Peasant Movements & Agrarian Struggles

Exploring the deep-rooted grievances and resilient resistance of India's agrarian population against colonial exploitation.

Dive into History

Introduction & Summary

Peasant movements in colonial India were a vital component of the anti-colonial struggle, reflecting the deep-seated grievances of the agrarian population against exploitative colonial policies and indigenous feudal structures. These struggles, varying in intensity, ideology, and methods, not only challenged specific forms of oppression but also contributed significantly to the growing tide of nationalism.

Understanding these movements is crucial for appreciating the socio-economic dynamics of colonial rule and the multifaceted nature of India's fight for independence. The agrarian question remained central to Indian politics, shaping both the national movement and post-independence policies.

10.1.1: Nature and Causes of Peasant Unrest

Impact of Colonial Land Revenue Systems

  • Permanent Settlement (Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, parts of UP & Madras): Fixed revenue for state, but zamindars free to extract from tenants; heavy, rigid burden; "sunset clause" led to zamindari auctions.
  • Ryotwari System (Madras, Bombay, Assam, Coorg): Direct settlement with individual cultivators (ryots); excessive rates (45-55% initially), inflexible collection irrespective of crop failure; frequent revisions.
  • Mahalwari System (NW Provinces, Central India, Punjab): Settlement with village communities (mahals); common over-assessment; abuse of power by headmen (Lambardars).
  • Overall: Prioritized revenue maximization, leading to peasant impoverishment and land alienation.

Exploitation by Intermediaries

  • Rack-renting: Exorbitant rents by zamindars/landlords.
  • Illegal Cesses (Abwabs): Numerous illegal dues.
  • Usury: High-interest loans from moneylenders, leading to debt traps.
  • Land Alienation: Land transfer to moneylenders/merchants due to debt.
  • Forced Labour (Begar): Unpaid labor to landlords.

Commercialization of Agriculture

  • Forced Cultivation: Compelled to grow cash crops (indigo, cotton, opium) for market/export.
  • Market Vulnerability: Subject to international price volatility; profits siphoned off by intermediaries.
  • Food Insecurity: Shift from food crops sometimes exacerbated famines.

Impoverishment, Indebtedness & Famines

Cumulative effect of high taxes, exploitation, and risky commercialization led to widespread impoverishment. Chronic indebtedness. Colonial policies (food export, inadequate relief) worsened impact of droughts, leading to devastating famines (e.g., Bengal 1770, Orissa 1866, Great Famine 1876-78). Loss of traditional common property rights.

Forest Policies

Colonial forest laws (e.g., Indian Forest Act 1865, 1878) declared forests state property, restricting traditional rights of peasants and tribals to forest produce, grazing, and shifting cultivation, disrupting their livelihoods and economies.

10.1.2: Early Peasant Uprisings (Pre & Immediate Post-1857)

Sanyasi-Faqir (Bengal, Bihar, c. 1763-1800)

Displaced peasants, soldiers, zamindars joined Sanyasis/Faqirs. Causes: Famine of 1770, new land revenue. Leaders: Majnu Shah, Chirag Ali, Bhawani Pathak, Devi Chaudhurani. Guerilla tactics. Featured in Bankim Chandra's Anandamath.

Pagal Panthis (Bengal, c. 1825-1835)

Region: Mymensingh. Founder: Karam Shah; Leader: Tipu Shah. Religious-political movement among Hajong/Garo tribes for peasant rights against zamindars. Demanded rent reduction, abolition of cesses. Initially non-violent, later armed.

Faraizi Movement (Bengal, c. 1818-1850s)

Region: East Bengal. Founder: Haji Shariatullah; Leader: Dudu Miyan. Islamic revivalist movement with agrarian dimension. Proclaimed "land belonged to God," no right to tax. Organized peasants, sought parallel government.

Wahabi-linked revolts (e.g., Titu Mir, Bengal, c. 1831)

Leader: Mir Nithar Ali (Titu Mir). Region: Barasat. Organized Muslim peasants against Hindu zamindars (beard-tax) and British indigo planters. Constructed "Bansher Kella" (bamboo fort). Suppressed by British.

