Kheda Satyagraha of 1918 was a major event in India’s fight for independence. It was a peaceful protest by farmers in the Kheda district of Gujarat. They refused to pay taxes because of crop failure and disease. This movement showed the power of unity and nonviolence. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel guided the peasants. The success of this protest inspired later movements in India. Here, we have covered all the major details and aspects of Kheda Satyahraha. 

Kheda Satyagraha of 1918

Kheda Satyagraha started on March 11, 1918, in the Kheda district of Gujarat, which was then part of the Bombay province. This region was gripped with severe agricultural distress due to consecutive years of crop failure. The crop failure led to the outbreak of plague and cholera. 

Despite these harsh situations, the British government insisted on the full payment of land revenue. Thereby disregarding the Revenue Code that mandated remission if the crop yield was less than one-fourth of the normal period. The peasants, led by local leaders and later supported by Mahatma Gandhi, initiated a nonviolent movement. During this movement, they refused to pay the taxes under these failing circumstances.

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Who Led Kheda Satyagraha?

The movement was led by Mahatma Gandhi, who had previously led the Champaran Satyagraha in Bihar. In Gujarat, he was joined by prominent local leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Indulal Yagnik, Shankarlal Banker, Narhari Parikh, Mahadev Desai, Ravi Shankar Vyas, and Mohanlal Pandya. Mohanlal Pandya had initially mobilized the peasants, and Gandhi’s involvement lent the movement national significance.

Also Read: Gandhi’s Early Movements In India

Below are the major contributions made by the leaders in the Kheda Satyagraha. Refer to the table to know about the contributions: 

Main Reason For Kheda Satyagraha

The main reason for the Kheda Satyagraha was the immense suffering of farmers. They faced crop failure, disease, and high taxes. This made it impossible for them to pay the revenue demanded by the British.

• Crop failure: Farmers had two years of poor harvests. They could not earn enough to pay taxes.
• Diseases: Plague and cholera spread in villages. Many people became sick or died.
• High taxes: British officials still demanded full payment. They ignored the hardships of farmers.
• Ignored appeals: Peasants asked for tax relief. The government refused to help them.
• Unfair treatment: Farmers felt their complaints were ignored. They decided to protest peacefully.

Also Read: Peasant Struggles In Colonial India (1857–1947)

What Was The Outcome Of Kheda Satyagraha?

Kheda Satyagraha concluded successfully. Highlighting the effectiveness of nonviolent protest. Farmers achieved their demands, and the movement became an example for future civil resistance in India.

• Tax relief: The British stopped collecting taxes in affected villages. Farmers got immediate relief.
• Return of lands: Lands and properties taken from peasants were returned. They recovered their losses.
• Recognition of farmers’ rights: Authorities admitted the hardships of peasants. Farmers felt heard.
• Moral victory: Peaceful protest proved it could fight injustice. The farmers won ethically.
• Leadership recognition: Leaders like Sardar Patel became nationally known. They guided the farmers well.
• Influence on future movements: The success inspired later campaigns like the Non-Cooperation Movement.

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Significance of Kheda Satyagraha 

Kheda Satyagraha was significant because it showed the power of nonviolence and empowered peasants. This helped develop strong national leadership for India’s future freedom movements. 

• Model of nonviolence: It was one of the earliest examples where peaceful protest successfully challenged colonial authority. Hence became one of the models of nonviolence. 
• Empowered peasants: Farmers gained confidence to stand up for their rights. And to resist oppressive government policies.
• National leaders emerged: Local leaders gained recognition for their organizational skills and courage during the movement. This helped several new leaders appear in the fight for the nation’s freedom. 
• Influenced future movements: Strategies from Kheda were applied in later struggles. Including the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements.
• Moral authority: By adhering to truth and nonviolence, the movement attracted widespread support from the public and moral leaders.

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