Peasant Movements of the 20th Century: Struggles for Justice and Independence – (Part 1)

As the 20th century unfolded, India under British colonial rule witnessed waves of agrarian discontent and uprisings. The plight of Indian peasants, shaped by exploitative land revenue systems, crop failures, famine, and colonial apathy, became a cornerstone of the broader struggle for freedom. The peasant movements of this era were not merely about securing economic relief or land rights; they symbolized an assertion of dignity, justice, and self-reliance. These movements brought together local grievances and nationalist aspirations, building bridges between rural India and the freedom struggle.

The 20th century saw these struggles evolve from localized revolts to well-organized satyagrahas, led by charismatic leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and bolstered by the efforts of grassroots activists. These movements showcased the growing awareness of peasants about their rights and their determination to challenge the structures of oppression.

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Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

The Champaran Satyagraha, widely regarded as the first significant peasant movement of the 20th century, marked Mahatma Gandhi’s entry into India’s nationalist struggle. It centered on the plight of indigo farmers in Bihar, oppressed by the exploitative tinkathia system.

Background

• Location and Importance: Champaran, in northwestern Bihar, had been a hub of indigo cultivation since the late 18th century, with European planters dominating its agricultural landscape.
• The Tinkathia System:
  • Under this system, tenants were forced to cultivate indigo on 3/20th of their landholdings.
  • Despite indigo’s decline due to the advent of synthetic dyes in Europe, planters extracted tawan (damages) from tenants to release them from cultivation obligations.
  • Peasants faced arbitrary fines, exorbitant interest rates, and oppressive contracts, pushing them into perpetual indebtedness.

The Role of Mahatma Gandhi

• Initial Engagement: Congress leaders Brajkishore Prasad and Raj Kumar Shukla invited Gandhi to witness the peasants’ plight. After gathering first-hand accounts, Gandhi sought permission from the government to investigate. Despite resistance, he chose to stay in Champaran, leading to his arrest.
• Civil Disobedience: Gandhi’s refusal to obey the magistrate’s orders led to his arrest on April 15, 1917. However, public outcry forced the government to withdraw the case and permit his inquiry.
• Inquiry and Leadership:
  • Gandhi, assisted by leaders like Rajendra Prasad, Mazharul Haq, and J.B. Kriplani, documented widespread abuse through testimonies from thousands of ryots.
  • His approach combined nonviolent resistance and constructive engagement with British officials, laying the foundation for satyagraha as a political strategy.

British Reaction and Resolution

• Government Intervention: The Lieutenant Governor appointed a Committee of Inquiry, with Gandhi as a member, to investigate the grievances.
• Recommendations:
  • Abolition of the tinkathia system.
  • Refund of one-fourth of the tawan collected from peasants.
  • Prohibition of illegal cesses and ensuring voluntary indigo cultivation.
• Legislation: These recommendations culminated in the Champaran Agrarian Act (1918), which abolished the tinkathia system, providing partial relief to the ryots.

Significance

• First Civil Disobedience Movement: Champaran became a template for satyagraha, proving the efficacy of nonviolent resistance.
• Mass Mobilization: It bridged the gap between peasants and nationalist leaders, fostering unity in the anti-colonial struggle.
• Gandhi’s Emergence: The movement propelled Gandhi into the forefront of Indian politics, introducing his unique approach to mass resistance.

Kheda Satyagraha (1918)

The Kheda Satyagraha in Gujarat was another landmark peasant movement led by Gandhi. It addressed the plight of farmers devastated by famine and unjust revenue demands.

Background

• Drought and Crop Failure: A severe drought in Kheda district led to widespread crop failures. According to the revenue code, farmers were entitled to remission if the yield was below one-fourth of the normal produce.
• Government Apathy: Despite repeated petitions by the Gujarat Sabha, representing the peasants, the colonial administration insisted on collecting taxes, threatening confiscation of land and property.

Leadership and Organization

• Key Figures: Gandhi was joined by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Mohanlal Pandya, and Ravi Shankar Vyas, who organized the peasants and led the tax revolt.
• Unity and Discipline:
  • The satyagraha was marked by remarkable solidarity across caste and community lines.
  • Gujaratis from other regions provided shelter and support to protesting farmers.
  • Social ostracism was imposed on those who sought to purchase confiscated lands.

Resolution

• Government Concessions:
  • Suspension of the revenue assessment for the year.
  • Reduction in the tax rate for subsequent years.
  • Return of confiscated property to peasants.
• Impact: The movement awakened the rural masses to the power of collective resistance and reinforced the idea of self-reliance.

The Kisan Sabha Movement

The Kisan Sabha Movement highlighted the exploitation of peasants in the United Provinces (UP), where taluqdars and landlords imposed harsh rents and arbitrary levies.

Formation and Early Leadership

• United Provinces Kisan Sabha: Formed in 1918 by Gauri Shankar Mishra and Indra Narayan Dwivedi, with support from Madan Mohan Malaviya, the Sabha quickly expanded across UP.
• Awadh Kisan Sabha: Established in 1920 by Baba Ramchandra, the Sabha mobilized peasants against illegal levies, bedakhali (evictions), and begar (unpaid labor).

Nature of the Movement

• Peasant Resistance:
  • Organized rent strikes and boycotts of landlords who refused to concede to peasant demands.
  • Panchayats were set up to resolve disputes, bypassing colonial courts.
• Escalation and Repression:
  • The movement intensified in 1921, with peasants attacking zamindari estates and clashing with police.
  • Government crackdowns and the passage of the Awadh Rent (Amendment) Act led to its decline.

Impact of 20th-Century Peasant Movements

1. Integration with Nationalism: Movements like Champaran and Kheda linked local grievances with the broader freedom struggle.
2. Emergence of Leadership: Leaders like Gandhi and Sardar Patel demonstrated the potential of rural mobilization in India’s liberation movement.
3. Social Reforms: These movements exposed the injustices of the colonial agrarian system, paving the way for land reforms in independent India.
4. Empowerment of Peasants: Rural masses gained confidence in their ability to challenge exploitation and demand justice.

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Conclusion

The peasant movements of the 20th century were a crucible of resistance, blending economic grievances with the larger quest for political freedom. They not only challenged colonial exploitation but also transformed Indian society by uniting diverse communities in the struggle for justice. The legacy of these movements endures, offering lessons in resilience, unity, and the power of nonviolent resistance.

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