Moplah Uprisings (Malabar, recurrent 19th C)

Participants: Moplah (Muslim) tenants. Causes: Against Hindu Jenmi landlords (rack-renting, eviction) and British policies. Often took religious coloring. Precursors to the 1921 rebellion.

10.1.3: Peasant Movements in the Post-1857 Era

Indigo Revolt (Bengal, 1859-60)

Causes: Coercive indigo cultivation, "dadon" system. Methods: Refusal to grow, rent strikes, social boycott. Role of Intelligentsia: Harish Chandra Mukherji (Hindoo Patriot), Dinabandhu Mitra (Neel Darpan). Success: Indigo Commission found planters guilty, collapse of indigo in Bengal.

Pabna Agrarian Leagues (E. Bengal, 1870s-80s)

Causes: Against zamindari attempts to deny occupancy rights via illegal cesses, enhanced rents. Methods: Agrarian leagues, rent strikes, court cases. Slogan: "Ryots of Her Majesty alone." Outcome: Bengal Tenancy Act of 1885 provided some tenant protection.

Deccan Riots (Maharashtra, 1875)

Causes: Exploitation by moneylenders, fall in cotton prices (post-American Civil War), high revenue. Methods: Social boycott of moneylenders, attacks on property, burning debt bonds. Outcome: Deccan Agriculturists' Relief Act of 1879 provided debt relief.

Ramosi Peasant Force (Maharashtra, 1879)

Leader: Vasudev Balwant Phadke. Organized Ramosis (hill tribe) into armed group to fight British rule, establish Hindu Raj. Short-lived, relied on dacoity for funding. Early revolutionary armed resistance.

Punjab Peasant Movements (Late 19th C)

Causes: Growing land alienation due to indebtedness, threatening social stability and army recruitment. Outcome: Punjab Land Alienation Act of 1900 prohibited land transfer from peasants to non-peasant classes/moneylenders.

10.1.4: Peasant Movements in the 20th Century

Gandhian Peasant Movements

  • Champaran Satyagraha (1917, Bihar): Against tinkathia system (forced indigo). Gandhi's first satyagraha. Leaders: Rajkumar Shukla, Rajendra Prasad. Resulted in abolition of system.
  • Kheda Satyagraha (1918, Gujarat): Demanded revenue remission due to crop failure. Led by Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Remission for poorer peasants agreed.
  • Bardoli Satyagraha (1928, Gujarat): Against arbitrary revenue enhancement. Led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (earned 'Sardar' title). No-revenue campaign. Reduced enhancement recommended.
  • Nature: Popularized Satyagraha, integrated peasants into nationalist mainstream.

Kisan Sabha Movement

  • UP Kisan Sabha (1918): Founders: Gauri Shankar Mishra, Indra Narayan Dwivedi, Madan Mohan Malaviya. Baba Ramchandra organized Awadh peasants against taluqdars.
  • Andhra Provincial Ryots Association (1928): Leader: N.G. Ranga.
  • Bihar Provincial Kisan Sabha (BPKS, 1929): Leader: Swami Sahajanand Saraswati. Focused on zamindari, later agricultural laborers.
  • All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS, April 1936, Lucknow): First Pres: Swami Sahajanand Saraswati; First Gen Sec: N.G. Ranga. Advocated radical agrarian reforms (zamindari abolition, debt moratorium). Influenced Congress.

Eka Movement (Awadh, UP, 1921-22)

Region: Hardoi, Bahraich, Sitapur. Causes: High rents, oppression by thekadars, share-rents. Nature: Grassroots, tenants took vows of unity (Eka). Leaders: Madari Pasi. Militant. Suppressed by government.

Mappila (Moplah) Rebellion (Malabar, 1921)

Causes: Agrarian grievances (Moplah tenants vs. Hindu Jenmi landlords), intertwined with Khilafat & Non-Cooperation. Nature: Initially anti-landlord/anti-British. Took communal turn with attacks on Hindus/forced conversions. Brutally suppressed, isolated from national movement.

Peasant movements during Great Depression (1930s)

Catastrophic fall in agricultural prices. Demands: Rent reduction, debt relief. Widespread in UP, Bihar, Andhra, Punjab. Led by Kisan Sabhas, Congress Socialists. Increased radicalization.

