Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The period between 1920 and 1940 witnessed a surge in peasant unrest across India, largely channeled through the Kisan Sabhas. These Sabhas, emerging as a direct response to agrarian distress exacerbated by factors like high land rents, tenancy issues, and the impact of the Great Depression, represented a significant phase in the Indian Freedom Struggle. Initially focused on immediate economic grievances, the Kisan Sabhas gradually became platforms for broader anti-colonial and socialist ideologies. This period saw a shift from localized, spontaneous uprisings to more organized and politically conscious movements, demanding fundamental changes in the agrarian structure.
Early Phase (1920s): Emergence and Initial Focus
The genesis of the Kisan Sabhas can be traced to the post-World War I agrarian unrest. The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) provided a fertile ground for organizing peasants. Key features of this phase included:
- Localized Protests: Initial movements were largely localized, focusing on specific grievances like high rents and illegal levies. Examples include the peasant agitations in Awadh led by Baba Ramchandra and the Eka Movement in Uttar Pradesh (1921-22).
- Influence of Gandhian Ideology: The early Kisan Sabhas were heavily influenced by Gandhian principles of non-violence and self-reliance.
- Focus on Economic Demands: The primary demands revolved around land rent reduction, abolition of illegal levies, and security of tenancy rights.
The Rise of Organized Kisan Sabhas (1926-1933)
The formation of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) in 1929 marked a turning point. This period witnessed a more organized and nationwide peasant movement.
- All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS): Founded in 1929 under the leadership of Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, the AIKS aimed to coordinate peasant activities across the country.
- Shift towards Political Demands: The AIKS began to articulate broader political demands, including land redistribution, debt relief, and the abolition of landlordism.
- Influence of Socialist and Communist Ideologies: The AIKS increasingly came under the influence of socialist and communist ideologies, advocating for a more radical transformation of the agrarian system. Leaders like N.G. Ranga and E.M.S. Namboodiripad played a crucial role.
- Key Movements: The Bengal Kisan Sabha led by Charu Majumdar, and the movements in Punjab against the Punjab Tenancy Act 1887 (amended in 1929) were prominent during this period.
The 1930s: Intensification and Regional Variations
The Great Depression of the 1930s further aggravated agrarian distress, leading to a surge in peasant movements. This phase was characterized by regional variations in the nature of the movements.
- Maharashtra: The Warli revolt (1940) in Maharashtra, led by Alluri Sitarama Raju’s followers, was a violent uprising against oppressive landlords and forest officials.
- Bihar: The Champaran and Saran districts witnessed intense peasant struggles against the indigo planters and zamindars.
- Andhra Pradesh: The Gudem Hills revolt (1922-24) and subsequent movements focused on forest rights and land ownership.
- Punjab: The movement against the Union Board’s taxation policies and for debt relief continued.
- United Provinces (UP): The AIKS organized large-scale campaigns against the oppressive zamindari system.
Methods Employed by Kisan Sabhas
The Kisan Sabhas employed a variety of methods to achieve their objectives:
- Mass Mobilization: Organizing large-scale meetings, demonstrations, and processions to raise awareness and mobilize peasants.
- Non-violent Resistance: Adopting methods of non-violent resistance, such as rent refusal and social boycott.
- Legal Challenges: Filing legal challenges against oppressive laws and practices.
- Propaganda and Education: Disseminating information through pamphlets, newspapers, and public speeches.
- In some cases, localized instances of violence occurred, particularly in response to severe repression.
| Phase | Key Characteristics | Dominant Ideology |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | Localized protests, influence of Gandhian ideology, focus on economic demands | Gandhian Nationalism |
| 1926-1933 | Formation of AIKS, shift towards political demands, influence of socialist/communist ideologies | Socialism, Communism |
| 1930s | Intensification of movements, regional variations, impact of Great Depression | Mixed – Gandhian, Socialist, Communist |
Conclusion
The Kisan Sabhas between 1920 and 1940 played a crucial role in mobilizing the peasantry and bringing agrarian issues to the forefront of the Indian Freedom Struggle. While they faced limitations, including internal divisions and state repression, they succeeded in raising awareness about the plight of the peasants and forcing the government to address some of their grievances. The movements laid the foundation for post-independence land reforms and continue to inspire agrarian movements in India today. The evolving nature of these movements, from localized protests to organized political action, reflects the growing political consciousness of the Indian peasantry.
Answer Length
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