UPSC Prelims 2013·GS1·history·modern history

What was the demand of the Bengal Trikati Kisan Andolan?

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  1. ATo reduce the share of zamindars from half of the crop to one-thirdCorrect
  2. BTo provide land ownership to the actual tillers of the land
  3. CTo abolish the zamindari system and end agricultural slavery
  4. DTo cancel all debts of the farmers

Explanation

The Bengal Trikati Kisan Andolan (1938-1946) primarily focused on the grievances of the sharecroppers (bargardars) and landless labourers in Bengal. The core demand was a reduction in the exorbitant share demanded by zamindars. Initially, zamindars often took half of the crop, leaving the actual tillers with a meager share. The movement demanded this share be reduced to one-third. Option A is correct: This accurately reflects the primary demand of the movement. Option B is incorrect: While land ownership was a long-term aspiration for many peasants, the Trikati Kisan Andolan didn't initially focus on outright land ownership for all tillers. It was a more immediate demand for fairer sharecropping terms. Option C is incorrect: Abolishing the zamindari system was a later development in peasant movements, and not the initial demand of the Trikati Kisan Andolan. The movement aimed for reform *within* the zamindari system, not its complete dismantling at the outset. Option D is incorrect: Debt cancellation was a concern for peasants, but not the central demand of this specific movement.
history: What was the demand of the Bengal Trikati Kisan Andolan?

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