Movements in Princely States

Dual exploitation (feudal rulers & British). Examples: Rajasthan (Bijolia, Shekhawati), Hyderabad (against Nizam, culminated in Telangana), Praja Mandal movements. Took up agrarian issues.

Bakasht Land Agitation (Bihar, late 1930s)

Bakasht lands: Lands "voluntarily" surrendered by tenants to zamindars during Depression, then claimed by zamindars. Led by Swami Sahajanand Saraswati (BPKS). Involved satyagraha, clashes. Achieved legislative relief.

Tebhaga Movement (Bengal, 1946-47)

Region: North Bengal. Participants: Sharecroppers (Bargadars). Demand: 2/3rd share of produce (instead of 1/2). Leadership: Bengal Provincial Kisan Sabha (Communist). Methods: Forcibly harvesting, "Nij Kholane Dhan Tolo." Brutal repression. Led to Bargadari Act, 1950.

Telangana Peasant Armed Struggle (Hyderabad, 1946-51)

Region: Telangana. Causes: Nizam's autocratic rule, feudal exploitation (Jagirdars, Deshmukhs, Doras), forced labor (vetti). Leadership: Communists, Andhra Mahasabha. Nature: Largest peasant guerrilla war. Established "liberated zones," redistributed land. Continued after independence. Influenced land reform policies.

Punnapra-Vayalar Uprising (Travancore, 1946)

Region: Alleppey. Causes: Autocratic Dewan (C.P. Ramaswamy Aiyar), "American Model" Travancore, worker/laborer exploitation. Leadership: Communist Party. Nature: Armed uprising. Brutally suppressed.

10.1.5: Nature, Methods, Significance, and Limitations

Nature & Ideologies

  • Early Movements: Spontaneous, localized, often religious/millenarian, direct targeting of oppressors.
  • Later Movements: More organized, formal leadership (Kisan Sabhas).
  • Ideological Influences:
    • Gandhian: Non-violent satyagraha, class harmony, specific grievances (Champaran, Kheda, Bardoli).
    • Left (Socialist/Communist): Radical structural changes (zamindari abolition), class struggle, sometimes armed (Telangana, Tebhaga).
    • Independent/Local: Maintained local character, influenced by broader ideologies.

Methods Used

  • Satyagraha & Non-Cooperation: No-rent, no-revenue, social boycott (Bardoli, Champaran).
  • Legal Battles: Petitions, court cases (Pabna).
  • Direct Action/Confrontation: Forcible harvesting (Tebhaga), demonstrations, destruction of debt bonds (Deccan).
  • Armed Resistance: Sanyasi-Faqir, Titu Mir, Telangana, Punnapra-Vayalar.
  • Formation of Peasant Unions/Sabhas.

Significance

  • Raised Peasant Consciousness & collective strength.
  • Influenced Nationalist Policies (Congress's agrarian programs: Karachi 1931, Faizpur 1936).
  • Weakened Feudalism.
  • Led to Agrarian Reforms (tenancy legislation, post-independence land reforms).
  • Integrated Peasantry into National Movement.
  • Drew attention to internal class contradictions.

Limitations

  • Often Localized (until AIKS).
  • Focused on Specific Grievances (except radical Left movements).
  • Class Divisions within Peasantry hindered unified action.
  • Communal Overtones sometimes emerged (e.g., Moplah 1921).
  • Brutal Suppression by colonial state.
  • Incomplete Impact on Policies (fundamental restructuring often delayed).

