Jyotirao Phule as an agrarian radical

Agrarian Context of 19th Century Maharashtra

The agrarian system in Maharashtra during Phule’s time was heavily influenced by the Ryotwari system introduced by the British. While theoretically granting ownership rights to cultivators, in practice, it led to increased land revenue demands and the rise of a class of hereditary revenue collectors and moneylenders. These intermediaries often exploited the peasantry through exorbitant interest rates and illegal land transfers. The existing social hierarchy, deeply rooted in the caste system, further exacerbated the situation, with lower castes disproportionately affected by landlessness and economic hardship.

Phule’s Critique of the Agrarian System

Phule’s analysis, presented in *Shetkaryacha Asud*, was a scathing indictment of the existing agrarian order. He argued that the root cause of peasant distress lay in the exploitative land revenue system, the oppressive practices of moneylenders, and the unjust social hierarchy that denied lower castes access to land ownership and economic opportunities. He challenged the prevailing notion that the Shudras (lower castes) were naturally suited to agricultural labor, arguing that their impoverishment was a result of systemic oppression and denial of rights. He meticulously documented the methods used by landlords and moneylenders to cheat and exploit the peasantry.

Key Arguments in *Shetkaryacha Asud*

• Land Revenue System: Phule advocated for a reduction in land revenue and a more equitable system of assessment. He criticized the British for perpetuating a system that favored landlords and moneylenders.
• Debt Relief: He proposed measures to alleviate peasant indebtedness, including the establishment of cooperative credit societies and the regulation of interest rates.
• Land Ownership: Phule believed that land ownership should be more widely distributed, particularly among the lower castes. He advocated for state intervention to redistribute land and provide access to credit and resources.
• Education and Awareness: He emphasized the importance of educating peasants about their rights and empowering them to resist exploitation.

Phule’s Radicalism and its Distinctiveness

Phule’s radicalism stemmed from his unique combination of social reform and agrarian advocacy. Unlike many contemporary movements that focused solely on social issues or political reforms, Phule directly addressed the economic exploitation of the peasantry and challenged the fundamental power structures that underpinned it. His emphasis on the material conditions of the lower castes and his call for land redistribution were particularly radical for his time.

Feature	Jyotirao Phule’s Approach	Other Contemporary Movements (e.g., Arya Samaj)
Focus	Agrarian distress, peasant rights, land ownership	Social reform, religious revivalism
Target Group	Shudras and Atishudras (lower castes), peasantry	Hindu society as a whole
Economic Critique	Strong critique of land revenue system and moneylending	Limited economic critique

Limitations and Impact

Despite his insightful analysis and radical proposals, Phule’s agrarian movement faced several limitations. It was largely confined to Maharashtra and lacked widespread support from the peasantry. The British government was reluctant to implement his proposals, fearing disruption of the existing revenue system. However, his work laid the foundation for future agrarian movements in India and inspired generations of social activists and reformers. His ideas influenced later movements like the Satyshodhak Samaj and continue to resonate in contemporary debates about land reform and social justice.