What was the demand of the Bengal Trikati Kisan Andolan?
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
- ATo reduce the share of zamindars from half of the crop to one-thirdCorrect
- BTo provide land ownership to the actual tillers of the land
- CTo abolish the zamindari system and end agricultural slavery
- 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.

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