Summary Table: Major Peasant Movements

Movement Year(s) Region Key Leaders Main Causes/Demands Significance/Outcome
Sanyasi-Faqir Rebellion 1763-1800 Bengal, Bihar Majnu Shah, Chirag Ali, Devi Chaudhurani Famine, economic hardship, restrictions on Sanyasis Early anti-British armed resistance; inspired later nationalists.
Indigo Revolt 1859-60 Bengal Digambar & Bishnu Biswas; H.C. Mukherji Coercive indigo cultivation, dadon system Successful; Indigo Commission; end of indigo cultivation in Bengal.
Pabna Agrarian Leagues 1870s-1880s East Bengal Ishan Chandra Roy, Shambhu Pal Zamindari oppression, occupancy rights Legalistic; Bengal Tenancy Act, 1885.
Deccan Riots 1875 Maharashtra - (Spontaneous) Moneylender exploitation, debt burden Deccan Agriculturists' Relief Act, 1879.
Champaran Satyagraha 1917 Bihar Gandhiji, Rajkumar Shukla, Rajendra Prasad Tinkathia system (forced indigo) Successful; Tinkathia abolished; Gandhi's first major satyagraha.
Kheda Satyagraha 1918 Gujarat Gandhiji, Sardar Patel Revenue remission due to crop failure Successful; revenue remitted for poorer peasants.
Moplah Rebellion 1921 Malabar Variyankunnath Kunjahammed Haji Jenmi oppression, Khilafat link Took communal turn; brutally suppressed; highlighted agrarian-communal complexities.
Bardoli Satyagraha 1928 Gujarat Sardar Patel Against revenue hike Successful; revenue hike reduced; Patel titled 'Sardar'.
All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) formation 1936 Lucknow Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, N.G. Ranga Agrarian reforms, zamindari abolition National platform for peasant demands; influenced Congress.
Tebhaga Movement 1946-47 Bengal BPKS (Communists) 2/3rd share of produce for sharecroppers (bargadars) Partial success; Bargadari Act, 1950 (post-independence).
Telangana Armed Struggle 1946-51 Hyderabad State Communists, Andhra Mahasabha Feudal exploitation, forced labor (vetti), Nizam's rule Abolition of Jagirdari, tenancy reforms; massive peasant mobilization.

Prelims-ready Notes

  • Land Revenue Systems: Permanent Settlement (Cornwallis, 1793, Bengal); Ryotwari (Munro & Read, Madras, Bombay); Mahalwari (Holt Mackenzie/RM Bird, NWFP, Punjab, Central India).
  • Key Early Uprisings:
    • Sanyasi-Faqir (1763-1800, Bengal): Majnu Shah, Devi Chaudhurani. Anandamath.
    • Pagal Panthis (1825-35, Bengal): Karam Shah, Tipu Shah.
    • Faraizi (1818-50s, Bengal): Haji Shariatullah, Dudu Miyan.
    • Titu Mir (1831, Bengal): Wahabi-linked.
    • Moplah (19th C, Malabar): Anti-Jenmi.
  • Post-1857 Uprisings:
    • Indigo Revolt (1859-60, Bengal): Hindoo Patriot, Neel Darpan. Success.
    • Pabna Agrarian Leagues (1870s-80s, E. Bengal): Legal, Bengal Tenancy Act 1885.
    • Deccan Riots (1875, Maharashtra): Anti-moneylender, Deccan Agriculturists' Relief Act 1879.
    • Ramosi Peasant Force (1879, Maha): Vasudev Balwant Phadke.
    • Punjab Peasant Mov. (Late 19th C): Punjab Land Alienation Act 1900.
  • 20th Century Movements:
    • Champaran (1917, Bihar): Gandhi, Tinkathia.
    • Kheda (1918, Gujarat): Gandhi, Patel, revenue remission.
    • Bardoli (1928, Gujarat): Patel, revenue enhancement, 'Sardar'.
    • UP Kisan Sabha (1918): Gauri Shankar Mishra, Indra Narayan Dwivedi, Baba Ramchandra.
    • Eka Movement (1921-22, Awadh): Madari Pasi.
    • Moplah Rebellion (1921, Malabar): Khilafat link, communal turn.
    • All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS, 1936): Lucknow. Pres: Swami Sahajanand, Sec: N.G. Ranga.
    • Tebhaga (1946-47, Bengal): 2/3rd share, Kisan Sabha.
    • Telangana (1946-51, Hyderabad): Communists, anti-Nizam/feudalism, armed.
    • Punnapra-Vayalar (1946, Travancore): Communists, anti-Dewan.

