The Kheda Satyagraha was a significant nonviolent resistance movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in the Kheda district of Gujarat, India, in 1918. It was a protest against the oppressive policies of the British colonial government, particularly the levying of high land taxes on peasants affected by crop failure. The Kheda Satyagraha exemplified Gandhi’s principles of Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) and brought attention to the plight of farmers facing economic hardship.
- Background and Causes of the Satyagraha:
- The Kheda district, located in Gujarat, was primarily an agricultural region where farmers depended on rainfall for their crops. In 1918, the region experienced a severe drought, leading to crop failure and widespread economic distress among farmers.
- Despite the crop failure, the British colonial government refused to waive or reduce land taxes, which were levied on the basis of anticipated harvest rather than actual yield. This policy imposed a heavy burden on the farmers, who were unable to pay their taxes due to the failure of their crops.
- Formation of the Satyagraha:
- In response to the unjust policies of the British government, the farmers of Kheda district organized themselves under the leadership of local leaders and activists, including Vallabhbhai Patel, Narhari Parikh, and Indulal Yagnik.
- Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha, the farmers decided to launch a nonviolent resistance movement to demand relief from the oppressive land tax.
- Role of Mahatma Gandhi:
- Mahatma Gandhi, who had returned to India from South Africa in 1915, supported the farmers’ cause and decided to lead the Kheda Satyagraha.
- Gandhi emphasized the importance of nonviolent resistance and urged the farmers to maintain unity, discipline, and nonviolence throughout the Satyagraha.
- Satyagraha Tactics:
- The Kheda Satyagraha adopted various nonviolent tactics, including protests, strikes, and non-cooperation with the British authorities.
- The farmers refused to pay their taxes and organized marches and demonstrations to demand relief from the government.
- Negotiations and Settlement:
- The British colonial government initially refused to accede to the farmers’ demands and resorted to repressive measures to suppress the Satyagraha.
- However, faced with growing public pressure and the determination of the farmers, the government eventually relented and agreed to suspend the collection of land taxes in Kheda district for the year.
- Legacy and Impact:
- The Kheda Satyagraha was a significant victory for the farmers of Kheda district and demonstrated the effectiveness of nonviolent resistance in confronting injustice.
- The Satyagraha also solidified Mahatma Gandhi’s reputation as a leader of India’s nationalist movement and as a champion of social justice and nonviolence.
- The success of the Kheda Satyagraha inspired similar movements across India and laid the groundwork for future struggles against colonial rule and social injustice.
The Kheda Satyagraha of 1918 remains a landmark event in India’s freedom struggle and a testament to the power of nonviolent resistance in confronting oppression and injustice. It showcased the unity, courage, and resilience of ordinary Indians in their quest for freedom and justice.
