice and civil disobedience worldwide.

Navnirman Movement (1974)

The Navnirman Movement, also known as the Navnirman Andolan, was a socio-political uprising that took place in Gujarat, India, in 1974. It was a mass movement driven primarily by students and youth activists but with significant support from various sections of society, including peasants, workers, and professionals. The movement aimed to challenge widespread corruption, inflation, and mismanagement by the government and demanded systemic reforms and accountability.

Background:

In the early 1970s, India was grappling with economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment, and corruption. The state of Gujarat was particularly affected by these issues, exacerbated by mismanagement and alleged corruption by the government led by Chief Minister Chimanbhai Patel.

Causes:

1. Corruption and Mismanagement: The government in Gujarat was perceived as corrupt and inefficient, with allegations of nepotism, bribery, and maladministration.
2. Inflation and Economic Hardships: The soaring prices of essential commodities, coupled with stagnant wages and unemployment, led to widespread economic distress among the masses.
3. Youth Discontent: The youth, particularly students and young professionals, were disillusioned with the prevailing socio-political conditions and sought to challenge the status quo through activism and protest.

Objectives:

The primary objectives of the Navnirman Movement were:

• To eradicate corruption and maladministration in the government.
• To address economic grievances, including inflation and unemployment.
• To demand accountability and transparency from the political leadership.

Course of the Movement:

The Navnirman Movement began in December 1973 with student protests against a sudden increase in hostel food fees at the L.D. College of Engineering in Ahmedabad. The protests quickly spread to other colleges and universities across Gujarat, garnering support from students, youth activists, and various sections of society.

The movement gained momentum in early 1974, with mass demonstrations, rallies, and strikes organized in major cities and towns across Gujarat. The protesters adopted nonviolent means of protest, including sit-ins, marches, and boycotts, to express their discontent and demand reforms.

The movement attracted widespread media attention and public sympathy, with its message resonating with the broader population disillusioned with the government’s performance. The demands for systemic change and accountability became increasingly vocal and explicit as the movement progressed.

Consequences:

1. Resignation of Government: In February 1974, facing mounting pressure from the Navnirman Movement and growing public unrest, Chief Minister Chimanbhai Patel’s government resigned. The movement achieved its immediate objective of ousting the perceived corrupt government from power.
2. Political Reforms: The Navnirman Movement laid the groundwork for political reforms in Gujarat, leading to the emergence of new political forces and the reconfiguration of power dynamics in the state. It paved the way for subsequent electoral changes and the rise of alternative political parties.
3. Impact on National Politics: The success of the Navnirman Movement inspired similar movements and protests across India, contributing to a broader wave of anti-establishment sentiment and activism in the country. It also influenced the national political discourse, particularly regarding issues of corruption and governance.

The Navnirman Movement remains a significant chapter in the history of grassroots activism and political mobilization in India. It demonstrated the power of collective action and civil disobedience in challenging entrenched power structures and demanding accountability from the government.