Mains-ready Analytical Notes

Evolution of Peasant Movements

  • Early Phase (Pre-1857 & immediate aftermath): Restorative, localized, spontaneous, often violent/religious. Nascent understanding of colonialism. (e.g., Sanyasi, Faraizi).
  • Middle Phase (Post-1857 to early 20th C): Specific economic grievances, legal methods + direct action. Awareness of colonial legal frameworks. (e.g., Indigo, Pabna, Deccan). Limited nationalist influence.
  • Later Phase (20th C, especially post-1915): Stronger integration with national movement. Emergence of Kisan Sabhas. Influence of Gandhian & Left ideologies. Broader demands for structural agrarian reforms. (e.g., Champaran, Bardoli, AIKS, Tebhaga, Telangana).

Debates/Discussions

  • Role of Nationalism: Tension between peasant class interests and Congress's multi-class strategy. Congress sometimes hesitant on radical demands.
  • Communalism: Moplah rebellion classic example of agrarian grievances intertwining with religious identities.
  • Effectiveness of Methods: Gandhian satyagraha, legal methods, armed struggles all had varied effectiveness.
  • Internal Differentiation: "Peasant" encompassed diverse groups (rich, middle, poor, landless) with conflicting interests; movements for richer sections sometimes overlooked poorest.

Historical Trends & Changes

  • Continuity: Fundamental problems (land scarcity, debt, insecure tenure, state exploitation) persisted.
  • Changes: Targets of protest (local to broader systems); Methods (spontaneous violence to organized non-violent, legal, ideologically driven armed); Organization (ad-hoc to formal Sabhas); Consciousness (immediate redressal to structural change).

Contemporary Relevance/Impact

  • Legacy of Agrarian Distress: Issues like debt, market vulnerability, land alienation, unfair prices resonate in modern farmers' protests (e.g., MSP demands).
  • Inspiration for Social Movements: History provides legacy of resistance and organization.
  • Land Reform Debates: Unfinished agenda from colonial era (tenancy rights, land ceilings) still pertinent.
  • Influence on Policy: Informs current policies on agricultural credit (KCC), crop insurance (PMFBY), income support (PM-KISAN), market reforms.

Value-added Points

  • The Faizpur Agrarian Programme (1936) of the Congress, influenced by AIKS, called for reduction of rent and revenue, abolition of feudal dues, moratorium on debts, and security of tenure.
  • The Karachi Resolution (1931) on Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy also included provisions for substantial reduction in agricultural rent or revenue.
  • Colonial responses often involved a mix of repression and palliative legislative measures (e.g., Deccan Agriculturists' Relief Act, Punjab Land Alienation Act, Bengal Tenancy Act). These acts, while offering some relief, rarely addressed the root causes of peasant exploitation.

Current Affairs & Recent Developments

While the core topic is historical, understanding it helps contextualize contemporary agrarian issues:

  • Farmers' Protests (2020-2024): The sustained protests by farmers, particularly against the (now repealed) farm laws and for Minimum Support Price (MSP) legal guarantee, echo historical peasant struggles against exploitative market conditions and state policies. The historical demand for fair prices and protection from market volatility finds a direct parallel here.
  • PM-KISAN Scheme & Agricultural Credit: Government schemes like PM-KISAN providing direct income support, and continued focus on agricultural credit, reflect the ongoing challenge of peasant indebtedness and impoverishment. The historical context of usury and debt traps underscores the importance of institutional credit.
  • Land Rights and Forest Rights: Debates around land acquisition for development projects and the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, connect to the historical loss of traditional rights and forest policies impacting peasants and tribals.
  • GI Tags for Agricultural Products: Several agricultural products from regions with historical peasant movements have received GI tags, recognizing their unique origin and quality. While not a direct peasant movement development, it highlights the economic significance of agriculture in these areas.
  • Climate Change and Agrarian Vulnerability: The increased vulnerability of Indian agriculture to climate change adds a new dimension to the historical challenges of crop failure and famine, making peasant livelihoods even more precarious and potentially fueling new forms of agrarian unrest or demands for state support.

UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims MCQs

Q. The Ghadar (Ghadar) was a: (UPSC CSE 2014)
  • (a) revolutionary association of Indians with headquarters at San Francisco.
  • (b) nationalist organization operating from Singapore.
  • (c) militant organization with headquarters at Berlin.
  • (d) communist movement for India’s freedom with head-quarters at Tashkent.

Ans. (a)

Hint: While not directly a peasant movement, Ghadar had connections to peasant grievances, especially among Punjabi immigrants. This question type shows UPSC's focus on organizations. For this specific topic, a more direct question would be on Kisan Sabhas or specific revolts.

