Course Code: MHI-109
Assignment Code: MHI-109/AST/ TMA/2024-25
In the 1920s and 1930s, the peasant movements in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Bihar became significant elements of the broader Indian nationalist struggle. These movements were characterized by their attempts to address agrarian grievances while also aligning with the national movement for independence from British colonial rule.
1. Peasant Grievances and Movements:
Economic Exploitation:
- High Taxes and Rent: Peasants in UP and Bihar faced heavy land revenue taxes, high rents, and exploitation by landlords. The economic burden was exacerbated by fluctuating agricultural prices and inadequate support from the British administration.
- Indebtedness: Many peasants were deeply indebted to moneylenders, which further compounded their economic difficulties and led to widespread agrarian distress.
2. Formation of Peasant Organizations:
Peasant Associations:
- Kisan Sabhas: In UP and Bihar, peasant associations or Kisan Sabhas emerged to organize the agrarian protests. These associations sought to address issues such as land revenue, tenant rights, and fair treatment by landlords. They were instrumental in mobilizing peasants for collective action.
- Leadership: Prominent leaders like Swami Sahajanand Saraswati played a key role in these movements. Saraswati founded the Bihar Kisan Sabha in 1929, advocating for peasant rights and promoting socialist ideas within the agrarian context.
3. Link with Nationalism:
Integration with National Movement:
- Alliance with INC: The peasant movements in UP and Bihar increasingly aligned with the Indian National Congress (INC) and its leaders, such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. The INC supported peasant struggles as part of its broader campaign against British rule.
- Participation in National Agendas: Peasant leaders and movements became involved in the larger nationalist agenda, participating in campaigns like the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) and the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34). They saw their struggles as part of the broader fight for Indian independence.
4. Impact on Nationalist Discourse:
Political Mobilization:
- Popular Support: The association with peasant movements helped the nationalist leaders gain broader support among rural populations, which were a significant part of India’s demographic. This helped expand the base of the nationalist movement beyond urban areas.
- National Integration: The integration of peasant issues into the nationalist movement contributed to a sense of national unity and common purpose. It highlighted the interconnectedness of various social and economic struggles in the fight for independence.
5. Challenges and Repression:
Government Response:
- Repression: The British colonial government and local landlords often responded to peasant agitation with repression, including police violence and legal action against leaders. This repression sometimes led to heightened tensions and further mobilization.
- Internal Conflicts: There were also challenges within the peasant movements, including conflicts between different factions and the struggle to maintain a unified agenda. These internal issues sometimes hindered the effectiveness of the movements.
6. Legacy and Outcomes:
Influence on Future Movements:
- Political Awareness: The peasant movements contributed to the political awareness and organization of rural populations. They laid the groundwork for future agrarian and socialist movements in independent India.
- Policy Changes: The pressure from these movements eventually led to some reforms and policy changes aimed at addressing peasant grievances, although many issues remained unresolved until after independence.
Conclusion: The association of nationalism with peasant movements in UP and Bihar during the 1920s and 1930s was a crucial aspect of India’s struggle for independence. These movements not only addressed local agrarian issues but also integrated with the broader nationalist agenda, contributing to the overall momentum for independence and highlighting the importance of rural support in the anti-colonial struggle.