Q. Consider the following events:
  1. Indigo Revolt
  2. Santhal Rebellion
  3. Deccan Riot
  4. Mappila Uprising (1921)
What is the correct chronological sequence of the above events?
  • (a) 2 – 1 – 3 – 4
  • (b) 1 – 2 – 3 – 4
  • (c) 2 – 3 – 1 – 4
  • (d) 1 – 3 – 2 – 4

Ans. (a)

Hint: Santhal (1855-56), Indigo (1859-60), Deccan (1875), Mappila (1921).

Q. Who among the following was associated with the Eka Movement in Awadh during 1921-22? (UPSC CAPF 2010 - example of similar exam)
  • (a) Baba Ramchandra
  • (b) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
  • (c) Madari Pasi
  • (d) Shah Naeem Ata

Ans. (c)

Hint: Madari Pasi was a key leader of the Eka Movement. Baba Ramchandra was active in the UP Kisan Sabha movement in Awadh earlier.

Q. The All India Kisan Sabha was formed in:
  • (a) 1926
  • (b) 1936
  • (c) 1946
  • (d) 1929

Ans. (b)

Hint: AIKS was formed in Lucknow in April 1936 with Swami Sahajanand Saraswati as President and N.G. Ranga as General Secretary.

Mains Questions

Q. "The peasant movements of the second half of the 19th century lacked a positive conception of an alternative society." Critically examine. (UPSC CSE 2012, adapted)

Direction:

Discuss the nature of peasant movements like Pabna, Deccan Riots. Focus on their immediate demands (against specific grievances like rent hikes, moneylender exploitation). Acknowledge they didn't aim for overthrowing colonialism or feudalism entirely but sought redressal within the existing structure initially. Contrast with later 20th-century movements which had broader ideological underpinnings (socialism, communism aiming for structural change). Conclude by highlighting their significance in raising consciousness and achieving specific reliefs, even if not envisioning a wholly new social order.

Q. Discuss the nature of peasant movements under the British rule in India and their impact on the freedom struggle. (UPSC CSE 2001, similar themes recurrent)

Direction:

  • Nature: Divide into phases (early, mid, late colonial). Discuss changing characteristics: localized to organized, spontaneous to ideologically driven, methods used (violent, legal, satyagraha). Mention key movements as examples.
  • Impact on Freedom Struggle: Broadened social base of nationalism, created pressure on colonial govt, influenced Congress's agrarian policies, trained cadres, but also sometimes created diversions (e.g., communal turn of Moplah) or internal class tensions within the nationalist movement.

Q. The Moplah Rebellion of 1921 was an expression of agrarian discontent compounded by religious and political factors. Elaborate. (Hypothetical, but UPSC often asks on Moplah)

Direction:

  • Agrarian discontent: Detail the exploitation of Moplah tenants by Jenmi landlords (high rents, insecurity of tenure).
  • Religious factors: Moplahs were Muslims, Jenmis largely Hindus; this existing cleavage was exacerbated.
  • Political factors: Influence of the Khilafat movement and Non-Cooperation Movement initially provided an anti-British platform. Arrest of leaders led to rudderless, extremist elements taking over.
  • Elaborate: Show how these factors intertwined, leading to the rebellion's initial anti-landlord/anti-British stance, and its unfortunate descent into communal violence, ultimately weakening its link with the broader national movement.

Trend Analysis (UPSC Questioning Style - Last 10 Years)

Prelims Trend

Focus on Specifics: Questions often target specific peasant movements, their leaders, years, regions, and associated legislation or key figures (e.g., writers like Dinabandhu Mitra). Chronology: Arranging movements chronologically is a common question type. Organizational Aspects: Questions on formation of Kisan Sabhas (UP Kisan Sabha, AIKS) and their leadership. Gandhian Movements: Champaran, Kheda, Bardoli are frequently asked, often focusing on Gandhi's role or key outcomes. Nature of Questions: Mostly factual recall, but sometimes requiring a nuanced understanding of the causes or nature of a movement. Less Frequent: Deep analytical questions on the socio-economic impact are rare in Prelims.

Mains Trend

Analytical and Thematic: Questions demand analysis of the nature, causes, evolution, and significance of peasant movements. Linkage with National Movement: A recurring theme is the relationship between peasant struggles and the broader Indian national movement – their contribution, points of convergence, and divergence. Regional Variations: Questions might focus on specific significant movements (e.g., Moplah, Tebhaga, Telangana) or compare movements across regions. Ideological Influences: Discussion of Gandhian, Socialist, and Communist influences on peasant mobilization. Impact and Limitations: Assessing the success and failures of these movements, and their long-term impact on agrarian society and policies. Continuity and Change: Examining how the character of peasant movements evolved over time. UPSC is increasingly asking for critical evaluation and nuanced understanding rather than simple narration.

Original MCQs for Prelims

Q. Which of the following peasant movements was directly associated with the demand for "Tebhaga," meaning two-thirds share of the produce for sharecroppers?
  • (a) Eka Movement
  • (b) Telangana Peasant Struggle
  • (c) Tebhaga Movement
  • (d) Punnapra-Vayalar Uprising

Ans. (c) Tebhaga Movement

Explanation: The Tebhaga movement in Bengal (1946-47) was primarily led by sharecroppers (bargadars) demanding two-thirds of the produce from the jotedars (landowners).

Q. Consider the following pairs regarding peasant leaders and their associated movements:
  1. Baba Ramchandra : UP Kisan Sabha
  2. Swami Sahajanand Saraswati : All India Kisan Sabha
  3. N.G. Ranga : Bihar Provincial Kisan Sabha
  4. Madari Pasi : Eka Movement
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
  • (a) 1, 2 and 4 only
  • (b) 1 and 3 only
  • (c) 2 and 4 only
  • (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans. (a) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation: Baba Ramchandra was a key figure in organizing Awadh peasants and associated with the UP Kisan Sabha. Swami Sahajanand Saraswati was the first President of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS). Madari Pasi was a leader of the Eka Movement. N.G. Ranga was the first General Secretary of AIKS and a key leader of the Andhra Provincial Ryots Association, not primarily with BPKS (Swami Sahajanand was central to BPKS).

Original Descriptive Questions for Mains

Q. "Peasant movements in colonial India, while diverse in their immediate objectives and methods, collectively represented a significant challenge to both colonial exploitation and indigenous feudal structures." Analyze this statement, highlighting the evolution and impact of these movements from the late 19th century to the eve of independence.

Hints/Structure:

  • Introduction: Acknowledge the diversity and significance.
  • Challenge to Colonial Exploitation: Discuss movements targeting colonial policies (land revenue, commercialization, forest laws).
  • Challenge to Indigenous Feudal Structures: Discuss movements against zamindars, moneylenders, princely rulers.
  • Evolution: Late 19th C (localized, legal); Early 20th C (Gandhian influence, non-violent); 1920s-40s (Kisan Sabhas, Left influence, radical demands).
  • Impact: Legislative reforms, raised consciousness, broadened national movement, weakened feudalism, set agenda for post-independence reforms.
  • Nuance: Acknowledge limitations (localized nature, class divisions, state repression).
  • Conclusion: Reiterate crucial role in shaping socio-political landscape and weakening oppressive structures.

Q. Critically evaluate the role of different ideological streams – Gandhian, Leftist, and traditional/local – in shaping the character and trajectory of peasant movements in 20th century colonial India.

Hints/Structure:

  • Introduction: State influence of various ideologies.
  • Gandhian Stream: Characteristics (non-violence, satyagraha, class collaboration); Examples (Champaran, Kheda, Bardoli); Impact & Limitations.
  • Leftist Stream (Socialists & Communists): Characteristics (class struggle, radical reforms, armed struggle); Examples (AIKS, Tebhaga, Telangana); Impact & Limitations.
  • Traditional/Local Stream: Characteristics (rooted in social/religious networks, local leaders); Examples (Eka, early Moplah); Impact & Limitations.
  • Interaction & Overlap: Note that streams were not mutually exclusive.
  • Critical Evaluation: Assess strengths/weaknesses of each's contribution.
  • Conclusion: Summarize how interplay enriched/diversified struggles, highlighting complexities.